Stomach ulcers can vary on their location, type, and etiology. Stomach ulcers fall under the broader category of peptic ulcer disease. A peptic ulcer is a tear in the mucosa that can develop in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. They can be due to stress, drugs, or the environment. The patient often presents with abdominal pain or heartburn. They can often be treated with medication.
Gastric ulcers
Gastric ulcers are located in the stomach. Ulcers can occur at any part of the stomach, but they most often occur in the antrum. These ulcers are usually due to NSAID use, such as aspirin or Motrin. These ulcers can also occur from H. pylori, a bacterial infection, according to "ACP Medicine."
Stress Ulcers
Some of these ulcers are called Curling and Cushing's ulcers. A Curling ulcers happens after a burn injury, while a Cushing's ulcer can occur after severe head trauma. Major hospitalizations from illness or surgery can also lead to stomach ulcers. These are not as common due to prophylactic treatment with anti-acid medications instituted at many hosptials. The etiology of these ulcers is thought to be due to acute tissue hypoxia.
Duodenal Ulcer
Duodenal ulcers occur in the duodenum, which is the first part of your small intestine. These ulcers are mostly commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori bacterial infections. If the patient is negative for H. pylori infection or NSAID use, serum gastrin levels should be checked. Gastrin is a hormone released that causes increased acid secretion, and these level are highly elevated when the patient has a gastrinoma. This is usually seen in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Cameron Ulcers
Cameron ulcers are linear erosions in the gastric mucosa that occur secondary to a hiatal hernia. Mayo Clinic describes a hiatal hernia as a part of the stomach pushing out of the diaphragm. These ulcers are proposed to be due to injury done by the surrounding diaphragm.
Idiopathic Ulcers
Some ulcers have an unknown etiology. These ulcers occur secondarily to certain drugs, conditions, or the environment. The patient is unaware of the causing agent. Cigarette smoking is associated with increased incidence of peptic ulcer disease.
References
- Peptic ulcer-Mayoclinic.com
- ACP Medicine: "Peptic Ulcer diseases"
