A sore that develops on the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. Ulcers occur when stomach acid damages the lining of the digestive tract. Common causes include the bacteria H. Pylori and anti-inflammatory pain relievers including aspirin.
A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of your stomach, small intestine or esophagus. A peptic ulcer in the stomach is called a gastric ulcer. A duodenal ulcer is a peptic ulcer that develops in the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). An esophageal ulcer occurs in the lower part of your esophagus.
Symptoms: Vomiting, Weight loss, abdominal pain; Upper abdominal pain is a common symptom.
Ulcer Requires A Medical Diagnosis: Treatment usually includes medical supports to decrease stomach acid production. If it is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be required.
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Other Symptoms Probably Experienced
Pain areas: in the chest or upper abdomen
Pain circumstances: can occur at night
Pain types: can be dull
Gastrointestinal: heartburn, indigestion, nausea, passing excessive amounts of gas, or vomiting
Also common: abdominal discomfort
PEOPLE AFFECTED
It’s not known how many people have stomach ulcers, although they’re thought to be quite common.
Stomach ulcers can affect people of any age, including children, but mostly occur in people aged 60 or over. Men are more commonly affected than women.
Treatments for stomach Ulcers
With treatment, most stomach ulcers will heal within a month or two. The treatment recommended for you will depend on what caused the ulcer.
Most people will be prescribed a medication called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to reduce the amount of acid their stomach produces and allow the ulcer to heal naturally.
If an H. pylori infection is responsible for the ulcers, antibiotics will also be used to kill the bacteria, which should prevent the ulcer from coming back.
If the ulcers are caused by the use of NSAIDs, PPIs are usually prescribed and your doctor will discuss whether you should keep using NSAIDs.
Alternative medication to NSAIDs, such as paracetamol may be recommended.
Stomach ulcers can come back after treatment, although this is less likely to happen if the underlying cause is addressed.
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