Peptic ulcer disease is painful sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine. When it occurs in the stomach, is called a Gastric ulcer and when it occurs in the duodenum, is called a Duodenal ulcer.
Why it occurs?
There is normally a balance between irritating acids produced in the stomach that you make and the mucus defense barrier of cells on the inside lining of the stomach and duodenum. The peptic ulcer occurs when there is an alteration in this balance. This allows the acid to damage the lining of the stomach or duodenum. It may be caused by-
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria
- Regular/ excess use of painkillers
- Radiation treatments
- Some virus infections (rare)
- Crohn's disease (rare)
What are the Symptoms of an Ulcer?
It may not cause any Symptoms. But if Symptoms occur, they include:
- Most common Symptom is a gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomen. Sometimes chest (or just below the left side of chest) pain may occur. (But, please call a doctor if you have any type of chest pain because you can diagnose wrong).
- Heartburn
- Bloating
- Feeling of fullness
- Hunger and an empty feeling in the stomach
- Nausea, sometimes vomiting
- Retching and feeling sick
In serious cases:
- Vomiting blood
- Dark or black stool (due to bleeding)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe pain in the upper abdomen
What are the Complications?
- Gastrointestinal bleeding leading to Anemia/ severe blood loss
- Gastric outlet obstruction
- Perforation of the wall of stomach and intestines
- Peritonitis
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