Peptic ulcers occur when the acids in the stomach corrode the digestive tract’s protective layer, called mucus. These same acids can even damage the walls of the intestine or oesophagus. Other factors responsible for peptic ulcers are:

• ● A bacterium called helicobacter pylori whose shape, scientists believe, evolved in a helical manner so that it can invade the mucous lining of the stomach. Most people have these bacteria in their bodies. They produce enzymes known as urease which create an alkaline environment and pacify the acids in the stomach. But, in some conditions, they increase the amount of acid and cause inflammation. Their entire mechanism of functioning is not very clear yet.
• ● Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen inhibit the growth of mucus cells, which makes it more vulnerable to the effects of acids and reduces the blood flow to the stomach as well.
• ● Stress causes stress ulcers. It aggravates the situation for those who are regular users of NSAIDs.
• ● Certain dietary habits, such as high intake of spicy foods, alcohol consumption, smoking, and caffeine, are said to have a minor effect in initiating ulcers.
• ● Gastric ischaemia or reduced blood supply to the tissues in the stomach.
• ● Inflammation in bowels which affects the gastrointestinal tract.
• ● Destruction of blood vessels due to inflammation, also known as vasculitis.
• ● Gastrin secreting tumours in the duodenum and pancreas exacerbate ulcers.

Symptoms of peptic ulcer vary depending upon the severity of the situation and age of the patient. Some of the symptoms which usually appear are:

• ● Abdominal pain or a burning sensation, which is correlated with the meals.
• ● A feeling of fullness in the stomach.
• ● Excessive production of saliva, a condition known as hypersalivation.
• ● Vomiting of blood.
• ● Loss of appetite followed by weight loss in the case of gastric ulcer. The contrary happens in the case of duodenal ulcer, i.e., weight gain.
• ● Tarry foul-smelling faeces.

The pain due to ulcers usually increases when the stomach is empty and flares up in the night. However, complications arise when blood starts oozing out in vomits, and at this point, ulcers become risky and can even cause death. Thus, it is extremely important to visit a doctor and get the ulcers diagnosed before the situation slips out of your hands.

Once you visit the doctor, an endoscopy will be carried out to confirm peptic ulcer. It helps in identifying the severity and location of the ulcer.

• ● To confirm the presence of ulcer-causing bacteria, the doctor might ask you to swallow urea and after an hour or so you will be asked to blow out in a sealed bag. This helps in identifying urease in the stomach, and the process is known as the urea breath test.
• ● Stool antigen test is carried out to confirm the presence of helicobacter pylori.
• ● Gastrointestinal X-Ray also helps in locating the ulcers.
• ● A biopsy is performed to rule out the possibility of cancer in the stomach.

The treatment for peptic ulcers depends on what caused them. If the presence of helicobacter pylori is confirmed, the doctor will recommend medicines, which help kill these bacteria. The medication will continue for 1-2 weeks. If the presence of helicobacter pylori is not detected, the problem pertains to the increased amount of acids in the stomach which needs to be reduced through Proton Pump Inhibitors. If the ulcers are due to NSAIDs, these will have to be stopped immediately, and the alternative medication has to be followed. In severe cases such as those in which bleeding occurs, surgery needs to be done.

Result : No doubt, peptic ulcers are devastating and painful but once treated, they will definitely provide you relief. Since they can reappear, try avoiding NSAIDs as much as possible and get a permanent treatment for the helicobacter pylori bacterium to exclude any chance of recurrence.

Complications can arise right after the surgery and in the later stage too. Some of the risks associated with the treatment for peptic ulcers are:

• ● Chances of ulcers appearing again
• ● Diarrhoea
• ● Deficiency of iron
• ● Dumping Syndrome – It is a situation in which the stomach dumps food very quickly into the duodenum.

Mild Ulcers usually heal on their own, but there are always chances that even healed ulcers can reappear. Therefore, it is important to visit a doctor if you feel the slightest of the symptoms.

A diet rich in Bioflavonoids helps reduce the effects Ulcers tend to leave. These include citrus fruits, red and yellow onion. Also, fibrous foods help in reducing acidic content.

Food with high acid content, caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes should be limited to prevent Ulcers.

The doctor will prescribe medicines like amoxicillin and clarithromycin for eradicating Helicobacter Pylori.

Yes, people do inherit ulcers from their parents, and they are more common among people with O blood group.