Peptic Ulcers Introduction Peptic ulcer disease is a formation of painful open sores or ulcers in the inside lining of the esophageus (esophageal ulcers), stomach (gastric ulcers) or first part of the small intestine called duodenum (duodenal ulcers). Most of the peptic ulcers are caused by infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori (H Pylori).
Signs & Symptoms • • • • • • • •
Burning pain in the middle or upper part of stomach Bloating and abdominal fullness Heartburn Nausea and vomiting Dark or black colored stool Unexplained weight loss Loss of appetite Vomiting of blood
Causes Peptic ulcers occur due to the erosion of inner surface of esophagus, stomach or duodenum. A bacterial infection of Helicobacter Pylori (H Pylori) which usually lives in the mucus layer of digestive tract may cause inflammation of inner layer producing ulcers. Long term use of certain anti inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen etc can leads to ulcer formation.
Risk Factors • • • • • •
Infection of H Pylori bacterium Long term intake of NSAIDs such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen etc Family history of peptic ulcers Smoking Alcohol consumptions Age 50 years or older
Complications A hole in the digestive tract: Perforation caused by the erosion of wall of the gastrointestinal tract, is a serious complication which may leads to acute Dr. Sanjiv Haribhakti
Gisurgery.info