A peptic ulcer is a sore in your stomach or duodenum, which is the upper part of your small intestine. Peptic ulcers occur when the protective layer of mucous on the inside of your gastrointestinal tract breaks down, leaving the underlying tissue susceptible to the damaging effects of stomach acid. "The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy" reports that only about half of peptic ulcer patients experience the well-known symptom of upper abdominal pain which resolves with eating.
Peptic Ulcer Causes
According to the October 2007 "American Family Physician," the majority of peptic ulcers in the United States are caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or similar agents. Both H. pylori -- a bacterial organism -- and nonsteroidal drugs disrupt the mucous layer in your stomach and allow acid to access its delicate lining. Whether an ulcer occurs in your stomach or in your duodenum influences the type of symptoms you have.
Peptic Ulcer Symptoms
The most common symptom of peptic ulcer disease is a burning or gnawing upper abdominal pain that is relieved by eating or taking antacids. This symptom, however, is only typical if the ulcer is in your duodenum. Ulcers in your stomach may not even produce pain, and if they do, eating could actually increase your discomfort. Other common symptoms of peptic ulcers include a constant sense of hunger, frequent belching, indigestion and bloating.
Pain Relief From Eating
The acid in your stomach helps to activate enzymes that are necessary for proper digestion of your food. If you have an ulcer, however, this acid irritates the exposed tissue, which causes pain for many individuals. When you put food in your stomach, it buffers and dilutes the acid, thereby alleviating your discomfort. Furthermore, whenever you eat, your pancreas produces its own enzymes, but they are secreted into your duodenum in an alkaline solution, which further buffers stomach acid.
Considerations
Peptic ulcers often present with pain, but not all ulcers cause pain that is relieved by eating. The avoidance of substances that further irritate your stomach lining, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, smoking or alcohol, will often reduce ulcer discomfort. Since many peptic ulcers are caused by H. pylori, however, antibiotic therapy is often required to eradicate these bacteria and allow your ulcer to heal. If you think you have a peptic ulcer, see your physician as soon as possible. Untreated ulcers can lead to serious complications, such as perforation, intestinal obstruction or life-threatening bleeding.
References
- "The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 18th Edition: Peptic Ulcer Disease"; Mark H. Beers, M.D., Editor-in-Chief; 2006
- "American Family Physician"; Peptic Ulcer Disease; K. Ramakrishnan, R.C. Salinas; October 2007
