About Ulcers
A Break in the Tissue Lining
Ulcers are breaks or holes that are found in the membranous protective lining of an organ. While they are relatively common and simple to treat in many instances, ulcers can cause serious discomfort and disrupt life. miVIP Surgery Centers can perform an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in order to help diagnose ulcers and provide a treatment plan.
Peptic ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are generally used to refer to a sore found in the digestive system. They are often located in the most upper section of the small intestine, which is known as the duodenum, and can also be found in the stomach; however, stomach ulcers are less common than those found in the duodenal. Even rarer, though still prevalent, are ulcers of the esophagus.
Who Gets Ulcers?
Peptic ulcers are quite common; statistics show that approximately 1 in every 10 Americans will suffer from one at some time during their life.
Common Causes of Ulcers
Conventional wisdom indicated for years that stress and poor diet are common causes of ulcers. While modern technology cannot validate this theory, a stress-free life and an all-around healthy approach can only benefit patients. Known causes include:
Excessive stomach acid
Overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium
It is important to note that 90 percent of all duodenal ulcers are contributed to H. pylori, as are approximately 80 percent of stomach ulcers.
Signs You May Have an Ulcer
Common symptoms of ulcers include:
Burning in the upper abdominal area
Bloating
Bloody, tarry or black stools
Heartburn
Nausea or vomiting
You should contact a medical professional right away if you have any of the above symptoms and are vomiting or passing blood. Weakness and dizziness may also be a sign of blood loss.
How Are Ulcers Treated?
The treatment options vary according to the apparent cause, but in many cases, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy can be performed to treat the bleed through cauterization, clipping the bleed site or injecting it with chemicals. Following the scope, treatment options may include:
Ulcers due to H. pylori – The bacterium is usually treated with a triple therapy containing two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor. Eliminating H. pylori helps treat more than 90 percent of patients.
Ulcers due to NSAIDs use – Stopping the use of NSAIDs is the fundamental method of treatment. Doctors will often treat the excessive acid with acid relief pills. Approximately two months later, up to 90 percent of all patients are generally healed.
Ulcers due to other causes – In many cases, controlling the food that causes pain and an increase in stomach acids can help treat the problem. Minimizing alcohol intake, stopping smoking, sleeping at an incline and eating small meals regularly have all been known to help.
Prognosis of Ulcers
By removing the contributing factors, such as H. pylori and NSAIDs, and effectively treating the issue, patients can usually see a difference within a few weeks. More serious ulcers can take a few months to heal.
Contact Us
If you suffer from any of the symptoms generally associated with ulcers, miVIP Surgery Centers can perform an EGD to view the lining of your esophagus, your stomach and the upper small intestine to look for ulcers and other issues. To learn more about ulcers, or to schedule your esophagogastroduodenoscopy, contact us today at 855-496-4847.
A Break in the Tissue Lining
Ulcers are breaks or holes that are found in the membranous protective lining of an organ. While they are relatively common and simple to treat in many instances, ulcers can cause serious discomfort and disrupt life. miVIP Surgery Centers can perform an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in order to help diagnose ulcers and provide a treatment plan.
Peptic ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are generally used to refer to a sore found in the digestive system. They are often located in the most upper section of the small intestine, which is known as the duodenum, and can also be found in the stomach; however, stomach ulcers are less common than those found in the duodenal. Even rarer, though still prevalent, are ulcers of the esophagus.
Who Gets Ulcers?
Peptic ulcers are quite common; statistics show that approximately 1 in every 10 Americans will suffer from one at some time during their life.
Common Causes of Ulcers
Conventional wisdom indicated for years that stress and poor diet are common causes of ulcers. While modern technology cannot validate this theory, a stress-free life and an all-around healthy approach can only benefit patients. Known causes include:
Excessive stomach acid
Overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium
It is important to note that 90 percent of all duodenal ulcers are contributed to H. pylori, as are approximately 80 percent of stomach ulcers.
Signs You May Have an Ulcer
Common symptoms of ulcers include:
Burning in the upper abdominal area
Bloating
Bloody, tarry or black stools
Heartburn
Nausea or vomiting
You should contact a medical professional right away if you have any of the above symptoms and are vomiting or passing blood. Weakness and dizziness may also be a sign of blood loss.
How Are Ulcers Treated?
The treatment options vary according to the apparent cause, but in many cases, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy can be performed to treat the bleed through cauterization, clipping the bleed site or injecting it with chemicals. Following the scope, treatment options may include:
Ulcers due to H. pylori – The bacterium is usually treated with a triple therapy containing two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor. Eliminating H. pylori helps treat more than 90 percent of patients.
Ulcers due to NSAIDs use – Stopping the use of NSAIDs is the fundamental method of treatment. Doctors will often treat the excessive acid with acid relief pills. Approximately two months later, up to 90 percent of all patients are generally healed.
Ulcers due to other causes – In many cases, controlling the food that causes pain and an increase in stomach acids can help treat the problem. Minimizing alcohol intake, stopping smoking, sleeping at an incline and eating small meals regularly have all been known to help.
Prognosis of Ulcers
By removing the contributing factors, such as H. pylori and NSAIDs, and effectively treating the issue, patients can usually see a difference within a few weeks. More serious ulcers can take a few months to heal.
Contact Us
If you suffer from any of the symptoms generally associated with ulcers, miVIP Surgery Centers can perform an EGD to view the lining of your esophagus, your stomach and the upper small intestine to look for ulcers and other issues. To learn more about ulcers, or to schedule your esophagogastroduodenoscopy, contact us today at 855-496-4847.
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