Overview
PEPTIC ULCER: SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Small ulcers generally do not cause any symptoms. Some ulcers can cause severe bleeding.
- Abdominal pain
- Feeling of fullness
- Mild nausea
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Bloody or dark tarry stools
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
PEPTIC ULCER: CAUSES
Possible causes are:
- Too much consumption of alcohol
- Tobacco chewing
- Cigarette smoking
- Having radiation treatments
PEPTIC ULCER: TREATMENT
Treatment involves a combination of medications to kill the H. pylori bacteria (if present), and reduce acid levels in the stomach.
Patients who are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) may also be prescribed a prostaglandin analogue (Misoprostol) in order to help prevent peptic ulcers, which are a side-effect of the NSAIDs.
Perforated peptic ulcer is a surgical emergency and requires surgical repair of the perforation. Most bleeding ulcers require endoscopy urgently to stop bleeding with cautery, injection, or clipping.
Other Conditions & Treatments
- Acute Pancreatitis
- Crohn's Disease
- Dyspepsia (Indigestion)
- Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)
- Endoscopic Surgery
- Gastritis
- Haematemesis (Vomiting Blood)
- Hepatitis
- Hydatid Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Melena (Dark Stools)
- Odynophagia
- Proctalgia Fugax
- Steatorrhea