Understanding Peptic Ulcers: Causes, Treatments, and How They Affect Your Health

By Global Health Medical Team

Peptic ulcers are painful sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. These ulcers occur when the protective mucus layer is disrupted, allowing stomach acid to damage the underlying tissue. Though common, peptic ulcers can lead to serious complications if left untreated. At Global Health, we believe in raising awareness about such conditions to empower patients through education and prevention.

🔍 What Are Peptic Ulcers?

Peptic ulcers fall into two main categories:

• Gastric ulcers – found in the stomach

• Duodenal ulcers – found in the first part of the small intestine (duodenum)

  
  

These ulcers can affect people of all ages but are particularly common in adults.

⚡ Causes of Peptic Ulcers

Several factors can lead to the development of peptic ulcers:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection – a common bacterial cause.

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – such as ibuprofen or aspirin, which reduce protective prostaglandins in the stomach lining.

• Stress ulcers – often associated with severe burns (Curling’s ulcers) or critical illness (Cushing’s ulcers).

• Steroids and mechanical ventilation – especially in hospital settings.

• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (gastrinoma) – a rare condition that causes excessive acid production.

• Malignancy – ulcers caused by cancer should be ruled out.

• Lifestyle factors – such as smoking and excessive alcohol use can worsen or contribute to ulcer formation.

🩺 Clinical Symptoms

Peptic ulcers can be asymptomatic (especially in 20% of cases), but common symptoms include:

• Gnawing epigastric pain

  • Gastric ulcer: Pain worsens after eating.

  • Duodenal ulcer: Pain improves with food, returns hours later.

• Nocturnal pain – due to the natural rhythm of stomach acid secretion.

• Severe abdominal pain, guarding, or rigidity – may suggest perforation, a medical emergency.

🧪 Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

1. Endoscopy (EGD) and biopsy – to check for H. pylori or cancer.

2. Imaging – such as upright chest or abdominal X-rays if perforation is suspected.

3. Visual clues:

   • Multiple shallow ulcers – may indicate NSAID use.

   • Large, raised margins – could suggest malignancy.

   • Single deep ulcer – often linked to H. pylori.

   • Multiple ulcers in unusual places – might point to gastrinoma.

   
   
   
   

💊 Treatment Options

Managing a peptic ulcer involves both lifestyle adjustments and medical therapy:

1. Stop smoking

2. Avoid alcohol

3. Discontinue NSAIDs, if possible

4. Start proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – to reduce acid

5. Triple therapy for H. pylori – a combination of two antibiotics and a PPI

6. Surgical treatment – may be needed in cases of perforation or refractory ulcers (e.g., selective vagotomy

   
   

For ulcers caused by infection or medication, addressing the root cause often leads to complete healing.

🛡️ Prevention Strategies

• Limit the use of NSAIDs or take them with a protective medication (like a PPI).

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.

• Manage stress and underlying conditions.

• Screen and treat for H. pylori if symptomatic or in high-risk populations.

• Maintain regular checkups and report gastrointestinal symptoms early.

🌿 Impact on Overall Wellbeing

Untreated peptic ulcers can severely affect your quality of life, leading to:

• Chronic pain and fatigue

• Malnutrition – due to reduced appetite

• Bleeding ulcers – causing anemia or shock

• Perforation or obstruction – both are surgical emergencies

• Mental health strain – due to persistent pain or dietary limitations

  
  

Early detection and proper treatment are essential for recovery and preventing long-term complications.