What are the Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Disease?
In three-quarters of cases, ulcers often have no symptoms and are only detected at an exam.
If your ulcers are symptomatic, however, you may experience:
- Burning stomach pain
- Feeling of fullness or bloating
- Belching
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Intolerance of fatty foods
More severe signs of peptic ulcer disease include vomiting, blood in the stool, vomiting, faintness, or unexplained weight loss due to appetite changes.
You may notice the burning stomach pain is most noticeable when you have an empty stomach. Relief is sometimes found by eating certain foods that absorb the stomach acid or by taking an acid-reducing medication. This doesn’t heal the ulcer, however, and the pain will likely return, especially between meals and at night.
Who is Likely to Develop Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Peptic ulcer disease is common, affecting about one in every 10 people. Peptic ulcer disease can develop due to a bacterial infection known as H.pylori. The infection destroys the protective lining of your stomach.
Other causes of peptic ulcer disease include:
- Frequent use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen
- Use of some other medications, such as steroids, low-dose aspirin, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Excessive drinking
- Smoking
- Illnesses such as liver, kidney, or lung disease
If your family has a history of peptic ulcer disease, you may also be vulnerable to developing it yourself. Untreated stress can sometimes aggravate ulcers, too.
What are the Treatments for Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Treatment for peptic ulcers depends on what the doctors determine is the primary cause. If you have an infection of H. pylori, you’ll be given antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
Other treatments may include:
- Reducing use of NSAIDs
- Medications to reduce the production of stomach acid and promote healing
- Antacids that neutralize stomach acid
- Cytoprotective agents that protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine
In rare cases, surgery may be required. The doctors may suggest surgery if you have a serious complication, such as acute bleeding, due to the ulcer. Medications are usually effective, however, in treating and relieving ulcer pain and inflammation.
If you have symptoms that suggest peptic ulcer disease, call Gotham Gastroenterology or schedule an appointment online for a thorough evaluation.
