stomach peptic ulcers symptoms

What is a stomach ulcer?

A stomach, or Peptic, ulcer is a non-malignant ulcer, of the stomach (called gastric ulcer) or duodenum (e.g. duodenal ulcer). Most instances are due to Helicobacter pylori. This is a spiral-shaped bacterium living in the acidic environment of the stomach. These ulcers are also caused, or worsened, by drugs such as Aspirin and other non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). stomach peptic ulcers symptoms

Symptoms - stomach (peptic) ulcer.

Symptoms of a stomach (or peptic) ulcer are:

Abdominal pain;
Hematemesis (vomiting blood);
Melena (tarry feces due to oxidised iron from hemoglobin); or,
Weight loss.

Rarely, ulcers lead to gastric, or duodenal, perforation. This is extremely painful. It requires immediate surgery.

A history of heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are known to raise the suspicion for peptic ulcer. This includes the use of certain forms of medication. stomach peptic ulcers symptoms

Associated medicines, with peptic ulcer, are NSAID and most glucocorticoids (e.g. dexamethasone). NSAID inhibits cyclooxygenase 1.

For patients over 45, with more than 2 weeks of the above symptoms, the odds for peptic ulceration are high enough for rapid investigation by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

Previously, some thought the timing of symptoms, related to meals, differentiated between gastric and duodenal ulcers. A gastric ulcer gives pain during the meal, as gastric acid is secreted. Duodenal ulcers only hurt after the meal. This caused acidic chylus to pass to the duodenum. This theory has not been proved.

stomach peptic ulcers symptoms

What is a stomach ulcer?

Symptoms - stomach (peptic) ulcer.

stomach peptic ulcers symptoms.