Signs of Peptic ulcer (Stomach intestine ulcer)

Peptic Ulcer (Stomach Intestine Ulcer)

Description

A small erosion, or inflammatory breakdown of the mucosa in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common type is a duodenal ulcer, but they can also occur in the stomach (gastric ulcer) and esophagus. At times they can bleed and cause life threatening bleeding. Rarely the ulcers are secondary to cancer. An infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can increase the incidence and severity of the disease.

Symptoms

Upper abdominal pain, the pain may get better or worse after eating a meal, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fatigue, heartburn, indigestion, belching, chest pain, vomiting blood, bloody or dark tarry stools.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. To diagnose an ulcer the following tests may be done: upper GI, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and/or a biopsy. Tests to detect H. pylori may be performed including: urea breath tests, blood tests to detect antibodies against the bacteria, and/or stool tests to detect the bacteria.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12

Treatment

Treatment often involves a combination of medications to kill the Helicobacter pylori bacteria (antibiotics), and reduce acid levels (histamine 2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors). Bleeding ulcers may require an emergent endoscopy to stop the bleeding. Patients with ulcers should avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), alcohol and smoking.