Home
| Health
| Digestive & Intestinal Health
| Ulcers
| Evaluation of Peptic Ulcer Disease
Evaluation of Peptic Ulcer Disease
by Casey Kanen
-
Overview
Peptic ulcers, commonly known as stomach ulcers, are erosions in the tissue lining of the stomach. They are caused by bacterial infection and are aggravated by external factors like smoking, alcohol and spicy foods. A proper evaluation of peptic ulcers is based on several factors including cause, any associated symptoms and what type of treatment is administered.
-
Symptoms
The severity of a peptic ulcer is often evaluated on its different symptoms. Pain is a common symptom that, even in small peptic ulcers, may cause abdominal discomfort and indigestion. Pain is usually worse when an individual has not eaten because there is nothing to absorb stomach acids. Pain may last minutes or hours at a time and flare up at different times of the day.
In severe cases, peptic ulcers may result in nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite and abnormal weight loss. They may also result in bloody vomit or stool. If you notice blood in your vomit or stool, seek medical attention immediately.
-
Tests
Ulcers are both diagnosed and evaluated through several different tests. A doctor may suggest a special X-ray (known as a barium upper gastrointestinal X-ray). Before the X-ray, a patient is asked to ingest a chalky, metallic liquid with barium in it that coats the stomach and makes peptic ulcers easier to detect. An endoscopy is one of the most efficient ways to detect a peptic ulcer. During an endoscopy, a long, flexible tube with an attached camera is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach. A doctor may use the endoscopy to visually detect the presence of a peptic ulcer or use it to remove a sample of stomach tissue for external biopsy.
-
H. Pylori
A doctor will test for the presence of a bacterium known as H. Pylori (short for Helicobacter pylori) during an evaluation. These bacteria are associated with stomach inflammation and result in infection. H. Pylori are usually diagnosed through either a breath or blood test and are treated through the use of antibiotics.
-
Treatment
Treatment can be administered once an ulcer has been evaluated. For small ulcers, lifestyle changes will both ease symptoms and lessen the chances of recurring ulcers. Avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine and smoking will help. Not taking anti-inflammatory medications over long periods of time will also lower one's chances of developing peptic ulcers. For more severe ulcers, antibiotics are usually prescribed. Powerful medicines known as proton pump inhibitors may also be employed to stem the production of acid in the stomach.
-
Warning
Do not attempt to evaluate or treat a peptic ulcer on your own. While there are some over-the-counter medication, such as antacids, that can reduce the symptoms of peptic ulcers, relief from these medications is short lived. Speak with a doctor if you experience chronic abdominal pain or notice blood in your vomit or stool. These are often indicators of peptic ulcers or similar abdominal complications that will require medical assistance to treat.
