Health Check; Peptic Ulcer
Peptic ulcer disease refers to painful sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum.
What Causes Ulcers?
No single cause has been found for ulcers. However, it is now clear that an ulcer is the end result of an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum. Most ulcers are caused by an infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
Factors that can increase your risk for ulcers include:
What Are the Symptoms of an Ulcer?
An ulcer may or may not have symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
In severe cases, symptoms can include:
Though ulcers often heal on their own, you shouldn't ignore their warning signs. If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems, including:
Who Is More Likely to Get Ulcers?
You may be more likely to develop ulcers if you:
How Are Ulcers Diagnosed?
Your doctor may suspect you have an ulcer just by talking with you about your symptoms. However, to confirm the diagnosis one of several tests should be taken. First, your doctor may ask you to take an acid-blocking medication, such as those used to treat heartburn, for a short period of time to see if symptoms improve.
If needed, your doctor may recommend a procedure called an upper endoscopy. It involves inserting a small, lighted tube (endoscope) through the throat and into the stomach to look for abnormalities. This procedure is usually given if you are having severe or recurring symptoms of ulcers. Doctors sometimes treat for ulcers without confirming the diagnosis using endoscopy.
How Are Ulcers Treated?
If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems. There are several ways in which ulcers can be treated, including making lifestyle changes, taking medication, and/or undergoing surgery.
Lifestyle Changes to Treat an Ulcer
To treat an ulcer, first eliminate substances that can be causing the ulcers. If you smoke or drink alcohol, stop. If the ulcer is believed to be caused by the use of NSAIDs, they need to be stopped.
How Can I Prevent Ulcers?
To reduce the risk of developing ulcers:
If you have symptoms of an ulcer, contact your health care provider.
Diet For Ulcers and Gastritis
A diet for ulcers and gastritis is an eating plan that limits or does not include foods that irritate your stomach. Your stomach can be irritated by foods that increase stomach acid. You will need to limit or avoid drinks and foods that cause your symptoms, such as stomach pain, heartburn, or indigestion.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
Not all foods affect everyone the same way. You will need to learn which foods cause your symptoms. Seasonings, such as pepper, increase stomach acid and may irritate your stomach. Foods that contain chocolate, are spicy, or are high in fat may also irritate your stomach. Drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine may also cause symptoms. The following are some foods that you may need to limit or avoid:
Beverages:
Spices and seasonings:
Other foods:
Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy foods. Whole grains include whole-wheat breads, cereals, pasta, and brown rice. Choose lean meats, poultry (chicken and turkey), fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. A healthy meal plan is low in unhealthy fats, salt, and added sugar. Healthy fats include olive oil and canola oil. Ask your dietitian for more information about a healthy diet.
What other guidelines may be helpful?
No single cause has been found for ulcers. However, it is now clear that an ulcer is the end result of an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum. Most ulcers are caused by an infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
Factors that can increase your risk for ulcers include:
- Use of painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, and others), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, some types of Midol, and others), and many others available by prescription; even safety-coated aspirin and aspirin in powdered form can frequently cause ulcers.
- Excess acid production from gastrinomas, tumors of the acid producing cells of the stomach that increases acid output (seen in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
- Excessive drinking of alcohol.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Serious illness.
- Radiation treatment to the area.
What Are the Symptoms of an Ulcer?
An ulcer may or may not have symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- A gnawing or burning pain in the middle or upper stomach between meals or at night.
- Bloating.
- Heartburn.
- Nausea or vomiting.
In severe cases, symptoms can include:
- Dark or black stool (due to bleeding).
- Vomiting blood (that can look like "coffee-grounds").
- Weight loss.
- Severe pain in the mid to upper abdomen.
Though ulcers often heal on their own, you shouldn't ignore their warning signs. If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Bleeding
- Perforation (a hole through the wall of the stomach)
- Gastric outlet obstruction from swelling or scarring that blocks the passageway leading from the stomach to the small intestine
- Taking NSAIDs can lead to an ulcer without any warning. The risk is especially concerning for the elderly and for those with a prior history of having peptic ulcer disease.
Who Is More Likely to Get Ulcers?
You may be more likely to develop ulcers if you:
- Are infected with the H. pylori bacterium.
- Take NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
- Have a family history of ulcers.
- Have another illness such as liver, kidney, or lung disease.
- Drink alcohol regularly.
- Are age 50 or older.
How Are Ulcers Diagnosed?
Your doctor may suspect you have an ulcer just by talking with you about your symptoms. However, to confirm the diagnosis one of several tests should be taken. First, your doctor may ask you to take an acid-blocking medication, such as those used to treat heartburn, for a short period of time to see if symptoms improve.
If needed, your doctor may recommend a procedure called an upper endoscopy. It involves inserting a small, lighted tube (endoscope) through the throat and into the stomach to look for abnormalities. This procedure is usually given if you are having severe or recurring symptoms of ulcers. Doctors sometimes treat for ulcers without confirming the diagnosis using endoscopy.
How Are Ulcers Treated?
If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems. There are several ways in which ulcers can be treated, including making lifestyle changes, taking medication, and/or undergoing surgery.
Lifestyle Changes to Treat an Ulcer
To treat an ulcer, first eliminate substances that can be causing the ulcers. If you smoke or drink alcohol, stop. If the ulcer is believed to be caused by the use of NSAIDs, they need to be stopped.
How Can I Prevent Ulcers?
To reduce the risk of developing ulcers:
- Don't smoke.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Don't overuse aspirin and/or NSAIDs.
If you have symptoms of an ulcer, contact your health care provider.
Diet For Ulcers and Gastritis
A diet for ulcers and gastritis is an eating plan that limits or does not include foods that irritate your stomach. Your stomach can be irritated by foods that increase stomach acid. You will need to limit or avoid drinks and foods that cause your symptoms, such as stomach pain, heartburn, or indigestion.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
Not all foods affect everyone the same way. You will need to learn which foods cause your symptoms. Seasonings, such as pepper, increase stomach acid and may irritate your stomach. Foods that contain chocolate, are spicy, or are high in fat may also irritate your stomach. Drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine may also cause symptoms. The following are some foods that you may need to limit or avoid:
Beverages:
- Hot cocoa and cola
- Whole milk and chocolate milk
- Peppermint and spearmint tea
- Regular and decaf coffee
- Green and black tea, with or without caffeine
- Drinks that contain alcohol
- Orange and grapefruit juices
Spices and seasonings:
- Black and red pepper
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
Other foods:
- Dairy foods made from whole milk or cream
- Spicy or strongly flavored cheeses, such as jalapeno or black pepper
- Highly seasoned, high-fat meats, such as sausage, salami, bacon, ham, and cold cuts
- Hot chillies and peppers
- Onions and garlic
- Tomato products, such as tomato paste, tomato sauce, or tomato juice
Foods to eat and drink
Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy foods. Whole grains include whole-wheat breads, cereals, pasta, and brown rice. Choose lean meats, poultry (chicken and turkey), fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. A healthy meal plan is low in unhealthy fats, salt, and added sugar. Healthy fats include olive oil and canola oil. Ask your dietitian for more information about a healthy diet.
What other guidelines may be helpful?
- Do not eat right before bedtime. Stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime.
- Eat small, frequent meals. Your stomach may tolerate small, frequent meals better than large meals.
Culled and edited. Images: Google
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