Peptic ulcers, commonly known as stomach ulcers, are sores developing in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. They are caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which causes stomach infections, increased usage of anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol, and increased stomach acid, causing the erosion of the cavity lining. There are gastric, oesophagal and duodenal ulcers, which are becoming a common health problem. Once diagnosed peptic ulcers should be treated immediately to prevent further complications such as perforations in the stomach lining, internal bleeding leading to blood loss or development of scar tissue which develops after the injury.
To diagnose the infection, an H.pori test is taken to test for the infection. Upper endoscopy is used. A long tube with lenses is inserted to examine the ulcer infection inside your stomach and take tissues for further study. The upper gastrointestinal test may also be used to take a stomach X-ray with the aid of a barium swallow, which makes the X-ray more visible. This test will help to study the illness and provide treatment. The medication will aim to decrease acid production in the stomach.
The doctor can recommend a combination of medications to treat the ulcers. These include Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole tetracycline or levofloxacin, which inhibits or kills bacterial growth. Proton pump inhibitors reduce the acid production in the stomach and promote healing. These drugs can be prescribed over the counter, and examples include omeprazole, rabeprazole, and pantoprazole. Anti-acid tablets can also be issued to counterattack the concentration of the acid in the stomach by neutralizing it. Acid blockers ranitidine and famotidine can also be prescribed. Cytoprotectives such as Sucralfate and Cytotec may also be used to coat the stomach lining, hence preventing the effects of acid corrosion. The patient has to take the medication for up to 2 weeks. In extreme cases, medication can take up to eight weeks to completely heal. Peptic ulcers can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle and treated with proper medication. Refractory ulcers, ulcers which do not usually heal, may be controlled by removing factors which are inhibiting the healing and then administering the medication.
