Ulcers

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Introduction

A Peptic Ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine.  An ulcer is caused by an imbalance between the acids and enzymes that break down food in the upper gastrointestinal tract.  The imbalance of digestive fluids leads to inflammation, deterioration of the protective mucus lining, and ulcer formation.  A Gastric Ulcer refers to an ulcer that is located in the stomach.  A Duodenal Ulcer is located in the first section of the small intestine. 

Some ulcers may not cause symptoms.  Others may cause pain and bleeding.  Ulcers are rarely life threatening.  Treatments for ulcers include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery.
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Anatomy

When you eat, your tongue moves chewed food to the back of your throat.  When you swallow, the food moves into the opening of the esophagus.  Your esophagus is a tube that moves food from your throat to your stomach.  Muscles in your esophagus wall slowly squeeze the food toward your stomach. 
 
A ring of muscles located at the bottom of the esophagus is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).  The LES opens to allow food to enter the stomach.  The LES closes tightly after the food enters.  This prevents stomach contents and acids from backing up into the esophagus.
 
Your stomach produces acids to break down food for digestion.  Your stomach secretes mucus to protect its lining from the acids.  Your stomach processes the food you eat into a liquid form.  The processed liquid travels from your stomach to your small intestine.
 
The small intestine is a tube that is about 20-22 feet long and 1 ½ to 2 inches around.  The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine.  It is a short C-shaped structure that extends off of the stomach.  The jejunum and the ileum are the middle and final sections of the small intestine.
Your small intestine breaks down the liquid even further so that your body can absorb the nutrients from the food you ate.  Your small intestine also has protection from irritating digestive acids.  The remaining waste products from the small intestine travel to the large intestine.
 
Your large intestine, also called the large bowel, is a tube that is about 5 feet long and 3 or 4 inches around.  The first part of the large intestine, the colon, absorbs water and nutrients from the waste products that come from the small intestine.  As water is absorbed, the product becomes more solid and forms a stool.  The stool moves through the large intestine and passes out of your body when you have a bowel movement.  
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Causes

Peptic Ulcer Disease is caused by an imbalance between acid and pepsin enzyme in the stomach and duodenum.  The imbalance of digestive fluids causes inflammation, breakdown of the protective mucus lining, and leads to ulcer formation.  A Gastric Ulcer is located in the stomach.  A Duodenal Ulcer is located in the duodenum. 
 
Most ulcers occur in the first layer of the stomach or intestinal lining.  Some ulcers can penetrate through the intestine, creating a hole.  This condition is called a Perforated Ulcer or Perforation of the Intestinal Lining.
 
Peptic Ulcer Disease occurs for several reasons.  A bacterial infection from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can cause ulcers.  They can be caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other prescription medications.  Tumors produced by Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome can increase acid output and cause ulcers.  People that breathe with a mechanical respirator have a risk for ulcers.  Additionally, smoking, consuming alcohol, chronic gastritis, and increasing age contribute to ulcer formation.
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Symptoms

Some ulcers may cause no symptoms at all.  Symptoms can differ from person to person.  You may experience a gnawing or burning pain in your stomach or upper abdomen.  The pain may occur more frequently between meals or at night.  The pain may even waken you at night.  Your pain may get better or worse after eating a meal. 
 
Ulcers can cause nausea, bloating, and heartburn.  In severe cases, you may vomit blood or have blood in your stools from intestinal bleeding.  Your stools may appear very dark or black if they contain blood.  You may lose weight and feel tired all of the time.
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Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose peptic ulcer disease after reviewing your medical history and by conducting a physical examination.  You should tell your doctor about your symptoms and risk factors.  Your doctor may order blood tests, stool tests, and a test for H. pylori bacteria.  Your doctor may also order tests, including a Barium Swallow or an Upper Gastrointestinal Intestinal (GI) Endoscopy, to help confirm the diagnosis.

An Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series or Barium Swallow provides a set of X-rays showing the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.  Before the X-rays are taken, barium, a chalky substance, is swallowed.  The barium provides a picture of the upper gastrointestinal structures on the X-ray images.  A barium swallow is commonly used to determine the cause of pain, swallowing problems, blood stained vomit, and unexplained weight loss.  A barium swallow is an outpatient procedure that does not require sedation or anesthesia.

An Upper Gastrointestinal Intestinal (GI) Endoscopy is a procedure that uses an endoscope to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.  This test is also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or a gastroscopy.  An endoscope is a long thin tube with a light and a viewing instrument that sends images to monitor.  The endoscope allows a doctor to examine the inside of the upper gastrointestinal tract for ulcers, bleeding, tumors, polyps, diseases, and other abnormal conditions.  A tissue sample or biopsy can be taken with the endoscope.  This is frequently done to test for H. pylori bacteria.  An endoscope is also used to treat bleeding.  An upper GI endoscopy is an outpatient procedure.  You will receive medication to relax you prior to the test.

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Treatment

Some ulcers may go away without formal treatment.  Other ulcers can be corrected with lifestyle changes aimed at eliminating the cause of the ulcer.  Such lifestyle changes include avoiding alcohol, cigarette smoking, caffeine products, aspirin, and NSAIDs.  It can be helpful to eat several small meals throughout the day. 

Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat your ulcer.  Medication types include antibiotics, acid blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and tissue lining protectors.  Most ulcers heal with medication in about eight weeks. 

An Upper GI Endoscopy may be used to stop bleeding from ulcers.  Perforated ulcers or severe bleeding may require surgery.  A partial gastrectomy is a surgery that removes part of the stomach.  A vagotomy is a surgery to cut the vagus nerve, the nerve that controls stomach acid production.
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Prevention

Ulcer recurrence is common.  You can help prevent ulcers or recurrence by correcting the risk factors that you have control over.  This includes avoiding aspirin, NSAIDs, smoking, and alcohol.  If you experience the symptoms of an ulcer, call your doctor for prompt treatment. 
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Am I at Risk

Risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing ulcers.  People with all of the risk factors may never develop the condition; however, the chance of developing an ulcer increases with the more risk factors you have.  You should tell your doctor about your risk factors and discuss your concerns.

Risk factors for ulcers:

_____ The use of aspirin and NSAIDs can cause ulcers.
_____ H. pylori bacterial infections can cause ulcers.
_____ Chronic gastritis can contribute to ulcer formation.
_____ Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco increase the likelihood of developing an ulcer.
_____ Excessive consumption of alcohol increases the risk of ulcer.
_____  The risk of ulcer development increases with age, especially after 50 years old.
_____ People with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome may have excess acid from gastrinomas (tumors).
_____ People that use a mechanical ventilator to breathe have an increased risk of ulcer formation.
_____ A family history of ulcers is associated with an increased risk of developing ulcers.
_____ People with Type O blood have an increased risk for ulcer formation. 
_____   People with liver, kidney, or lung disease are at risk for developing ulcers.


Research indicates that stress from home or work does not cause or worsen ulcers.

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Complications

Complications are more likely to occur in people that do not seek treatment or follow their treatment plan.  Serious complications from ulcers include internal bleeding, perforation, and bowel obstruction.  Ulcers can be but are rarely life threatening. 

You should call Emergency Services in your area if you experience sharp abdominal pain, fainting, excessive sweating, or confusion.  You should also call Emergency Services if you vomit blood or have blood in your stools or if your abdomen is hard and tender to touch.  Call your doctor if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or ulcer symptoms.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.