Peptic ulcers

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What is Peptic ulcers ?

Peptic ulcers are open sores that form on your stomach’s inner lining and on the upper portion of your small intestine. When you eat, your stomach produces hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin to digest the food. The food is partially digested in the stomach and then moves on to the duodenum to continue the process. Peptic ulcers occur when the acid and enzyme overcome the defense mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract and erode the mucosal wall. In the past it was thought that ulcers were caused by lifestyle factors such as eating habits, cigarette smoking, and stress.

Peptic ulcers include:

Peptic ulcer symptoms:

The most common symptom of peptic ulcer is intense pain to the stomach. Stomach acid, like an empty stomach, makes the pain worse. Eating certain foods that reduce stomach acid or taking an acid-reducing drug can often relieve the pain, but then it can come back. The pain between meals and at night can get worse.

How stomach ulcers are treated ?

Our Best gastroenterologist at Sims are internationally trained and they will guide you through every step from initial assessment to diagnosis and treatment. Treatment with gastroenterologist, most stomach ulcers will heal within a month or two. The stomach ulcer treatment recommended for you will depend on what caused the ulcer.

If you have burning pain in your upper stomach that is relieved by eating or taking antacids, call a health-care professional for an appointment. Don’t assume you have an ulcer. Certain other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

If you vomit blood or have other signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, go to an emergency department right away. Peptic ulcers can cause massive bleeding, which requires blood transfusion or surgery.