When the acid present in the digestive tract causes damage to the inner surface of the small intestines or stomach, it causes peptic ulcers. It may lead to open sores that can be painful and may bleed as well. The inner lining of the digestive tract is made of mucus that acts as a protective layer against the acid. A peptic ulcer occurs when the amount of mucus is not enough, the layer of mucus becomes eroded, or if there is too much of acid in the digestive tract. Here are some of the common causes why this may happen.
- Taking pain relievers: Certain prescription and over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can inflame and irritate the inner lining of the small intestines and stomach. Regular intake of these medications can cause peptic ulcers. Ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium-based medications are some of the common pain relievers that carry the risk of peptic ulcer.
- Helicobacter pylori bacteria: These bacteria reside in the mucus layer that comprises the inner lining of the small intestines and the stomach. Under normal circumstances, the H. pylori bacterium does not cause any problem. However, in some cases, it may cause infection and inflammation, leading to the formation of peptic ulcers.
- Medications: Peptic ulcers can also develop due to the regular intake of other medications such as anticoagulants, steroids, low-dose aspirin, alendronate, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Are there any risk factors?
A number of lifestyle habits increase the risk of peptic ulcers. People who have been infected with the H. pylori bacteria will have an increased susceptibility to peptic ulcer if they smoke frequently. Drinking too much alcohol can also cause irritation and erosion of the mucous lining inside the small intestines or the stomach. This increases the amount of stomach acid and leads to peptic ulcer. Untreated stress can also increase the risk of peptic ulcers.
What are the common symptoms?
One of the most common symptoms of a peptic ulcer is burning pain that can extend from the chest to the abdomen. The pain can be mild or severe. In the early stages, there are no clear signs and symptoms. Some of the other symptoms include nausea, change in appetite, unexplained weight loss, dark or bloody stools, chest pain, indigestion, and vomiting. A person may also face difficulty in swallowing. There can be unusual weakness and pain that spreads to the back.
Complications of peptic ulcer
If left undiagnosed and untreated for a long time, peptic ulcers can lead to serious complications that include perforation, bleeding, and blockage.
- Perforations: These are holes that form in the walls of the small intestines and stomach. An untreated peptic ulcer burns through the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and develops into perforated ulcers. Food and digestive juices can seep into the abdominal cavity through these perforations.
- Blockage: Peptic ulcers that form at the end of the stomach can lead to scarring and swelling. This can close or narrow the intestinal opening. This prevents the food from moving to the duodenum (located at the start of the small intestines) from the stomach, which can cause vomiting.
- Bleeding: In some cases, a peptic ulcer may erode a blood vessel in the small intestine or stomach. This leads to bleeding. Black or red spots may appear in the stools or vomit due to this.
