Stomach ulceration

Stomach Ulceration

A stomach ulceration, also known as a gastric ulcer, is a type of peptic ulcer disease that forms in the lining of the stomach. It is a lesion that develops on the stomach's mucous membrane, often causing pain and discomfort.

Causes

Stomach ulcers are primarily caused by an imbalance between the stomach's digestive juices and the protective layer that lines the stomach. This imbalance can be triggered by several factors, including:

• Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
• Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare condition that causes the stomach to produce too much acid

Symptoms

The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning pain in the abdomen, often between meals or during the night. Other symptoms can include:

• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of stomach ulcers typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests can include:

• Endoscopy, where a thin tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth into the stomach
• Barium swallow, a type of X-ray that allows the doctor to see the stomach and small intestine
• Tests for H. pylori infection, which can be done through blood, stool, or breath tests

Treatment

Treatment for stomach ulcers depends on the cause. If the ulcer is caused by H. pylori infection, a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is typically prescribed. If the ulcer is caused by NSAIDs, these medications may need to be stopped, and PPIs or other acid-suppressing medications may be prescribed.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for stomach ulcers include avoiding known risk factors, such as long-term use of NSAIDs, and managing conditions that increase stomach acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.