The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines a gastric peptic ulcer as an erosion in the lining of the stomach. This breakdown occurs when the mucus coating that protects the lining from stomach acid stops working properly. According to the Mayo Clinic, most peptic ulcers are caused by bacterial infections or medications, not a person's diet or level of stress.
Causes
There are several causes of gastric peptic ulcers. A bacterium called Helicobactor pylori lives in the layer of mucus that protects the stomach lining. This bacterium can cause inflammation of the gastric lining, leading to an ulcer. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may cause irritation of the stomach lining. Smoking increases the production of acid, which also increases the risk of developing an ulcer. Drinking alcohol also increases acid production and destroys the mucus layer of the stomach lining.
Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic states that the most common symptom of a gastric peptic ulcer is a burning pain caused by the stomach acid making contact with the ulcerated area of the lining. This pain may be worse at night or whenever the stomach is empty. Medications for heartburn or indigestion may provide temporary relief. A person with a gastric peptic ulcer may feel fatigue and nausea and may also experience vomiting and weight loss. Blood may be present in the person's stool.
Diagnosis
Blood tests will check for anemia and antibodies against bacteria. A stool sample can test for the presence of blood and bacteria. The doctor may also wish to perform an upper GI series. This test requires the patient to drink a barium solution to coat the digestive tract and highlight ulcers. X-rays are then taken. An upper endoscopy (EGD) may also be performed. A tube with a camera is inserted down the throat into the stomach while the patient is sedated. An EGD can also take samples of the stomach lining.
Treatment
Treatment of gastric peptic ulcers includes destroying bacteria in the stomach and reducing acid production. A combination of antibiotics is usually prescribed to treat Helicobactor pylori infection. Acid blockers reduce the production of acid in the stomach and promote healing, and antacids neutralize stomach acid and may provide pain relief. The doctor may prescribe a proton pump inhibitor to stop the action of acid-secreting cells within the stomach. Cytoprotective agents may also be employed to coat the lining of the stomach.
Complications
Untreated gastric peptic ulcers may lead to further medical problems. The ulceration can become a source of internal bleeding, leading to anemia. In addition, the ulcer could penetrate through the wall of the stomach, causing an infection in the abdominal cavity. Surgery is required to repair the perforation. Scar tissue may also develop inside the stomach. Depending on the area affected, this can cause obstruction of food passing through the digestive tract, which can lead to vomiting and weight loss.
Tags: gastric peptic, peptic ulcers, stomach lining, gastric peptic ulcer, gastric peptic ulcers