A peptic ulcer is a deep pit that results from damage to the lining of the intestines. Gastric and duodenal ulcers are the two types of peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers result from excess acid production, infection or destruction of the protected layer of the stomach. Peptic ulcers are sometimes associated with pain while eating, and therefore they can lead to weight loss as a result of inadequate nutrition.
Causes of Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are most often caused by an infection, which is most commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that irritates the stomach lining. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may cause ulcers by destroying the protective layer of the intestinal wall. NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Certain cancers can result in increased stomach acid production, which can also lead to peptic ulcers. Alcohol is an irritant and can contribute to the formation of peptic ulcers.
Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers
The duration of peptic ulcer symptoms can vary, depending on the rate of healing. For example, continued production of excess stomach acid, despite treatment, can slow down the rate of healing. A person with a duodenal ulcer may experience constant distress, burning, achiness and soreness in the abdominal area; discomfort is decreased by eating and drinking fluids. In a person with a gastric ulcer, symptoms are usually unpredictable. Gastric ulcer symptoms may be exacerbated by eating and drinking fluids. Decreased appetite is also common in peptic ulcer disease.
Complications
Weight loss is a physically notable complication of peptic ulcer disease; it results from decreased food intake as a result of discomfort while eating. A peptic ulcer, when severe, can also perforate into nearby organs; the pain and discomfort associated with such perforation also interferes with nutrition. In some cases, gastric ulcers can lead to swelling of the stomach outlet, which is the opening through which food leaves the stomach. Swelling of the stomach outlet can lead to nausea and vomiting, which over time can lead to weight loss.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Peptic ulcer disease should be suspected when a person has the steady abdominal discomfort that is typical of the disease. Your doctor may choose to do an upper endoscopy, which is a test that involves the insertion of a scope down the throat and into the stomach to visualize the surface of the stomach and small intestine. A barium swallow, or a test that uses x-ray and contrast solution to visualize the contours of the stomach and intestine, may also be done in certain cases. A middle-aged male with persistent weight loss after treatment for peptic ulcer should be evaluated for colon cancer.
References
- Merck Manuals: Peptic Ulcer
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: H. pylori and Peptic Ulcers
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Kasper et al.; 2005
