Peptic ulcer disease is a painful condition categorized by the formation of sores in the lining of the stomach or intestines. The lining or your stomach is an amazingly resilient membrane in that it needs to be strong enough to avoid degeneration from stomach acids that play a crucial role in the digestive process. Unfortunately, if this lining breaks down, the acid can cause ulcers to develop along the digestive tract. The most common type of stomach disease is known as peptic ulcer disease, and it occurs when ulcers and sores begin to develop in the intestinal lining. Today, we explore the causes, symptoms and treatment options for peptic ulcer disease.

Causes and Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcers can develop for a number of different reasons, but the most common causes are from infections and from long-term pain medication use. One infection that leads to intestinal ulcers is caused by the H. pylori bacteria. Scientists haven’t pinpointed exactly how the bacteria is transmitted, but the believe it may be through fecal-oral or oral-oral routes, or it may be caused by drinking from contaminated water sources. The other common cause of peptic ulcer disease if from regular use of pain medications. Prolonged, heavy use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen can gradually wear down the stomach lining and lead to peptic ulcers. Poor health habits, like excessive drinking and tobacco use, may also contribute to the disease.

Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease include:

• Burning sensation or pain in your stomach region
• Reduction in pain when eating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness

Diagnosis and Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease can be diagnosed by a gastroenterologist or a surgeon well-versed in the digestive system. The presence of the H. pylori bacteria can usually be diagnosed with a blood or stool sample, while ulcers can be diagnosed using an upper-gastrointestinal X-ray. However, the most accurate diagnostic test is an endoscopy, which involves feeding a small tube with a camera attached to it through the mouth and into the stomach to look for an ulcer or signs of an infection.

Treatment depends on the presence of the H. pylori bacteria. If it is present, your doctor will prescribe some bacteria-killing antibiotics and other medications to reduce acid in your stomach. Acid-blocking medications and antibiotics can often cure small ulcers within a few weeks if they have not progressed significantly. With early detection and proper treatment, surgery isn’t usually necessary.

On the other hand, if treatment fails to help the ulcer heal, or if you have bleeding complications, surgery may be the best route. The surgeon will examine the ulcer to determine if the best course of action is to remove the ulcer or address it with healthy tissue taken from another part of the intestine. Your surgeon will walk you through your specific options based on ulcer severity and if an infection is present.