What are the signs of a duodenal ulcer?
What are the symptoms of a peptic ulcer?Peptic ulcers may cause symptoms of indigestion. Common symptoms include Show
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of a peptic ulcer. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of a peptic ulcer. The pain may be dull or burning and may come and go over time. For some people, the pain may occur when the stomach is empty or at night, and it may go away for a short time after they eat. For other people, eating may make the pain worse. Many people who have peptic ulcers don’t have any symptoms. They may not develop symptoms until an ulcer leads to complications. You should call or see your doctor right away if you have symptoms that could be caused by a complication. These symptoms include
What causes peptic ulcers?The most common causes of peptic ulcers are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other causes of peptic ulcers are uncommon or rare. People with certain risk factors are more likely to develop ulcers. H. pyloriH. pylori infection is a common cause of peptic ulcers. Researchers are still studying how people become infected with H. pylori bacteria. The bacteria may spread from person to person through contact with an infected person’s vomit, stool, or saliva. Food or water contaminated with an infected person’s vomit, stool, or saliva may also spread the bacteria from person to person. NSAIDsTaking NSAIDs—such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen—is another common cause of peptic ulcers. NSAIDs relieve pain, but they also make the stomach lining more prone to damage and ulcers. Some types of NSAIDs are more likely to cause ulcers than others. You have a higher chance of developing a peptic ulcer due to NSAIDs if you take
Other causesLess common causes of peptic ulcers include
Less common causes of peptic ulcers also include certain diseases and health conditions, such as
In rare cases, doctors can’t find the cause of peptic ulcers. Doctors may call ulcers with unknown causes idiopathic peptic ulcers. About stomach ulcersStomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. Ulcers can also occur in part of the intestine just beyond the stomach. These are called duodenal ulcers. Stomach and duodenal ulcers are sometimes called peptic ulcers. This information applies to both. Symptoms of stomach ulcersAlthough the most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the abdomen (tummy). Not all stomach ulcers are painful. Some people experience:
You should speak to your GP if you think you have a stomach ulcer. More about the symptoms of a stomach ulcer Get urgent medical adviceSpeak to your GP immediately (or phone the 111 service) if:
These could be a sign of a serious complication. What causes stomach ulcers?Stomach ulcers occur when the layer protecting the stomach lining from stomach acid breaks down. This allows the stomach lining to become damaged. This is usually caused by:
There's little evidence that stress or certain foods causes stomach ulcers. More about the causes of stomach ulcers Treating stomach ulcersYou'll be treated using antibiotics if your ulcer was caused by a H. pylori infection. This kills the bacteria and should prevent the ulcer coming back. You'll be treated using a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) if your ulcer was caused by NSAIDs. Your doctor will prescribe these and discuss whether you should keep using NSAIDs. Alternative medication to NSAIDs, such as paracetamol, may be recommended. Most stomach ulcers take a few months to heal after treatment. However, stomach ulcers can come back after treatment, although this is less likely to happen if the underlying cause is addressed. More about treating stomach ulcers ComplicationsComplications are rare but can be very serious and potentially life-threatening. The main complications include:
More about the complications of stomach ulcers Stomach ulcer symptomsThe most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain that develops in your abdomen (tummy). However, some stomach ulcers aren't painful and are only noticed when a complication develops, such as bleeding from the ulcer. Tummy painThe pain caused by a stomach ulcer can either travel:
And:
Taking antacids (indigestion medication) may temporarily relieve the pain, but it will keep coming back if the ulcer isn't treated. Less common symptomsLess common symptoms of a stomach ulcer include:
Some people also find they burp or become bloated after eating fatty foods. Stomach ulcer causesStomach ulcers are usually caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These can break down the stomach's defence against the acid it produces to digest food. The stomach lining then becomes damaged causing an ulcer to form. H. pylori bacteriaH. pylori bacteria live in the stomach lining. The bacteria can irritate the stomach lining and make it more vulnerable to damage from stomach acid. Infections are common. It's possible to be infected without realising it because the infection doesn't usually cause symptoms. People of all ages can be infected. It's not clear exactly why some people are more vulnerable to the effects of H. pylori bacteria than others. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)NSAIDs are medicines widely used to treat pain, a high temperature (fever) and inflammation (swelling). Commonly used NSAIDs include:
Many people take NSAIDs without having any side effects. But there's always a risk the medication could cause problems, such as stomach ulcers, particularly if taken for a long time or at high doses. You may be advised not to use NSAIDs if you currently have a stomach ulcer or if you've had one in the past. Paracetamol is a safer painkiller to use. More about NSAIDs Lifestyle factorsThere's little evidence that stomach ulcers are caused by:
But these can make the symptoms worse. However, smoking can:
Stomach ulcer diagnosisIf your GP thinks you have an ulcer, they
In some cases, you may be referred for a gastroscopy to look for an ulcer inside your stomach. Testing for H. pylori infectionIf your GP thinks your symptoms might be caused by an H. pylori infection, you'll be offered a:
Urea breath testYou'll be given a special drink containing a chemical that's broken down by H. pylori. Your breath is then analysed to see whether or not you have an H. pylori infection. Blood testA sample of your blood's tested for antibodies to the H. pylori bacteria. Antibodies are proteins produced naturally in your blood to help fight infection. This test's now largely been replaced by the stool antigen test More about blood tests GastroscopyA gastroscopy is a procedure that involves passing a thin, flexible tube (an endoscope) with a camera at one end into your mouth and down into your stomach and first section of the small intestine (duodenum). You may:
The images taken by the camera will usually confirm or rule out an ulcer. A small tissue sample may also be taken from your stomach or duodenum to test for the H. pylori bacteria. You'll have this procedure as an outpatient in hospital. This means you won't have to spend the night. You may have a repeat gastroscopy after 4 to 6 weeks to check that the ulcer's healed. Stomach ulcer treatmentIf you have a stomach ulcer, your treatment will depend on what caused it. With treatment, most ulcers heal in a month or two. Treating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infectionIf your stomach ulcer's caused by a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection, you'll be given:
This is also recommended if it's thought your stomach ulcer's caused by a combination of an H. pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). AntibioticsIf you have an H. pylori infection, you'll usually be prescribed a course of 2 or 3 antibiotics. The most commonly used antibiotics are:
You should take these twice a day for a week. Side effectsThe side effects of these are usually mild, but can include:
Further testingYou'll be re-tested at least 4 weeks after finishing your antibiotic course to see if there are any H. pylori bacteria left in your stomach. If there are, a further course of eradication therapy using different antibiotics may be given. Ulcers caused by NSAIDsIf your stomach ulcer's caused by taking NSAIDs:
Alternative painkillersYou may be advised to use an alternative painkiller not associated with stomach ulcers, such as paracetamol. COX-2 inhibitors are sometimes recommended. These are an alternative type of NSAID that's less likely to cause stomach ulcers. Low-dose aspirinIf you're taking low-dose aspirin to reduce your risk of blood clots, your GP will tell you whether you need to keep taking it. If you do, you may also be prescribed long-term treatment with a PPI or H2-receptor antagonist to prevent further ulcers. ComplicationsIt's important to understand the potential risks associated with continued NSAID use. You're more likely to develop another stomach ulcer and could experience a serious complication, such as internal bleeding. Read more about the complications of stomach ulcers Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. This prevents further damage to the ulcer as it heals naturally. The most commonly used PPIs are:
They're usually prescribed for 4 to 8 weeks. Side effectsSide effects of these are usually mild, but can include:
These should pass once treatment has been completed. H2-receptor antagonistsSometimes a type of medication called H2-receptor antagonists are used instead of PPIs. These also reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Ranitidine is the most widely used H2-receptor antagonist for treating stomach ulcers. Side effectsSide effects are uncommon, but can include:
Antacids and alginatesAs these treatments can take several hours before they start to work, your GP may recommend taking additional antacid medication. Antacids:
Some antacids also contain a medicine called an alginate, which produces a protective coating on the lining of your stomach. Antacids containing alginates are best taken after meals. You can buy these medications at pharmacies. Your pharmacist can tell you which is most suitable for you. Side effectsSide effects of both medications are usually mild, but can include:
Lifestyle changesThere aren't any special lifestyle measures you need to take during treatment. However, avoiding stress, alcohol, spicy foods and smoking may reduce your symptoms while your ulcer heals. Stomach ulcer complicationsComplications of stomach ulcers are rare, but can be very serious. The main complications are:
Internal bleedingInternal bleeding's the most common complication of stomach ulcers. It can occur when an ulcer develops at the site of a blood vessel. The bleeding can either be slow and long-term, or rapid and severe. Slow, long-term bleedingSlow, long-term bleeding can lead to anaemia. Symptoms of anaemia include:
You should visit your GP if you have persistent symptoms of anaemia. If they think you have a stomach ulcer, they may refer you to a gastroenterologist for an examination and treatment. More about anaemia Severe bleedingContact your GP or the NHS 24 111 service immediately if you have symptoms of more severe bleeding, including:
Stopping severe bleedingAn endoscopy will be used to identify the cause of the bleeding. Treatment can be given during the endoscopy to stop the bleeding. Sometimes:
Blood transfusions may also be needed to replace the blood you've lost. PerforationPerforations are a rarer complication of stomach ulcers. This is when the lining of the stomach splits open. This can be very serious because it lets the bacteria that live in your stomach escape and infect the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum). This is known as peritonitis. PeritonitisIn peritonitis, an infection can rapidly spread into the blood (sepsis) before spreading to other organs. This carries the risk of multiple organ failure and can be fatal if left untreated. The most common symptom of peritonitis is sudden abdominal pain, which gets steadily worse. If you have this type of pain, contact your GP or the NHS 24 111 service immediately Peritonitis is a medical emergency that requires hospital admission. In some cases, surgery may be needed. Gastric outlet obstructionIn some cases, an inflamed (swollen) or scarred stomach ulcer can obstruct the normal passage of food through your digestive system. This is called a gastric outlet obstruction. Symptoms include:
Treating a gastric outlet obstructionAn endoscopy can be used to confirm the obstruction. If the obstruction's caused by inflammation, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2-receptor antagonists can be used to reduce stomach acid levels until the swelling goes down. If the obstruction's caused by scar tissue, surgery may be needed. This can involve passing a small balloon through an endoscope and inflating it to widen the site of the obstruction. What does duodenal ulcer pain feel like?The most common ulcer symptom is a dull or burning pain in your belly between your breastbone and your belly button (navel). This pain often occurs around meal times and may wake you up at night. It can last from a few minutes to a few hours.
What is the most reliable symptom of duodenal ulcer?The most common complaint is a burning pain in the stomach. Duodenal ulcers may also cause abdominal pain a few hours after eating. This pain tends to respond well to medications or foods that reduce stomach acid, but as the effects of these wear off, the pain usually returns.
What aggravates a duodenal ulcer?If you have an ulcer, avoid the things that make your ulcer pain worse. This means to avoid spicy foods, alcohol and smoking. If you have to take aspirin or ibuprofen for chronic pain, talk to your doctor.
What is the fastest way to cure duodenal ulcer?Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces, preventing further damage to the ulcer as it heals naturally. They're usually prescribed for 4 to 8 weeks. Omeprazole, pantoprazole and lansoprazole are the PPIs most commonly used to treat stomach ulcers.
|