Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ways to Diagnose and Treat It Effectively
Peptic ulcer is the most common kind of ulcer. It affects people of all ages, though it is mostly experienced in middle-aged adults. Around 5% to 10% of individuals around the world, develop this variety of ulcer at some point in their life, yet people don’t understand this disease fully.
In this post, we’ll get into the details of peptic ulcer disease, including what it is, its signs and symptoms, its causes, how to test it, treatment options, and best of all, how you can prevent this disease.
What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Peptic ulcers are sores in the inner lining of the stomach/duodenum that are open and exposed. They occur when the inner lining of the stomach and the upper side of the duodenum (small intestine) start eroding and peeling off due to the secretion of gastric acid or pepsin. The affected area gets irritated and inflamed causing immense pain and discomfort.
There are two types of Peptic ulcer:
Duodenal Ulcers- Peptic ulcers that develop on the upper side of the small intestine.
Gastric Ulcers- Type of peptic ulcers that develop in the stomach lining.
Signs That You Have Peptic Ulcer Disease
Individuals suffering from peptic ulcer exhibit certain signs and symptoms that are unique to this condition. The notable signs that suggest you may have peptic ulcer disease include;
Common signs
Nausea and vomiting
Bloody or dark, tarry stools
Weight loss/gain
Severe Signs and Symptoms
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Unintentional weight loss
Ongoing Heartburn
Overt gastrointestinal bleeding
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Peptic Ulcer Disease?
For the most part, developing peptic ulcers is associated with, among other things, your lifestyle and genetic inheritance. While some factors may cause peptic ulcers, others increase the risk of acquiring this disease.
1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that invades the mucus lining of the stomach and the small intestines, causing inflammation and making the protective barrier to be weak. This exposes the lining, making it more prone to damage by stomach acidity.
2. Smoking and Chewing Tobacco
Excessive smoking and chewing of tobacco can interfere with the mechanism of gastrointestinal tract protection. Tobacco alters mucosal immune response, causes mucosal damage, and interferes with gut irrigation, exposing your stomach lining to gastric acid thereby increasing the risk of peptic ulcer disease.
Even worse, tobacco chewing and smoking reduces blood flow to the stomach lining thus preventing the secretion of bicarbonate, an alkaline produced to lower the acidity in the stomach and buffer the acid near the mucosa.
3. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Taking regular medications such as naproxen sodium and ibuprofen can irritate and inflame the lining of the stomach and small intestine. This makes the stomach and small intestine lining weak and exposed to erosion by gastric juices.
4. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
A common digestive disorder characterized by the growth of one or more tumors that secrete gastrin in the small intestine or the pancreas. The tumors can result in the production of too much gastric acid which causes peptic ulcers.
5. Specific Medical Conditions
Several medical conditions, including kidney failure, liver disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can raise the risk of peptic ulcers in two ways.
These conditions can cause changes in blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract which alters the defensive mechanism of the mucosa.
The drugs used to treat these conditions can cause ulcers.
6. Over-Indulgence In Alcohol
Alcohol can aggravate the lining of the stomach and raise the production of stomach acid, which increases the risk of ulcer development. Abuse of alcohol over a long period can also hinder the healing of pre-existing ulcers.
7. Stress
While stress can not directly cause peptic ulcers, it can make them worse by increasing stomach acid production and hindering the body’s ability to self-heal. Prolonged stress can also impair immunity, increasing a person's vulnerability to H. pylori infection.
8. Age
Peptic ulcers are more common in elderly persons, presumably because of NSAID use, H. pylori infection prevalence, and gastrointestinal tract alterations associated with aging.
9. Genetic Predisposition
Peptic ulcers may run in families, which may indicate a genetic susceptibility and an increase in an individual's risk of acquiring the ailment. However, the exact genetic factors involved are not fully understood.
Medical Tests for Diagnosing Peptic Ulcers
To check if an individual has a peptic ulcer, several tests have to be done on the patient. Some common tests for peptic ulcers include:
Upper Endoscopy - This test is done using a small camera inserted through the mouth and down the throat. An upper endoscopy checks physically the esophagus, inner lining of the stomach, and small intestine of any sores.
Stool Antigen Test – It’s a common test used to detect any kind of Antigen of H. pylori in the stool of the patient.
Barium Swallow – As the name suggests, this test involves drinking a solution known as barium sulfate, and as it flows down the throat, it coats the eroded section of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum making the ulcer more visible. The coating enables the healthcare providers to understand the level of sickness they are dealing with.
Some other peptic ulcer tests include Serum gastric, complete blood work, Urine-based ELISA, and rapid urine test.
The Recommended Treatment for Peptic Ulcer?
The right treatment for your peptic ulcer will depend on the causative agent and severity of the disease. Peptic ulcers that are diagnosed early and treated promptly get cured in no time. Some medications used to cure peptic ulcer are:
Surgery: If the peptic ulcer gets severe causing perforations or bleeding, surgery may be necessary to remove a portion of the stomach or repair the ulcer.
Endoscopic Therapy: Doctors may opt for endoscopic therapy to treat patients having serious ulcers or one that has a risk of getting worse. The ulcer could be burnt a bit, sticking clips, and bands which will stop it from bleeding.
Helicobacter Pylori Treatment: If your ulcer was caused by H.Pylori bacteria you should use antibiotics in treating. Some antibiotics to consider include omeprazole and esomeprazole.
Antacids: Certain antacids such as calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide provide quick relief in the stomach by neutralizing the stomach acid.
Proton Pump Inhibitors: Individuals suffering from Peptic ulcer can use medications like omeprazole and pantoprazole because they reduce stomach acid production and enhance the healing of the ulcer.
H2-Receptor: Using H2-receptor medications such as cimetidine and ranitidine decreases the symptoms of peptic ulcer thus promoting healing.
Lifestyle Modifications: Quitting smoking and alcohol, managing stress, eating a healthy diet, and observing hygienic practices can help alleviate symptoms of peptic ulcer and promote day-to-day healing.
What Are the Complications of Peptic Ulcers?
If not identified and treated promptly, a peptic ulcer may lead to serious complications. An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to prevent complications and ensure better outcomes for patients suffering from peptic ulcers. Some possible complications from peptic ulcer may include:
Gastric cancer
A hole in your stomach (perforations)
Internal bleeding
Gastric outlet obstruction
Penetration
Prevention of peptic ulcer
Peptic ulcers are preventable by avoiding factors that can contribute to the development of the disease. Some good prevention strategies for peptic ulcer, include:
Bacterial Infections: Do not expose yourself to bacterial infections such as Helicobacter Pylori. You can do this by avoiding close contact with an infected person, only eating clean uncontaminated water or food, and not ingesting fecal matter containing H. pylori.
Manage Stress: Avoid stress since chronic stress may worsen the symptoms of peptic ulcer. You can consider stress management techniques like exercise, seeking professional help, and meditation.
Quit Smoking: Too much smoking can interfere with the healing process of the gut and may increase the risk of complications. So avoid smoking to ensure a healthy gut.
Avoid Alcohol Consumption: Excess intake of alcohol irritates the stomach lining and increases the risk of having peptic ulcers. If you must take alcohol, then drink moderately.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet promotes the general health of the gut and prevents the risk of developing peptic ulcers. Avoid spicy foods and foods that may irritate your stomach lining.
Practice Good Hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene like washing hands, and avoiding eating street food that may be contaminated reduces the risk of H. pylori infections.
Avoid NSAIDs Medications: NSAID medications like aspirin and ibuprofen may irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of developing the ulcer. Opting for alternative medications for pain relievers is the best way to avoid the risk of developing peptic ulcers brought about by using NSAIDs.
Conclusion
Peptic ulcer is a common condition characterized by sores in the stomach, caused by various factors, including alcohol consumption, taking NSAID medications, and exposure to Helicobacter Pylori. This disease can lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting, bloating, significant discomfort, and dire complications if left untreated.
While the medication can be diagnosed using upper endoscopy and barium swallow tests and treated using methods like endoscopic therapy, proton pump inhibitors, and even surgery, it's important to adopt lifestyle modification changes like stress management, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding exposure to bacterial infections to prevent the disease.
When to Visit Your Doctor
Peptic can cause severe complications which can be potentially fatal if not treated in time. Immediately seek medical intervention if you notice any symptoms associated with this condition for a quick prognosis. A medical professional will carry out tests, including an upper endoscopy to ascertain the severity of the condition and advice on the best treatment.
