Peptic ulcers can be painful and cause extreme distress. Patients suffering from peptic ulcers can experience loss of appetite, anxiety and gastrointestinal bleeding. Contrary to popular belief, peptic ulcers are often caused by bacteria that have adapted to thrive in the linings of our upper digestive tract. Treatment of peptic ulcers often require the use of medications to reduce gastric acidity as well as antibiotics to kill the harmful bacteria.
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are open sores that appear on the inner linings of the upper gastric tract. They can be found in the esophagus, stomach and the initial segments of the small intestine, the duodenum. Gastric ulcers can cause tremendous pain and be exacerbated by stomach acid. Although stress and certain foods can exacerbate peptic ulcers, the cause is typically the presence of a certain type of bacteria. If left untreated, ulcers can become larger and lead to gastrointestinal bleeding and malnutrition as it becomes painful to eat.
Helicobacter Pylori
Helicobacter pylori, commonly referred to as H. pylori, are rod-shaped bacteria that can reside in the gastric and intestinal tract. It is unclear how the bacteria spreads or why it causes a symptomatic infection in certain individuals. Many carriers of H. pylori may never experience ulcers or symptoms. H. pylori have adapted to thrive in our stomachs and intestinal tract. The bacteria slowly erode the inner linings of our gastric tract, causing ulcer. A breath test that detects byproducts of H. pylori metabolism can determine if an individual has an infection.
Mechanism of Resistance
The stomach is a harsh environment that contains a strong acid to digest proteins, lipids and other biological compounds. This makes the stomach an inhospitable place for most living organisms. H. pylori can secrete enzymes, however, that neutralize stomach acid long enough for the bacteria to migrate to the mucosal lining of the stomach. They colonize this mucosal lining to further protect them from stomach acid and our immune system.
H. pylori Treatments
To eradicate H. pylori, patients usually must take a combination of drugs to both inhibit stomach acid secretion and kill the bacteria. Many different regimens are available, containing different combinations of antibiotics to target H. pylori. Patients should consult a physician to determine which drug regimen would be the most appropriate for them. Peptic ulcers can lead to serious complications and should always be evaluated by your physician.
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