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November 21, 2009
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Peptic Ulcer Disease

Viewer Comments

Featured peptic ulcer patient discussions on symptoms experienced at onset of disease

"After a week of pain, tightening of the abdomen, bloating, pain to my back I had an endoscopy. They found 13 ulcers in my stomach. I am taking Omeprazole now. It is still very uncomfortable and I cannot really eat or drink."

"With my peptic ulcer, I experienced severe pain in my upper abdomen and by my breast bone. The pain lasted four hours, and I was sweating from being in so much pain. I also had a loss of appetite and bloody, loose stool."

"I was diagnosed with peptic ulcers at the age of 13, which is 22 years ago. I get flare-ups every so often. Two days ago was the worst one I felt in years and actually woke me up from a deep sleep. I was on Tagamet for years as a teen, but I haven't taken that in years and seemed like the only one that works for me. Just thought I would share. Ulcers never go away."


Top Searched Peptic Ulcer Terms:

symptoms, diet, causes, treatment, back pain, gastric bypass, duodenal ulcer, alcohol, h. pylori, ulcerative colitis, gastroparesis, dyspepsia
Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, or treatment.
See the disclaimer at the bottom of the comments page.
Doctor to Patient

What is a peptic ulcer?

A peptic ulcer is a hole in the gut lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer; of the duodenum, a duodenal ulcer; and of the esophagus, an esophageal ulcer. An ulcer occurs when the lining of these organs is corroded by the acidic digestive juices which are secreted by the stomach cells. Peptic ulcer disease is common, affecting millions of Americans yearly. The medical cost of treating peptic ulcer and its complications runs in the billions of dollars annually. Recent medical advances have increased our understanding of ulcer formation. Improved and expanded treatment options are now available.

What are the causes of peptic ulcers?

For many years, excess acid was believed to be the major cause of ulcer disease. Accordingly, treatment emphasis was on neutralizing and inhibiting the secretion of stomach acid. While acid is still considered significant in ulcer formation, the leading cause of ulcer disease is currently believed to be infection of the stomach by a bacteria called "Helicobacter pyloricus" (H. pylori). Another major cause of ulcers is the chronic use of anti-inflammatory medications, commonly referred to as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), including aspirin. Cigarette smoking is also an important cause of ulcer formation and ulcer treatment failure.

H. pylori bacteria is very common, infecting more than a billion people worldwide. It is estimated that half of the United States population older than age 60 has been infected with H. pylori. Infection usually persists for many years, leading to ulcer disease in 10 % to 15% of those infected. H. pylori is found in more than 80% of patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers. While the mechanism of how H. pylori causes ulcers is not well understood, elimination of this bacteria by antibiotics has clearly been shown to heal ulcers and prevent ulcer recurrence.

NSAIDs are medications for arthritis and other painful inflammatory conditions in the body. Aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn), and etodolac (Lodine) are a few of the examples of this class of medications. Prostaglandins are substances which are important in helping the gut linings resist corrosive acid damage. NSAIDs cause ulcers by interfering with prostaglandins in the stomach.

Cigarette smoking not only causes ulcer formation, but also increases the risk of ulcer complications such as ulcer bleeding, stomach obstruction and perforation. Cigarette smoking is also a leading cause of ulcer medication treatment failure.

Contrary to popular belief, alcohol, coffee, colas, spicy foods, and caffeine have no proven role in ulcer formation. Similarly, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that life stresses or personality types contribute to ulcer disease.

Peptic Ulcer Illustration - Peptic Ulcer Disease


Next: What are symptoms of an ulcer? »

Peptic Ulcer - Symptoms At Onset Of Disease

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

The symptoms of peptic ulcer can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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What is low blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels, and constitutes one of the principal vital signs of life, which also include heart beat, rate of breathing, and temperature. Blood pressure is generated by the heart pumping blood into the arteries and is regulated by the response by the arteries to the flow of blood.

An individual's blood pressure is expressed as systolic/diastolic blood pressure, for example, 120/80.The systolic blood pressure (the top number) represents the pressure in the arteries as the muscle of the heart contracts and pumps blood into them. The diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) represents the pressure in the arteries as the muscle of the heart relaxes after it contracts. Blood pressure always is higher when the heart is pumping (squeezing) than when it is relaxing.

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