Fact Checked
Overview Of Peptic Ulcers
- Approximately one in every 10 individuals will develop a peptic ulcer at some point in their lives though a lot of them don’t even know about it.
- This potentially severe condition usually affects men more than women.
Ulcers are areas of injury to the lining of the tummy.
Causes Of Peptic Ulcers
- Ulcers are areas of injury to the lining of the tummy.
- They are caused by various factors, as well as extensive use of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications, alcohol, smoking and anxiety.
- Occasionally there is too much acid, created by the tummy as part of the procedure of digestion, and this acid damages the lining of the stomach.
Symptoms Of An Ulcer
- The main symptom of an ulcer is discomfort in the upper region of the stomach just beneath the breast bone.
- It is often a sharp pain which pierces through to the back. The pain usually occurs when the tummy is empty (a couple hours after meals).
- The pain is often alleviated by food or pills.
- More severe symptoms take place if the ulcer starts to bleed. This occurs when you throw up blood or pass blood in the bowel movements.
Diagnoses Of Peptic Ulcers
- Ulcers are detected either by an X-ray or, more generally, by endoscopy, where a bendable telescopic tube is directed into the tummy allowing the GP to see what is taking place and take samples if required.
Treatment For Peptic Ulcers
- The majority of ulcers react well to treatment with medication.
- Occasionally these medications have to be taken for an extensive period time to reduce surplus acid in the tummy.
- If you have symptoms reminiscent of an ulcer, visit the GP.
- This widespread condition is simply managed and severe problems are usually avoidable.