10 peptic ulcer facts
In this article we will describe 10 facts about peptic ulcers.
Key Points
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Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine.
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The most common symptoms are burning stomach pain and bleeding.
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NSAIDs and Helicobacter pylori infection are major causes.
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Diagnosis involves endoscopy and biopsy.
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Treatment includes proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, and lifestyle modifications.
1. Definition
- A peptic ulcer is a defect in the mucosal lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), resulting in an open sore.
Types
There are two main types:
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Gastric Ulcer: Occurs in the stomach lining.
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Duodenal Ulcer: Occurs in the duodenum.
2. Epidemiology
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Approximately 4.4 million individuals are affected annually in the UK.
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Duodenal ulcers are more common than gastric ulcers.
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Men are more likely to develop peptic ulcers than women.
3. Risk Factors
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Age: Risk increases after 40.
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Family history.
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Smoking.
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Excessive alcohol consumption.
4. Causes
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Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection: Bacterial infection leading to mucosal inflammation.
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Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Long-term use of NSAIDs can erode the stomach lining.
5. Symptoms
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Epigastric pain.
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Upper GI Bleeding (haematemesis or melena).
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Loss of appetite.
6. Diagnosis
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Physical examination.
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Medical history.
Investigation
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Endoscopy: Visual examination of the stomach and duodenum.
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Biopsy: Tissue sample analysis for H. pylori.
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Barium Meal: X-ray examination using contrast material.
Peptic ulcer at endoscopy
Differential Diagnosis
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Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
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Functional dyspepsia.
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Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Gastric cancer.
- Gall stones.
7. Treatment
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Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce stomach acid.
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Antibiotics: Eradicate H. pylori.
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Lifestyle Modifications: Avoid NSAIDs, smoking, and excessive alcohol.
When to see a doctor with suspected peptic ulcer
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Severe abdominal pain.
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Vomiting blood or melaena (black tarry stools).
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Difficulty swallowing.
8. Complications
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Bleeding.
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Perforation.
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Obstruction.
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Cancer.
9. Prognosis
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Most peptic ulcers heal with treatment.
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Recurrence is common if H. pylori persists.
10. Prevention
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Avoid NSAIDs.
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Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Summary
We have described 10 facts about peptic ulcers. We hope it has been helpful.
