Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease causes painful sores in the stomach lining. This can lead to bloating, nausea, and other digestive problems. Learning about what causes it, its symptoms, and how it can be treated is important for managing the condition.

Medical illustration of the human digestive system with a highlighted stomach and a magnified close-up view of a peptic ulcer in the gastric lining.

What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?

Peptic ulcer disease occurs when open sores, or ulcers, develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. These sores happen when the protective mucous layer that lines your digestive tract wears away, allowing stomach acid to damage the tissue beneath.

There are two main types of peptic ulcers:

These ulcers form inside the stomach.

These ulcers form on the inside of the upper portion of your small intestine, or the duodenum.

While ulcers were once thought to be caused primarily by stress or spicy food, we now know that specific biological factors are the true culprits. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most ulcers can be cured effectively.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

The most common causes of peptic ulcers involve factors that weaken the stomach's protective lining or increase acid production.

The most common cause is an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium can live in the mucous layer of the stomach and cause inflammation, which makes the lining more susceptible to damage from acid.

Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate or inflame the lining of the stomach and small intestine.

Using NSAIDs alongside medications like steroids, anticoagulants, or low-dose aspirin significantly increases the risk of ulcers.

While stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers directly, they can make existing symptoms worse and delay healing.

Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers

The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is burning stomach pain. Stomach acid makes the pain worse, as does having an empty stomach.

Common signs include:

  • Burning stomach pain.
  • Feeling of Fullness: Bloating or belching.
  • Intolerance to fatty foods.
  • Heartburn.
  • Nausea.

Diagnosing Peptic Ulcers

Accurate diagnosis is key to determining the underlying cause of your ulcer and choosing the right treatment.

Methods may include:

The presence of the bacteria can be detected through a simple breath, stool, or blood test.

A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed down your throat to examine your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. If an ulcer is found, a small tissue sample (biopsy) can be taken to test for H. pylori.

Sometimes called a barium swallow, this series of X-rays of your upper digestive system can help identify ulcers, though it is less common than endoscopy today.

Treating Peptic Ulcers

Treating a peptic ulcer depends on its underlying cause. Our goal is to eradicate the H. pylori bacteria if it's present, reduce stomach acid to help the ulcer heal, and prevent it from returning.

If H. pylori is found, a combination of antibiotics will be prescribed to kill the bacteria. This usually cures the infection and prevents the ulcer from coming back.

These medications reduce stomach acid by blocking the acid-producing cells in your stomach, which helps the ulcer heal.

These medications decrease the acid released into your digestive tract, which helps relieve pain and promotes healing.

If pain relievers are the cause, your doctor will recommend stopping them or switching to a different medication.

In some cases, medications that coat and protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine may be prescribed.

Find Care for Peptic Ulcer Disease in Westlake or Brooklyn, Ohio

You don't have to live with the discomfort of an ulcer. The dedicated gastroenterology team at North Shore Gastroenterology is here to provide an expert diagnosis and effective treatment to help heal your digestive system.

Contact us today at (440) 808-1212 or request an appointment online to schedule a visit.