Ulcers

At one time, it was highly advisable to keep a hot temper under wraps or avoid the third burrito from Taco Bell because these actions could possibly lead to a condition known as an ulcer. Stress and spicy foods used to carry most of the blame for the open sores that can grow on the inside lining of the stomach, upper small intestine, or esophagus. Today, the peptic ulcer is believed to come from a bacterial infection (among other things), which can be successfully remedied within a couple of weeks.

What is an Ulcer?

A distinct pain characterizes the open wound or sore that appears about the stomach and small intestines. Although the aliment is sometimes excruciatingly painful, the condition is very treatable and common. It is believed that close to 1 out of every 10 people will deal with an ulcer at one point in their lives.

The location of a peptic ulcer is what determines the name of the condition. When a peptic ulcer is found in the stomach, it is called a gastric ulcer. A duodenal ulcer is one that develops within the first part of the small intestine, also referred to as the duodenum. An esophageal ulcer is generally situated in the lower part of the esophagus, and is often linked with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Causes of an Ulcer

Contrary to popular and past medical belief, the stress and spicy foods once associated as the main cause of ulcers is now being replaced with the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium shaped like a corkscrew. H. pylori dwells and reproduces within the mucous layer that covers and protects the tissues that line the stomach and small intestine. Usually, the kind of bacteria is harmless, but when the mucous layer is disrupted, the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed with an ulcer as the result.

It is believed that people who suffer from peptic ulcers are those who have already sustained damage to the stomach lining or small intestine, increasing the chances of a bacteria invasion. H. pylori is a common infection in the gastrointestinal system and typically affects 1 in 5 people under the age of 30 and about half of the population older than 60. It isn’t yet clear how H. pylori spreads, but many doctors feel it originates from close person-to-person contact. Additional causes for peptic ulcers also include alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress.

Diagnosis

When paying a visit to the doctor, he or she may ask a series of questions regarding symptoms and overall health. A physical exam may follow. When symptoms are not severe and the patient is younger than 45 years of age, the doctor may then run a few tests to determine whether or not they display signs of H. pylori infection.

When older than 45, additional screening is needed, which may include an endoscopy. This will give the doctor a better picture of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and intestine. During this test, the doctor may also perform a biopsy, where small pieces of tissue at the ulcer are removed and then analyzed. This test may also reveal cancer cells, where in rare instances, a stomach ulcer may contain.