28/04/2018
What is a peptic ulcer?
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the inner lining of the stomach or upper small intestine .
Ulcers form when the intestine or stomach's protective layer is broken down. When this happens, digestive juices-which contain hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin-can damage the intestine or stomachtissue.
Treatment cures most ulcers. And symptoms usually go away quickly.
Peptic ulcers that form in the stomach are called gastric ulcers. Those that form in the upper small intestine are called duodenal (say "doo-uh-DEE-nul" or "doo-AW-duh-nul") ulcers.
What causes peptic ulcers?
The two most common causes of peptic ulcers are:
Infection with Helicobacter pyloriHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
H. pylori and NSAIDs break down the stomach or intestine's protective mucus layer.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include:
A burning, aching, or gnawing pain between the belly button (navel) and the breastbone. Some people also have back pain. The pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours and may come and go for weeks.Pain that usually goes away for a while after you take an antacid or acid reducer.Loss of appetite and weight loss.Bloating or nausea after eating.Vomiting.Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.Passing black stools that look like tar, or stools that contain dark red blood.
Different people have different symptoms, and some people have no symptoms at all.
