Peptic Ulcer: Disease Causing Stomach Pain that Comes and Goes

Having peptic ulcer can be painful. Sometimes, the pain comes and goes for a few days or weeks. But you don't have to suffer from this painful peptic ulcer. Most often, peptic ulcer can be treated successfully.

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the inner lining of the stomach and sometimes the duodenum. The duodenum is the first and shortest part of the small intestine. The most common site where peptic ulcer occurs is the stomach lining.

Millions of people around the world suffer from peptic ulcers. Commonly, peptic ulcers are caused by an infection with the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). In others, the condition is caused by long-term use of pain relievers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

Many people think that peptic ulcer is caused by stress or eating spicy food. This is often a misconception. Eating spicy food or being too stressed does not cause peptic ulcers. However, they can make the condition worse and can make healing longer.

The most common symptom of peptic ulcer is burning or gnawing pain in the abdomen, which can last for a few minutes or hours. Abdominal pain or discomfort may come and go for a few days or even weeks. Having empty stomach can make symptoms worse.

In some people, other symptoms may occur including poor appetite, weight loss, bloating and vomiting.

More severe cases of peptic ulcer can cause bleeding in the stomach. Signs of bleeding in the stomach may include having black or bloody stools or having vomit with blood. Bleeding in the stomach should be treated immediately as the condition could get worse.

Treatment of peptic ulcer depends on the cause. If the cause of the condition is infection with the H. pylori bacteria, it can be easily treated with antibiotics. Other medications may also be required, such as the H2 blocker (histamine receptor blocker), which reduces stomach acid secretion. This type of medicine can also help protect the lining of the stomach. Another medication called bismuth subsalicylate may be recommended by the doctor. This medication helps to protect the ulcers or sores from the stomach acid.

While taking antacids or drinking milk can make a person feel better for a short time, taking them do not help with the healing of the ulcers. Experts do not recommend taking antacids with the prescribed antibiotics. The prescribed antibiotics may not work well when it is combined with antacids. Also, antacids do not kill the bacteria, but antibiotics can.

If long-term NSAIDs is the cause of peptic ulcer, the doctor might recommend stopping or reducing intake of that medication or may probably recommend an alternative drug. The doctor may also recommend taking drugs that help reduce stomach acid secretion and help protect the lining of the stomach.

In cases where ulcers do not heal, the doctor may recommend surgery. This may be an option if all other treatments fail.

Sources:

Peptic Ulcer (January 2010). Retrieved February 4, 2010 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pepticulcer.html

What I need to know about Peptic Ulcers (September 2009). Retrieved February 4, 2010 from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/pepticulcers_ez/

H. Pylori and Peptic Ulcer (October 2004). Retrieved February 4, 2010 from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hpylori/index.htm