Peptic Ulcer Disease Treatment

When open sores or ulcers develop in the stomach or first section of the small intestine, the condition is known as peptic ulcer disease. The digestive system’s protective lining is destroyed by a bacterial infection in many cases of peptic ulcer disease. Ulcers are more prone to form in those who take painkillers often.

The illness known as peptic ulcer disease causes sores or ulcers to appear on the lining of the stomach or the first section of the small intestine (the duodenum). The stomach lining is often shielded from the effects of its digestive fluids by a thick coating of mucus. However, a number of factors can weaken this barrier, allowing stomach acid to harm the tissue.

Causes:

In the past, people believed that stress or particular meals may result in ulcers. However, scientists haven’t discovered any proof to back up their hypotheses. Instead, research has identified two primary causes of ulcers:

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
  • Pain-relieving NSAID medications.

The stomach is frequently infected by H. pylori. A H. pylori infection affects about 50% of people worldwide, often with no symptoms. According to researchers, H. pylori can spread from person to person, particularly during childhood.

The H. pylori bacteria adhere to the mucus layer in the digestive tract and create irritation, which can lead to inflammation and the breakdown of this protective coating. Because your stomach contains strong acids used to digest food, this breakdown is an issue. Acid can eat through stomach tissue without the mucus layer to protect it.

Pylori is present in most people, however, it generally has no deleterious effects. Only 10% to 15% of H. pylori carriers go on to develop ulcers.

The usage of NSAIDs, a class of drugs used to treat pain, is a significant contributor to peptic ulcer disease. The digestive tract’s mucus layer might become worn down by NSAIDs. These drugs may result in the development of peptic ulcers:

  • Aspirin (even those with a special coating).
  • Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn, and other brands of naproxen.
  • Ibuprofen, also known as Motrin, Advil, and Midol.
  • NSAIDs with prescription (Celebrex, Cambia, etc.).

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not an NSAID and won’t harm your stomach. A common recommendation for those who cannot take NSAIDs is acetaminophen.

Not all people who take NSAIDs experience ulcers. The most deadly combination is NSAID use with an H. pylori infection. People who regularly use NSAIDs and have H. pylori are more likely to suffer mucus layer damage, and this damage may be more severe. Utilizing NSAIDs raises your risk of developing an ulcer if you:
  • Use NSAIDs at high dosages.
  • Are at least 70 years old.
  • Are women.
  • Use NSAIDs concurrently with corticosteroids, which your doctor may give if you have lupus, arthritis, or asthma.
  • Long-term continuous use of NSAIDs
  • Has a background of ulcer illness.
Peptic Ulcer
Other Causes: Peptic ulcer disease is occasionally brought on by other circumstances. Ulcers may appear in certain people after:
  • being really unwell with different infections or illnesses.
  • undergoing surgery
  • using more drugs, such as steroids.
Additionally, peptic ulcer disease can manifest in people with the uncommon disorder Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (gastrinoma). In the digestive tract, a tumor of cells that produce acid is created by this disorder. These tumors may or may not be malignant. The acid that is produced in excess by the cells harms stomach tissue.
Symptoms: Some people who have ulcers show no symptoms. But symptoms of an ulcer can include:
  • Gnawing or scorching discomfort between meals or at night in your middle or upper stomach.
  • Pain that is momentarily relieved by eating or taking an antacid.
  • Bloating
  • Heartburn
  • Sickness or vomiting
Symptoms of severe instances can include:
  • A stool in a dark colour (due to bleeding).
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of weight.
  • Severe abdominal ache from the middle to the top.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis could be made by your healthcare professional after speaking with you about your symptoms. If you don’t use NSAIDs when you get an ulcer, H. pylori infection is probably to blame. You’ll require one of these examinations to confirm the diagnosis.

Endoscopy:

In order to identify whether you have an ulcer, your doctor may advise an upper endoscopy if you are experiencing significant symptoms. In this treatment, the doctor looks for anomalies by passing an endoscope—a thin, illuminated tube with a tiny camera—through your throat and into your stomach.

Tests for H. Pylori:

Pylori tests are now often performed and your doctor will modify your medication to ease your symptoms and eradicate the bacteria. The quickest and easiest method to find H. pylori is a breath test. Additionally, your healthcare professional may do a blood or stool test or collect a sample during an upper endoscopy to check for it.

Imaging examinations:

Imaging techniques like X-rays and CT scans are utilized to find ulcers less commonly. You must consume a special liquid that covers the digestive tract and increases the visibility of ulcers on imaging devices.

Treatment:

During an endoscopic procedure, if your ulcer is bleeding, your doctor may administer medicine injections to treat it. To close it off and halt the bleeding, your doctor may also use a clamp or cauterization, which involves burning tissue.

Get the best treatment for Peptic ulcers by the best Peptic ulcer treatment doctor in Noida, Ghaziabad.

Most commonly, doctors use one of the following drugs to treat ulcers:

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPI): By lowering acid levels, these medications help the ulcer heal. Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, and Nexium are examples of PPIs.
  • Histamine receptor blockers (H2 blockers): These medications, which include Tagamet, Pepcid, Zantac, and Axid, also decrease the formation of acid.
  • Antibiotics: These drugs eliminate germs. They are used by doctors to treat H. pylori.
  • Protective drugs: These drugs act as a liquid bandage, covering the ulcer to shield it from additional harm from digestive acids and enzymes. Doctors frequently advise Pepto-Bismol or Carafate.

Contrary to popular perception, stress or the things you eat do not induce ulcers. Most often, bacteria is to blame. Antibiotics and other drugs can be used by doctors to treat the bacterium.

The best thing you can do for your health is to consult your physician if you’ve been taking a lot of antacids lately, if you’re continuously nibbling to relieve a gnawing discomfort in your stomach, or if you have any other symptoms of an ulcer. An ulcer can be cured with treatment in a few weeks. To know more book your appointments for peptic ulcer treatment by the best liver doctor in Noida, Ghaziabad.

Dr. Sushrut Singh

Dr. Sushrut Singh is an Additional Director in the Department of Liver and Digestive Sciences at Fortis Hospital, Sector-62, Noida. . Having pursued both his M.B.B.S. and M.D. from the King George’s Medical College, Lucknow, he went on to complete his postgraduate super-speciality in Hepatology from the only Liver University in Asia under the guidance of most renowned Prof. Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin from the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi.

  • Speciality : Liver Specialist, Hepatologist, Gastroenterologist
  • Degree : M.B.B.S., M.D., D.M.
  • Experience : 12+ Years
  • Phone : +91 93153 54431
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