Overview
Peptic ulcers are open lesions that grow on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain.
There are two types of peptic ulcers:
- Gastric ulcers that occur on the inside of the stomach
- Duodenal ulcers that grow on the inside of the upper portion of your small intestine (duodenum)
Causes
Some of the most important causes of ulcers are listed below:
- Diet high in spice
- Chronic NSAIDs use
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori
- Stress
Symptoms
The following symptoms are associated with ulcers:
- Burning stomach pain
- Feeling of fullness, bloating or belching
- Fatty food intolerance
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting or vomiting blood — which may appear red or black
- Dark blood in stools
- Black or tarry stool
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Appetite changes
Diagnosis
The following tests can confirm the diagnosis of ulcers:
- Blood test
- Stool culture
- Endoscopy
Treatment
Ulcers are treated with the following treatment modalities:
- Medicine that block stomach acid production – PPIs
- Medicine that reduces acid production – H2 receptor blockers
- Antibiotics
- Antacids
- Medicine that protects the stomach lining – muco-protective agents