A peptic ulcer is a sore that may develop in one of three parts of your digestive tract – the stomach, the upper part of the small intestine, or the esophagus (the tube connecting the throat and stomach). A peptic ulcer usually causes a dull or burning pain in the upper part of the stomach area that may be relieved by eating. These types of ulcer are said to effect about 10% of all people at some point in their life, especially for those who are cigarette smokers or who drink alcohol.

Signs & Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer

While the symptoms of a peptic ulcer may not be noticed in some patients (particularly the elderly), they generally include:

• A dull or burning pain felt anywhere between the navel (“belly-button”) and the chest, that is usually worse on an empty stomach and at night
• Pain can disappear and reappear (often for days or weeks at a time)
• Antacid medications and some foods may also ease the pain

In more severe cases, a peptic ulcer can cause symptoms like:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Weight loss (even if you eat a balanced diet and are not trying to loose weight)
• Changes in appetite
• Vomiting blood, which may be bright red or black in color
• Dark-colored blood or a black ‘tarry’ appearance in your stool after a bowel movement

When You Should See Your Doctor About Peptic Ulcer

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience continual pain or any other symptoms of an ulcer; especially if your symptoms return even after some relief is provided by antacids or any other treatments.

Causes of Peptic Ulcer

While activities like cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol may raise your risk for a peptic ulcer, there are only a few actual causes of the condition:

• A bacterial infection
• Frequent or overuse of pain relievers like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and others
• Reaction to other medications

Diagnosis of Peptic Ulcer

If your doctor suspects that you may be suffering from one or more Peptic Ulcers, he/she will ask you about your symptoms, preform a physical exam, and review your medical history. Your doctor will also likely order one or more of the following tests:

• Blood tests for bacteria
• Breath tests for bacteria
• Stool tests for bacteria
• A series of X-ray images
• An endoscopy (the use of a small tube like camera to examine your digestive tract)

Treatment of Peptic Ulcer

• Prescription antibiotics (if your doctor finds that an infection is the cause of your peptic ulcer)
• Prescription or over-the-counter/store-bought medications that slow your body’s production of stomach acid
• Medication to protect the damaged lining of your stomach or small intestine
• Your doctor may also add a normal antacid to your treatment, that helps to reduce the pain caused by your peptic ulcer

You can trust the highly experienced, board-certified gastroenterologists at Atlantic Digestive Specialists to provide you with personal care and the latest diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Experts in treating peptic ulcers, contact us now.