An “ulcer” is an open sore. The word “peptic” means that the cause of the problem is due to acid. Most of the time when a gastroenterologist is referring to an “ulcer” the doctor means a peptic ulcer.
The two most common types of peptic ulcer are called “gastric ulcers” and “duodenal ulcers”.
An ulcer in the stomach is known as a gastric ulcer while that in the first part of the intestines is known as a duodenal ulcer.
Signs and symptoms of a peptic ulcer can include one or more of the following:
• Abdominal pain, classically epigastric strongly correlated to mealtimes. In case of duodenal ulcers the pain appears about three hours after taking a meal;
• Bloating and abdominal fullness;
• Waterbrash (rush of saliva after an episode of regurgitation to dilute the acid in esophagus - although this is more associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease);
• Nausea, and copious vomiting;
• Loss of appetite and weight loss;
• Hematemesis (vomiting of blood); this can occur due to bleeding directly from a gastric ulcer, or from damage to the esophagus from severe/continuing vomiting.
• Melena (tarry, foul-smelling feces due to presence of oxidized iron from hemoglobin);
• Rarely, an ulcer can lead to a gastric or duodenal perforation, which leads to acute peritonitis, extreme, stabbing pain, and requires immediate surgery.
Confirmation of the diagnosis is made with the help of tests such as
• Endoscopies
• Barium contrast x-rays.
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), a form of endoscopy, also known as a gastroscopy, is carried out on patients in whom a peptic ulcer is suspected.
The diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori can be made by:
• Urea breath test (noninvasive and does not require EGD);
• Direct culture from an EGD biopsy specimen; this is difficult to do, and can be expensive. Most labs are not set up to perform H. pylori cultures
• Direct detection of urease activity in a biopsy specimen by rapid urease test;
• Measurement of antibody levels in blood
• Stool antigen test;
• Histological examination and staining of an EGD biopsy.
Medication Management: Include
• Antibiotic medications to kill H. pylori.
• Medications that block acid production and promote healing
• Medications to reduce acid production.
• Antacids that neutralize stomach acid.
• Medications that protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine.
Consult general physician or gastroenterologist At Aadil Hospital for medical treatment
Consult General Physician or Gastroenterologist at Aadil Hospital for better treatment.
