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Peptic ulcer affects millions across the globe and impacts quality of life if it remains untreated. From lifestyle habits to infections, there are a range of factors influencing its development. We offer the process of its formation, signs to look out for and the ways to prevent it including tests like gastroscopy and endoscopy (endoscopie).
Peptic Ulcer or PUD is a condition where open sores form in your digestive tract. It results from the imbalance between destructive and protective factors of gastric mucosal.
PUD is a global problem with the risk of development being 5% to 10%. Untreated ulcers can lead to bleeding, blockages, and pose greater risk of stomach cancer. To maintain the overall digestive health and avoid chronic conditions it is essential to understand how PUD occurs.
As of 2023 the mortality rate from peptic ulcers across ages was 1.4. Despite the low mortality rate, the potential consequences are grave and need precaution.
You must look out for specific physical symptoms indicating PUD. With early screening and tests like gastroscopy and endoscopy (endoscopie) , medication, and dietary habits, this can be prevented and the risk of more serious health concerns can be avoided.
Our blog delves into the ways in which peptic ulcer forms, the signs to look for and the ways to prevent it.
What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Peptic Ulcer Disease is identified with painful open sores in the lining of the digestive tract. The ulcer is typically located in the first part of the small intestine. Usually these are characterized by burning stomach pain, which can also lead to bleeding.
| Gastric Ulcers | Duodenal Ulcers |
| These develop on the stomach lining | These form on the lining of duodenum |
| Pain aggravates after eating with increased acid secretion, further affecting the ulcer. | Pain is manageable after eating as food allows the stomach to neutralize acids before they reach the ulcer. |
| Can cause pain in lower abdomen | Can cause unprecedented weight gain |
| Usually caused by Helicobacter pylori infection | Typically caused by use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. |
Table 1: Difference between Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers
Whether you get an endoscopy (endoscopie) or gastroscopy, you can be aware of the causes behind ulcer.
How Does Peptic Ulcer Develop?
What leads to peptic ulcers? Here are some of the most common factors behind formation of peptic ulcers.
Stomach Acid and Imbalance in Mucosal Lining
Peptic Ulcer Disease is often caused by excess stomach acid. If stomach acid eats away the mucus protecting your digestive tract, it is bound to result in PUD.
Substances like acid and Pepsin are more active in the stomach, and thus most ulcers form in this area. You can be sure of this factor by taking a medically prescribed gastroscopy procedure.
Infection of H. Pylori
Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria type attacking your stomach lining and found in the duodenum and produces urease for neutralizing stomach acid. This not only allows them to survive but multiply.
The bacteria cause ulcers by:
- Damaging protective lining of the stomach that shields the organ from acid.
- The bacteria enter through the mouth and infects the small intestine.
- Damage of the stomach mucous lining results in inflammation and a condition called gastritis.
These factors mostly lead to damaging tissues in your stomach resulting in peptic ulcers. An endoscopy (endoscopie) recommended by your doctor can detect this as the cause and offer the right treatment.
Strong NSAID Use
The risk of peptic ulcers is high with complications of NSAID use. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug reduces fever, pain and inflammation while preventing blood clots.
These drugs contain the COX-1 enzyme that reduces production of prostaglandins, an important substance protecting the gastric lining. The reduced bicarbonate secretion makes the stomach vulnerable to acid effects, leading to ulcer formation.
Over Production of Acid
Stomach acid production can elevate with excessive intake of alcohol, increased smoking, and higher stress. Alcohol contains fatty acids that can lead to acid reflux, leading to more acid production.
Stress and smoking irritate the stomach lining and makes the lower esophageal sphincter weak.
This leads to acids not flowing back to it and staying in your stomach.
These factors result in excessive acid presence in the stomach, which affects the lining and eventually causes peptic ulcers.
Signs to Look Out For
| Signs | Area | Action |
| Abdominal Pain | Dull and burning pain between belly button and breastbone | Check-up |
| Bloating | Post-eating discomfort | Check-up |
| Nausea | A feeling of vomiting at all times | Check-up |
| Pain pattern | Pain worsens in empty stomach or after eating | Check-up |
| Blood vomiting | Dark blood being vomited out | Immediate medical attention |
| Weight loss | Concerning and sudden weight loss; weakness | Immediate medical attention |
Table 2: Symptoms to Detect Peptic Ulcers
Look out for these signs to know more about your condition. If you experience the less severe signs, try to get booked for gastroscopy.
How Can You Prevent PUD?
Here are some strategies that can prevent peptic ulcers and associated health dangers for you.
NSAID Use Limits
Since NSAID drugs are responsible for ulcer formation, limit the use after consulting a doctor. Limited use can reduce the negative effects.
No Smoking or Alcohol Intake
Avoid alcohol intake and smoking as it directly affects your stomach’s mucous lining.
Stress Management
Manage stress with meditation and relaxation, to reduce excessive acid secretion leading to ulcer.
Balanced Diet
A fibre-rich and low-on-spice diet can maintain the mucous balance in your stomach and prevent it from ulcer.
Health Check-ups
Regular checkups can detect H. pylori and treat it. Gastroscopy or endoscopy (endoscopie) can detect the root causes behind the symptoms and start early treatment for preventing ulcers.
Following these strategies can help you to save yourself from ulcer and its dangerous effects.
In Summation
Peptic ulcer is mainly caused by stomach lining damage which can be influenced by H. pylori, NSAID use, and excess stomach acid production. Prevent it with a healthy lifestyle, proper medication, consistent check-ups and early diagnosis.
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