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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Peptic Ulcer

Peptic Ulcer

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Symptoms & Signs

Prevention

Diagnosis & Tests

Treatment

Expectations or Prognosis

Complications

Calling Your Health Care Provider

Pictures & Images

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Alternate Names : Duodenal Ulcer, Ulcer - Duodenal or Gastric, Ulcer - Peptic


Definition

Ulcers are erosions (wearing away or corrosion) in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. (The duodenum is the first part of the small intestines, which connects to the stomach.) An ulcer in the stomach is called a gastric ulcer. An ulcer in the duodenum is called a duodenal ulcer. Together, ulcers of the stomach and duodenum are referred to as peptic ulcers.

Most ulcers are erosions of the first layer of the inner lining. If the hole goes all the way through, this is called a perforation of the intestinal lining. This can cause shock and is a medical emergency.

Pictures & Images

Ulcer Emergencies
Ulcer Emergencies

Gastroscopy Procedure
Gastroscopy Procedure

Location of Peptic Ulcers
Location of Peptic Ulcers

Cause of Peptic Ulcers
Cause of Peptic Ulcers

Stomach Disease or Trauma
Stomach Disease or Trauma

 
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Normally, the lining of the stomach and small intestines have protective mechanisms that prevent damage from the irritating acids produced in your stomach. For a variety of reasons, these protective mechanisms may become faulty, leading to a breakdown of the lining. This results in inflammation (gastritis) or an ulcer.

The most common cause of such damage is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Most people with peptic ulcers have this organism living in their gastrointestinal (GI) tract. On the other hand, many people have this organism living in their GI tract but they don't get an ulcer.

Other factors make it more likely for you to get an ulcer, with or without H. pylori. Such factors include:

  • Use of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
  • Excessive drinking of alcohol
  • Use of tobacco, like smoking cigarettes

In addition, if you have a family history of ulcers or you are blood type 0, you are more likely to get a duodenal ulcer. There is also a rare condition called Zolliger-Ellison syndrome in which a tumor in the pancreas secretes a substance that causes ulcers throughout the stomach and duodenum.

A once popular belief was that stress causes ulcers. This is not true. Stress may make you experience more pain from an ulcer and it may make it more difficult to heal from an ulcer. But, stress does not cause an ulcer.



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Definition
Peptic Ulcer Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Peptic Ulcer Symptoms & Signs
Peptic Ulcer Prevention
Peptic Ulcer Diagnosis & Tests
Peptic Ulcer Treatment
Peptic Ulcer Prognosis
Peptic Ulcer Complications
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Gastric Ulcer
Gastritis
Intestinal Obstruction
Peritonitis
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Tests & Exams

EGD - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Schilling Test
Stool Guaiac Test
Upper GI and Small Bowel Series

Other Topics

Abdominal Pain
Belching
Bloody or Tarry Stools
Chest Pain
Fatigue
Heartburn
Indigestion
Nausea and Vomiting
Shock
Vomiting Blood
Weight Loss - Unintentional

Review Date : 9/9/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma. and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Andrew J. Muir, M.D. M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (12/3/2001).

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A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial reviewers. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

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Page Last Updated: 20 Aug, 2008