Peptic ulcer is a sore that develops in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is the upper part of the small intestine. It can cause symptoms such as a burning sensation in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain.
These symptoms are often more intense after meals. A peptic ulcer may also cause darker stools, frequent burping, unexplained weight loss, or a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
Peptic ulcer can be caused by infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications without medical guidance, or habits such as excessive alcohol intake or frequent consumption of spicy foods. It is important to see a gastroenterologist if a peptic ulcer is suspected, so the diagnosis can be confirmed, the cause can be identified, and treatment can be started.
Symptoms of peptic ulcer
The main symptoms of peptic ulcer are:
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Burning sensation in the stomach
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Feeling of a full stomach
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Nausea and vomiting
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Bloating
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Burping
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Darker stools
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Weight loss without an apparent cause
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Severe abdominal pain
In some cases, a peptic ulcer may only cause a general feeling of discomfort or may not cause any signs or symptoms. It may only be discovered during routine testing.
However, when symptoms occur, they are usually more intense after meals, and it is important to see a gastroenterologist.
Online symptom checker
To find out your possibility of having a peptic ulcer, please select the symptoms you have:
This test is only intended to provide guidance and, therefore, does not provide a diagnosis or replace a consultation with a gastroenterologist or general practitioner.
Confirming a diagnosis
The diagnosis of a peptic ulcer should first be made by a gastroenterologist based on an evaluation of symptoms and specific tests, especially an endoscopy.
During an endoscopy, the doctor can examine the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the intestine, making it possible to identify the ulcer and assess its characteristics.
In addition, the doctor may order other tests, such as blood tests, stool tests, and a breath test, to investigate the cause of the peptic ulcer.
Main causes
The main causes of peptic ulcer are:
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Long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications without medical guidance
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Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori
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Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages
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Smoking
In addition, some studies suggest that frequent consumption of spicy foods may increase the risk of developing a peptic ulcer.
How treatment is done
Treatment for peptic ulcer should be guided by a gastroenterologist and aims to relieve symptoms and prevent the ulcer from getting larger.
The doctor may recommend changes to eating habits, such as increasing the intake of easy-to-digest, low-fat foods and reducing the consumption of spicy foods. Read more about the gastritis diet your doctor may recommend.
Medications that reduce acid production or neutralize stomach acid may also be recommended. This can help relieve symptoms and prevent the peptic ulcer from getting worse.
Possible complications of peptic ulcer
The possible complications of peptic ulcer are:
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Internal bleeding, in which the person may develop anemia and have vomiting with blood or dark stools
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Ulcer perforation, which allows bacteria from the stomach to reach the lining of the abdomen and cause an infection, leading to peritonitis, which causes sudden, intense abdominal pain that gets worse over time
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Gastric outlet obstruction, which is a blockage in the pathway from the stomach to the small intestine, interfering with the passage of food and causing a feeling of fullness, vomiting of undigested food, and abdominal bloating
These complications are not common. However, when they occur, they can be a sign of a serious condition, and it is essential to consult a doctor.