Stomach Ulcer
What Is an ulcer?
A sore that develops on the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine
Who has done research on stomach ulcers?
In 2005, Barry Marshall and Robin Warren were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery that peptic ulcer disease (PUD) was primarily caused by Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium with affinity for acidic environments, such as the stomach
Signs and Symptoms?
Dark or black stool (due to bleeding)
- Vomiting blood (that can look like "coffee-grounds")
- Weight loss.
- Severe pain in the mid to upper abdomen
- A gnawing or burning pain in the middle or upper stomach between meals or at night
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Nausea or vomiting
What body systems are affected by ulcers?
Ulcers affect:
gastrointestinal tract
digestive tract
small intestine
lining of the stomach
How do you get a stomach ulcer?
- an infection with the bacterium
- long-term use in excess of the recommended dosage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome—a rare disease that makes the body produce excess stomach acid
- smoking
- frequent use of steroids (such as those for treating asthma)
- hypercalcemia (overproduction of calcium)
- family history of stomach ulcers
- being over 50 years old
- excessive consumption of alcohol
How common are stomach ulcers?
Affects about 4.6 million people annually
More frequent among men or women?
Approximately 11%-14% of men and 8%-11% of women develop ulcers. It is more common in men.
Is it more common in one ethnicity?
No, it is equal with everyone.
Treatments?
Medications are usually used to treat mild-to-moderate ulcers. If the cause is bacterial, antibiotics can help cure the ulcer. For recurrent, severe cases that do not respond to medication, surgery may be necessary.
Prognosis?
Most people with peptic ulcers get better when treated with the appropriate medicine. So over all a good prognosis!
How are ulcers diagnosed?
You will be instructed to drink a thick white liquid (barium) that makes the stomach and small intestine show up on X-rays. A radiologist will then read the X-rays to see if you have an ulcer, scar tissue, or a blockage that is preventing food from passing thru the digestive system normally
Works Cited
Everydayhealth. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2015. <http://www.everydayhealth.com/ulcer/diagnosis.aspx>.
Healthline. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2015. <http://www.healthline.com/health/stomach-ulcer#Overview1>.
Medicinenet. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2015. <http://www.medicinenet.com/peptic_ulcer/page2.htm>.
Webmd. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2015. <http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-peptic-ulcer-disease>.