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A stomach or gastric ulcer is a break in the tissue lining of the stomach. The term ‘peptic ulcer’ refers to those that occur in either the stomach or the first part of the small intestine that leads out of the stomach, called the duodenum. bacterium also prompts many symptoms of indigestion (dyspepsia).

Treatment for stomach ulcers includes the use of antibiotics to kill the infection, and acid-suppressing drugs.

Some stomach ulcers don’t produce any symptoms

If present, the symptoms can include:

  • due to blood loss – a medical emergency located in the abdomen just below the ribs on the left. Swallowed food is squeezed down the oesophagus
  • pushed through a sphincter (small muscle ring) into the stomach
  • where it is mixed with powerful gastric juices containing enzymes
  • hydrochloric acid

The stomach is a muscular bag, so it can churn the food and break it down mechanically as well as chemically. Once the food is the consistency of smooth paste, it is squeezed through a second sphincter into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The lining of the stomach – the mucosa or gastric epithelium – is layered with multiple folds.

Ulcers occur in this lining

A stomach ulcer can be caused by a variety of factors, including: – bacteria is thought to be responsible for around 60% of stomach ulcers and at least 90% of duodenal ulcers. Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) are thought to cause around two fifths of stomach ulcers. can present as an ulcer, particularly in older people.

) is the main cause of peptic ulcers

The discovery of this micro-organism in 1983 revolutionised many aspects of gastroenterology, including the treatment of stomach ulcers. infection is unusual in young Americans and occurs in 15 to 20% of Americans aged over 25. The bacteria reside on the surface cells of the stomach under a layer of mucus.

They produce irritation by invading the surface cells, which triggers the cells to produce chemicals (cytokines) that promote inflammation. directly causes one-third of stomach ulcers and is a contributing factor in around three-fifths of cases. Other disorders caused by this infection include inflammation of the stomach ( ) and dyspepsia (indigestion).

Transmission may be caused by sharing food or utensils, coming into contact with infected vomit, and sharing water (such as well water).

is the main environmental cause of stomach cancer

Ulcer bleeding is a serious complication of ulcer disease and is particularly deadly in the elderly or those with multiple medical problems. Bleeding from stomach ulcers is more common in people treated with blood thinning agents, such as warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix) and those people should also consider using regular anti-ulcer medication to prevent this complication.

A severe, untreated ulcer can sometimes burn through the wall of the stomach, allowing digestive juices and food to leak into the abdominal cavity.

This medical emergency is known as a perforated ulcer.

Treatment generally requires immediate surgery

Diagnosing a stomach ulcer is done using a range of methods, including: – a thin flexible tube is threaded down the oesophagus into the stomach under light anaesthesia. The endoscope is fitted with a video capture device and highly detailed images of the stomach lining can be obtained.

If a gastric ulcer has been found, the endoscopy must be repeated after treatment to ensure healing and exclude the possibility of cancer.

– a small tissue sample is taken during an endoscopy and tested in a laboratory.

This biopsy should always be done if a gastric ulcer is found

The bacteria convert urea into carbon dioxide

The test involves swallowing an amount of radioactive carbon (C14) and testing the air exhaled from the lungs. A non-radioactive test can be used for children and pregnant women. Special diets are now known to have very little impact on the prevention or treatment of stomach ulcers.

Treatment options can include:

  • drugs to help speed the healing process. Different drugs need to be used in combination
  • some of the side effects can include
  • rashes. Resistance to some of these antibiotics is becoming more common
  • however 80% of treatment courses are successful

About stomach ulcers It was once commonly thought that stress , smoking and diet were the principal causes of stomach ulcers.

However, the Helicobacter pylori ( H.

Symptoms of stomach ulcers abdominal pain just below the ribcage indigestion nausea loss of appetite vomiting weight loss bright or altered blood present in vomit or bowel motions symptoms of anaemia , such as light-headedness shock The stomach The stomach is an organ of the digestive system Causes of stomach ulcers Helicobacter pylori Certain medications – which include aspirin or clopidogrel, taken regularly to help prevent heart attack or stroke , and drugs for arthritis Cancer – stomach cancer Helicobacter pylori The Helicobacter pylori bacterium ( H. pylori gastritis H.

Ulcer bleeding Perforated ulcer Diagnosis of a stomach ulcer Endoscopy Biopsy C14 breath test – checks for the presence of Treatment for a stomach ulcer Medication – including antibiotics, to destroy the H. pylori diarrhoea Subsequent breath tests – used to make sure the H. pylori Changes to existing medication Reducing acid Lifestyle modifications – including quitting cigarettes Where to get help Your GP (doctor) NURSE-ON-CALL (616) 555-0024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days) Gastroenterologist.

Key Points

  • bacterium also prompts many symptoms of indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • Treatment for stomach ulcers includes the use of antibiotics to kill the infection, and acid-suppressing drugs
  • Some stomach ulcers don’t produce any symptoms
  • If present, the symptoms can include: due to blood loss – a medical emergency
  • Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) are thought to cause around two fifths of stomach ulcers