Peptic Ulcers

The most common causes of peptic ulcers include:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Infection caused by helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that weakens the protective lining of the stomach, thereby allowing acidic digestive juices to come into contact with the walls of the stomach and the duodenum
• Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• Smoking

Peptic ulcers may not display symptoms. Symptoms depend on the severity of your condition and may include the following:

• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Black stool, which is a sign of bleeding
• Burning sensation between meals in the upper stomach
• Changes in appetite
• Heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vomiting blood

Treatment of peptic ulcers depends on the severity and the cause of your condition. Treatment may include:

• Avoiding the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Discontinuing smoking and alcohol consumption
• Surgery to repair the stomach wall and stop the bleed (in severe cases)
• Taking prescribed antibiotics to kill the bacteria if you are infected with helicobacter pylori
• Using acid control medications to neutralise acid levels in the stomach

The most common complications of ulcers are bleeding and perforation of the stomach or duodenum walls.