What Is Ulcers?
An ulcer is a sore, which means it's an open, painful wound. Peptic ulcers are ulcers that form in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine, called the duodenum (pronounced: doo-uh-dee-num).
Peptic ulcers are very common. Doctors say that in the United States, almost 1 in every 10 people will get an ulcer at some time during their lives.
What is the Causes of Ulcers
A type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes many ulcers. Acid and other juices made by the stomach can contribute to ulcers by burning the lining of your digestive tract. This can happen if your body makes too much acid or if the lining of your digestive tract is damaged in some way. Physical or emotional stress may not necessarily cause an ulcer, but it can aggravate an ulcer if you have one.
Ulcers can also be caused by anti-inflammatory medicines. Although most people take these medicines without problems, long-term use may damage the stomach lining and cause ulcers. Anti-inflammatory drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen (one brand name: Motrin), naproxen (brand name: Aleve), ketoprofen (brand names: Actron, Orudis KT) and some prescription drugs for arthritis.
What is the Treatment of Ulcers
In addition to doing a physical examination, the doctor will take a medical history by asking about any concerns and symptoms you have, your past health, your family's health, any medications you're taking, any allergies you may have, and other issues. If you have stomach pain or other symptoms of an ulcer, the doctor will perform some tests to help make the diagnosis.
One test is called an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series. This is a type of X-ray of the stomach, duodenum, and esophagus, the muscular tube that links the mouth to the stomach. A person drinks a whitish liquid called barium while getting an X-ray, and if he or she has an ulcer, it should be outlined on the X-ray.
Another common procedure to look for an ulcer is called an endoscopy (pronounced: en-dass-kuh-pee). During this test, the doctor uses an endoscope, a skinny, lighted tube with a special camera on the end.
A doctor will give someone getting an endoscopy medicine to feel relaxed. Then the doctor gently guides the endoscope into the throat and down into the esophagus, and finally into the stomach and upper intestines. The doctor is able to look at the inner lining of these organs from the camera on a television screen and can even take pictures. Tissue can be removed during an endoscopy and then tested for H. pylori bacteria.
A doctor can also do a blood test for H. pylori bacteria. This may be important if an ulcer is found in the upper GI series or is suspected before the endoscopy. The blood test can be done right in the doctor's office. Sometimes a bowel movement or a person's breath can also be specially tested to check for the H. pylori bacteria.
Ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria are generally treated with a combination of medications; usually two to three medicines are taken every day for a few weeks. Antibiotics are prescribed to kill the H. pylori bacteria. The other medicines — acid blockers or proton pump inhibitors — lessen the amount of acid in the stomach and help protect the lining of the stomach so the ulcer can heal.