Overview

Stomach disorder is one of the health issues that disturbs an individual’s internal and external systems. The person is unable to concentrate on things and perform routine functions smoothly. Issues such as food poisoning can be caused due to consumption of junk and unhealthy food or unsafe drinking water. It, too, can hamper the stomach's functioning and lead to peptic ulcer disease. A burning stomach, indigestion, and heartburn can also identify the disease.

What is peptic ulcer disease?

Peptic ulcer disease refers to the formation of open sores or ulcers in the stomach lining, upper small intestine, or oesophagus. It occurs when the protective lining of these digestive organs is damaged, allowing stomach acid and digestive juices to irritate and erode the tissues.

Causes of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease is primarily caused by an imbalance between factors that promote the erosion of the protective lining of the stomach or small intestine and those that promote its defence. The main causes include:

- Acidic Attack- Excess flow of acid in the inner lining of the stomach is one of the major causes of the disease. Conditions that cause an increase in stomach acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, can contribute to the development of peptic ulcers. Elevated levels of stomach acid can overwhelm the protective mechanisms of the stomach lining. The mucous layer protecting the stomach is also damaged by the acidic attack leading to multiple digestion and stomach disorders.
- Bacterial Infection- Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that can cause stomach disorders. The bacterial infection can destroy the protective inner lining of the stomach and small intestine. The infection can spread by physical contact, such as kissing or sharing food or liquids. The bacterial infection can lead to stomach lining inflammation, causing stomach pain. Hence, it is advised to avoid sharing food and water to avoid spreading infection.
- Regular use of Painkillers- Regular use of painkillers such as aspirin, NSAIDs, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and many similar medications may destroy the inner protective lining of the stomach. The lining of the small intestine may also be destroyed due to the regular use of painkillers and similar medications.
- Regular use of Other Medications- Regular consumption of medications such as steroids, alendronate, risedronate, low-dose aspirin, anticoagulants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may also enhance the risk of an individual getting affected by the stomach ulcer.
- Other Factors- Rarely, factors like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (a rare tumour that produces excess stomach acid) or genetic predisposition can contribute to developing peptic ulcers.

Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Mentioned below are some peptic ulcer symptoms that help to identify the disease in its initial stages to begin the treatment at the right time:

- Stomach Ache- An individual suffering from a stomach ulcer may experience extreme pain in the centre of the stomach due to ulcer formation. The individual may not be able to carry out routine functions comfortably. The condition can also be accompanied by heartburn and nausea in case of severe symptoms. The acid reflux caused due to the disease is also one of the symptoms of the disease.
- Bloating- The patient affected by the disease may feel bloated most of the day, feeling uncomfortable. The patient may also feel full and may lack appetite. These symptoms are observed due to scarring, infection, and damage caused to the inner lining of the stomach and the small intestine. If the condition is not treated correctly, the affected patient may suffer from vomiting and feeling weak.
- Heartburn- It is a medical situation in which stomach acid flows towards the oesophagus, making the patient uncomfortable. The patient is unable to have proper digestion. The affected individual may also feel a vomiting sensation continuously.
- Black or Tarry Stools- Blood loss from a peptic ulcer can lead to the appearance of black or tarry stools, indicating gastrointestinal bleeding

Treatment Options for Peptic Ulcer Disease

Mentioned below are some of the treatment options and medications for the stomach ulcer:

- Antibiotics- Doctors prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the disease. These medications help to kill the bacteria and also help lower the bacterial infection. Medications such as amoxicillin, metronidazole, tinidazole, and levofloxacin can help lower bacterial infections.
- Medications to Lower Acidic Damage- Medications like Proton Pump Inhibitors and H2 Blockers help to lower the acidic damage and control the cells producing acid and are also prescribed by the doctor. These medications help quicker healing and lower the symptoms such as stomach aches, heartburn, and acid reflux. PPIs, omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole, and other similar medicines help lower the acidic damage.
- Other Vital Medications- The doctor prescribes medications to stop acid production, neutralise acid, and protect the inner lining of the stomach and small intestine. Medicines such as Carafate, antacids, cimetidine, and other similar medicines help lower the disease's symptoms.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Gastroenterology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Peptic Ulcer Disease is a form of stomach disorder due to bacterial infection causing heartburn, acid reflux, stomach pain, and other digestive issues. The disorder can also cause different other stomach problems if not treated at the right time. Medications can help to lower the symptoms and damages caused due to the disease.

FAQs

Q. What is peptic ulcer disease? A. The stomach disorder caused due to bacterial infection damaging the inner lining of the stomach and small intestine is known as peptic ulcer disease.

Q. What are the symptoms of the stomach disorder? A. Heartburn, acid reflux, stomach pain, and vomiting sensations are some symptoms of stomach disease.

Q. What are the treatment Options for Peptic Ulcer Disease? A. Antibiotics(amoxicillin, metronidazole, tinidazole), H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, etc are some of the medications used to treat Peptic Ulcer Disease.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/peptic-ulcer-disease/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peptic-ulcer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354229