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Peptic Ulcer Disease
- Ulcers are "sores" that frequently affect the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
- Bacterial infection is the most common cause of duodenal ulcers.
- Stomach ulcers are often a side effect of pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily to treat arthritis.
- Alcohol ingestion, cigarette smoking, and emotional stress may also influence the development of an ulcer or interfere with its healing.
- Upper abdominal pain is the most common symptom of ulcers, but many ulcers cause no symptoms at all.
- Ulcers may hemorrhage (bleeding) into the gastrointestinal tract; this results in the passage of black ("tarry") stool. Very serious ulcer disease may also cause a blockage between the stomach and small intestine and this complication results in persistent vomiting. Severe pain results from the most urgent complication of ulcers - peritonitis caused by a tear through the wall of the stomach or duodenum.
- Almost all ulcers can be treated successfully, usually without surgery. Many ulcers can be prevented.
- Ulcer treatments include antibiotics, agents that neutralize gastric acid or reduce its secretion, and drugs that strengthen the resistance of the stomach and duodenum.
Latest page update: made by dr.rufusrajadurai
, Oct 8 2007, 12:17 PM EDT
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