Peptic Ulcer Disease

What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) refers to open sores or lesions that develop on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). These ulcers result from the erosion of the protective mucosal lining due to stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

There are two main types of peptic ulcers:

• Gastric ulcers – occur in the stomach
• Duodenal ulcers – occur in the first part of the small intestine

Peptic ulcers can cause discomfort and lead to serious complications if not treated properly.

Causes of Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are primarily caused by:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: A common bacterial infection that weakens the stomach lining.
• Long-term use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen, which can irritate the stomach lining.
• Excess stomach acid production: Linked to stress, smoking, alcohol, or certain medical conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
• Smoking and alcohol: Both can aggravate the mucosa and delay healing.
• Spicy foods and stress: Do not cause ulcers but may worsen existing ones.

Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Disease

• Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen (often between meals or at night)
• Bloating or feeling full quickly
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Dark or black stools (indicating bleeding)
• Vomiting blood (in severe cases)

Some ulcers may cause no symptoms and are only discovered after complications arise.

Complications of Peptic Ulcers

If left untreated, peptic ulcers can lead to serious health issues:

• Bleeding: May present as vomiting blood or black stools.
• Perforation: A hole in the stomach or intestinal wall, leading to severe infection (peritonitis).
• Obstruction: Swelling or scarring may block food from passing through the digestive tract.
• Increased cancer risk: Long-term H. pylori infection can increase the risk of gastric cancer.

Diagnosis

To diagnose peptic ulcer disease, doctors may recommend:

• Upper endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth to view the stomach and small intestine directly.
• Urea breath test or stool antigen test: To detect H. pylori infection.
• Blood tests: To check for anemia or detect antibodies against H. pylori.
• Barium X-ray: Sometimes used if endoscopy is not available.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the ulcer:

For H. pylori-related ulcers:

• Triple therapy: Combination of two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to eradicate the infection and reduce acid.

For NSAID-induced ulcers:

• Discontinuation or substitution of NSAIDs
• Acid-reducing medications (PPIs or H2 blockers)

General treatment includes:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce acid production and promote healing
• H2-receptor blockers: Decrease acid release from stomach lining
• Antacids: Provide quick symptom relief
• Cytoprotective agents: Protect the stomach lining (e.g., sucralfate)

Lifestyle changes are also important:

• Eat smaller, frequent meals
• Avoid NSAIDs, smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods
• Manage stress effectively

Why Choose Aster Hospitals for Ulcer Care?

Aster Hospitals offers expert and holistic care for ulcer management through a dedicated team of gastroenterologists, dietitians, and radiologists. We provide advanced endoscopy and imaging services for accurate diagnosis, along with specialized testing and treatment for H. pylori infection. Our care includes personalized dietary and lifestyle counselling to support healing and prevent recurrence. In cases of complications such as bleeding or perforation, we offer prompt intervention and minimally invasive surgical options when necessary, ensuring comprehensive and effective treatment.