A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of your stomach, small intestine or oesophagus. They’re usually formed as a result of inflammation caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, as well as from erosion from stomach acids.
Peptic ulcers are said to be fairly common health problem.
Types of Peptic Ulcer
There are three types of peptic ulcers:
- Gastric Ulcers:These are ulcers that develop inside the stomach.
- Oesophageal Ulcers:These are ulcers that develop inside the oesophagus.
- Duodenal Ulcers:These are ulcers that develop in the upper section of the small intestines.
Causes of Peptic Ulcer
The two most common causes of peptic ulcers are:
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria as mentioned above.
- Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer disease
The symptoms of this disease include;
1.Feeling of fullness
2.Bloating or belching
3. Burning stomach pain
4.Nausea
5.Fatty food intolerance
6.Heartburn.
Diagnosis of Peptic Ulcer Disease
There are many ways to ascertain if a patient has peptic ulcer or not. They include:
- Laboratory tests for H. pylori: Blood, stool and breath test will be carried out by the Medical Laboratory Scientist. The test is to determine whether the bacterium H. pylori is present in your body.
The Medical Laboratory Science council of Nigeria postulates that the breath test is the most accurate of all.
- Endoscopy: This procedure is executed by your doctor. He may use a scope to examine your upper digestive system (endoscopy).
During this process, your doctor passes a hollow tube equipped with a lens (endoscope) down your throat and into your oesophagus, stomach and small intestine. Using the endoscope, your doctor looks for ulcers.
How can this disease be managed effectively?
The management of peptic ulcer depends of the cause. If caused due to the use of NSAIDS, then eliminating or reducing of such drugs like aspirin or similar pain medications is advised.
Perhaps, the Peptic ulcer disease might have manifested because of the presence of H. pylori found in the digestive tract, then a five-step treatment/ management procedure is advised but this depends entirely on recommendation and prescription of your physician.
- Antibiotics medications to kill H. pylori
- Medications that block acid production and promote healing
- Medications to reduce acid production
- Antacids that neutralize stomach acid
- Medications that protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine.
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