Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcers - also referred to as peptic ulcer disease - is a relatively common condition affecting approximately ten percent of all individuals within the United States. While peptic ulcers were once the to primarily be caused by the consumption of  spicy food or stress, researchers and medical experts have now determined that the most common cause of peptic ulcers is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori.

While peptic ulcers will sometimes heal without any treatment, they have the capability of causing serious complications and an individual who suspects they may have ulcers should always obtain a medical evaluation for a proper diagnosis. 

The Different Types and Common Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers 

There are three types of peptic ulcers that can be diagnosed based on there location. A peptic ulcer that develops in the stomach is called a gastric ulcer. A duodenal ulcer is a peptic ulcer that develops in the duodenum or beginning of the small intestine.

When an ulcer develops in the esophagus this is called an esophageal ulcer and is typically located in the area of the esophagus. The most common symptom associated with all types of peptic ulcers is a burning pain due to stomach acid that comes into contact with the ulcer and may be felt from the area of the naval up to the chest or breastbone. 

This pain may only last for several minutes or can occur for several hours and sometimes worsens when the stomach is empty. The pain can often be relieved temporarily by consuming certain foods that may buffer the acids in the stomach or when taking over-the-counter antacids that reduce the level of stomach acid.

Often the symptom of pain from peptic ulcers will become worse at night. Sometimes the pain will go away for several days or weeks before returning. In severe cases, ulcers can cause nausea or vomiting and bleeding that will appear in stools or vomit. Changes in appetite or the loss of weight that is unexplained can also be a symptom of peptic ulcers. 

Common Causes of Peptic Ulcers 

The most common cause of peptic ulcer disease is the Helicobacter pylori bacterium or H. pylori. H. pylori is a gastrointestinal infection that is very common as it affects one out of every five individuals under the age of thirty and fifty percent of individuals who are over the age of sixty in the United States.

H. pylori is found in the mucous layer of the stomach and intestines where it survives and multiplies and will often not cause an issue, however, it can affect the mucus layer and cause the lining of the stomach or small intestine to become inflamed which in turn will cause the development of ulcers. 

While the Helicobacter pylori bacterium is typically the cause of ulcers, there are other substances or lifestyle conditions that can cause their development. Heavy alcohol consumption and smoking have also been known to contribute to the development of ulcers as well as significant emotional stress.

The use of certain over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers called NSAIDs or Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can inflame or irritate the lining of the stomach and small intestine and cause the development of peptic ulcers.

If you are having any of the symptoms associated with ulcers it is essential that you see your physician for a proper diagnosis and not attempt to treat this condition on your own as the over-the-counter medications will only offer you a temporary relief and some ulcers can cause serious complications when left untreated.