A sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.
A ulceration of a part of the gastrointestinal tract, usually the stomach.
A benign ulcer in the duodenum or in the stomach.
Chronic lesions found in the gastrointestinal tract in locations exposed to hydrochloric acid or pepsin. The most common locations are the duodenum and stomach. Lesions are due to a penicillin- sensitive organism, Helicobacter pylori.
Circumscribed erosion in, or loss of, the mucous membrane lining of the gastrointestinal tract. It may occur in the esophagus (esophageal ulcer), stomach (gastric ulcer), duodenum (duodenal ulcer), or jejunum (jejunal ulcer), the stomach and duodenum being the most common sites. Peptic ulcer may result from excess acid production or from a breakdown in the normal mechanisms protecting the mucous membranes and is often associated with stress and the intake of certain drugs (e.g., corticosteroids and certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents). Helicobacter pylori, a spiral-shaped bacterium found m the stomach, is generally acknowledged as the main cause for most peptic ulcers and many cases of chronic gastritis. Symptoms include gnawing pain, often worse when the stomach is empty, after certain foods have been eaten, or when the patient is under stress. Treatment includes avoidance of tobacco, alcohol, and irritating foods; drugs to decrease acidity (e.g., cimetidine); and a diet of small, frequent meals. If the ulcer perforates the wall of the gastrointestinal tract or hemorrhage occurs, surgery is usually required.
Erosion of the upper gastrointestinal (Gl) tract caused by excessive secretion of acid.
An open, inflamed sore that occurs in the stomach or duodenum, often in people who suffer from frequent stress. Pain is usually worse when stomach is empty; may feel better by eating or drinking.
A breach in the lining (mucosa) of the digestive tract produced by digestion of the mucosa by pepsin and acid. This may occur when pepsin and acid are present in abnormally high concentrations or when some other mechanism reduces the normal protective mechanisms of the mucosa; bile salts may play a part, especially in stomach ulcers. A peptic ulcer may be found in the esophagus {esophageal ulcer, associated with reflux esophagitis); the stomach gastric ulcer); duodenum; jejunum (jejunal ulcer, usually in the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome); in a Meckel’s diverticulum; and close to a gastroenterostomy (stomal ulcer, anastomatic ulcer, marginal ulcer).
An ulcer in the lining of the duodenum, the lower end of the esophagus, or the stomach (usually along the lesser curvature). Peptic ulcer disease is a common illness, affecting about 10% of men and 5% of women during their lifetimes.
A break in the lining (mucosa) of the digestive tract caused by the action of acid digestive juices.
An open sore that forms in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine.
Erosions in the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
The degradation of the mucosal layer located in either the gastric cavity or the initial segment of the small intestine, commonly referred to as the duodenum.
A lesion occurring in the lower stomach and duodenum is attributed to the corrosive action of stomach acid in combination with a recently identified microorganism known as Helicobacter pylori.
A raw region that forms within the gastrointestinal tract due to erosion caused by acidic gastric juice. Peptic ulcers are most frequently found in the stomach, referred to as gastric ulcers, or in the duodenum, which is the initial portion of the small intestine, where they are termed duodenal ulcers.
Normally, the stomach and duodenum are shielded from the corrosive effects of gastric acid by a mucus lining. When this protective layer is compromised, the acid can interact with the tissues, leading to inflammation and erosion. Ulcers can also emerge in the esophagus when stomach acid enters it.
The primary factor behind peptic ulcers is infection with Helicobacter Pylori bacteria, which can harm the stomach and duodenal linings, leaving them vulnerable to corrosive stomach acid. Additionally, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), smoking, alcohol consumption, and excessive stomach acid production can also contribute to the erosion of the stomach lining. Stress ulcers, on the other hand, arise from intense physiological stress, like that caused by neurosurgery or severe burns (known as Curling’s ulcers). Psychological stress is believed to exacerbate existing ulcers.
To learn more about the process of ulcer formation and the potential locations of ulcers.
Symptoms might be absent, or they could include a burning or gnawing sensation in the upper abdomen, particularly when the stomach is empty. In the case of a duodenal ulcer, consuming food often alleviates the pain, only for it to return a few hours later. Conversely, the discomfort associated with a gastric ulcer could intensify after eating.
Additional potential symptoms of a peptic ulcer encompass diminished appetite, a sensation of fullness or bloating in the abdomen, as well as occasional nausea and vomiting.
The predominant complication associated with a peptic ulcer involves bleeding as the ulcer extends deeper and harms blood vessels. In severe cases, this bleeding can lead to haematemesis (vomiting blood) and melaena (darkened stools), constituting a medical emergency. Persistent bleeding may result in iron-deficiency anaemia. In rare instances, an ulcer can perforate the digestive tract’s wall, resulting in peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining).
A less common complication involves the formation of scar tissue due to prolonged ulcers. Scar tissue development near the pyloric sphincter (the opening through which the stomach connects to the duodenum) can lead to constriction of the passage. This condition, known as pyloric stenosis, might obstruct the flow of food from the stomach to the duodenum, causing vomiting and weight loss.
Diagnosing an ulcer typically involves endoscopy of the stomach and duodenum or, less frequently, a barium meal. Tests are conducted to determine if the person is infected with the Helicobacter bacterium. In cases where infection is present, a combination of antibiotics and ulcer-healing medication will be administered as treatment. A follow-up test may be conducted to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. However, if Helicobacter is not identified (such as in cases related to NSAID usage), NSAIDs will be discontinued, and treatment with proton pump inhibitors or H2-blockers will be initiated.
Surgery is seldom necessary for peptic ulcers nowadays, except in cases of complications like bleeding or perforation.
Any ulcer that develops in the vicinity of the stomach or duodenum, encompassing gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and pyloric ulcers.
An ulcer located on the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, partially caused by the corrosive effects of stomach acid.