Dietary and environmental stressors make peptic ulcers a common health problem, that if left untreated, can cause serious complications. Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in some part of the digestive tract. These sores typically form as a result of inflammation caused by the bacteria H. pylori or from erosion caused by an imbalance of stomach acids.
Only about a quarter of people with ulcers experience symptoms. In some cases, eating a meal can ease the pain, while in others, eating only makes the pain worse. The most common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating or the feeling of fullness, belching, heartburn, nausea and/or vomiting.
For many, the first indication of a peptic ulcer is when that ulcer starts to slowly bleed, causing symptoms of iron-deficiency anaemia. Anyone with the digestive symptoms above needs to be particularly aware of any signs of anaemia – pale skin colour, shortness of breath with physical activity, fatigue or lightheadedness. An ulcer that is bleeding more heavily may cause stools that are black and tarry or signs of blood in your stool or vomit. These latter symptoms can be an indication of a life-threatening condition and should be treated immediately.
The cause of an ulcer can’t always be determined, but the two most common factors are the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). H. pylorus is a bacterium that lives within the mucus in the digestive tract that can sometimes cause inflammation in the stomach lining that can lead to an ulcer. The risk is greater for smokers.
NSAIDs are among the most commonly used medications in the world, but they can make it hard for your digestive tract to protect itself from stomach acids. Moreover, these medications reduce the ability of your blood to clot, which can make a bleeding ulcer much more dangerous. Medications in the NSAID category include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
NSAIDs can also be present in combination medications used to treat colds or stomach upset, so you must be cautious about proper dosing and talk to your physician or pharmacist about any prescription or over-the-counter product you intend to take. If you use multiple medications, there’s a good chance you are taking more NSAID than you realize. Your risk of NSAID-related ulcers is higher if you drink alcohol, use corticosteroids, are over the age of 65 or have had ulcers in the past.
The important thing is not to ignore signs of digestive pain or dysfunction that last more than a few days. Ulcers – and potentially related anaemia – can be diagnosed with lab work, imaging, and/or an upper GI endoscopy. The condition can be treated at most any stage with some combination of medication and lifestyle changes. The consequences of not getting diagnosis and treatment can be devastating and are quite avoidable.
The first thing to do is talk to your personal physician about your symptoms and concerns.
Dr Anupam Sekhon is a physician at the DeTar Family Medicine Center. She is a first-year resident. Learn more about her at mydetardoctor.com.
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Only about a quarter of people with ulcers experience symptoms. In some cases, eating a meal can ease the pain, while in others, eating only makes the pain worse. The most common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating or the feeling of fullness, belching, heartburn, nausea and/or vomiting.
For many, the first indication of a peptic ulcer is when that ulcer starts to slowly bleed, causing symptoms of iron-deficiency anaemia. Anyone with the digestive symptoms above needs to be particularly aware of any signs of anaemia – pale skin colour, shortness of breath with physical activity, fatigue or lightheadedness. An ulcer that is bleeding more heavily may cause stools that are black and tarry or signs of blood in your stool or vomit. These latter symptoms can be an indication of a life-threatening condition and should be treated immediately.
The cause of an ulcer can’t always be determined, but the two most common factors are the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). H. pylorus is a bacterium that lives within the mucus in the digestive tract that can sometimes cause inflammation in the stomach lining that can lead to an ulcer. The risk is greater for smokers.
NSAIDs are among the most commonly used medications in the world, but they can make it hard for your digestive tract to protect itself from stomach acids. Moreover, these medications reduce the ability of your blood to clot, which can make a bleeding ulcer much more dangerous. Medications in the NSAID category include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
NSAIDs can also be present in combination medications used to treat colds or stomach upset, so you must be cautious about proper dosing and talk to your physician or pharmacist about any prescription or over-the-counter product you intend to take. If you use multiple medications, there’s a good chance you are taking more NSAID than you realize. Your risk of NSAID-related ulcers is higher if you drink alcohol, use corticosteroids, are over the age of 65 or have had ulcers in the past.
The important thing is not to ignore signs of digestive pain or dysfunction that last more than a few days. Ulcers – and potentially related anaemia – can be diagnosed with lab work, imaging, and/or an upper GI endoscopy. The condition can be treated at most any stage with some combination of medication and lifestyle changes. The consequences of not getting diagnosis and treatment can be devastating and are quite avoidable.
The first thing to do is talk to your personal physician about your symptoms and concerns.
Dr Anupam Sekhon is a physician at the DeTar Family Medicine Center. She is a first-year resident. Learn more about her at mydetardoctor.com.
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To Healthy Living.
TP Maluleke
Health And Wellness Coach
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