Peptic ulcers can occur in the stomach, duodenum or esophagus. This condition happens when there’s a break in the lining of these interior body parts. When it occurs in the stomach, it’s called a gastric ulcer. In the duodenum, it’s a duodenal ulcer, and in the esophagus, it’s called an esophageal ulcer. Peptic ulcers happen when peptic acids erode the lining of these organs. A peptic ulcer extends more in-depth into the lining, and it also causes an inflammatory reaction. Occasionally, there’s scarring involved with the peptic ulcer. This condition is relatively common, and it tends to recur too. In fact, ulcers which have already healed can reoccur unless you take steps to prevent them. Here are some causes, symptoms, and treatments for peptic ulcers:

Burning Pain in the Stomach

The most common symptom of peptic ulcer is a burning pain in the stomach. When there’s an excess of acids in your stomach, it will make the pain even worse. Also, an empty stomach can exacerbate the pain. Usually, you can ease the pain by eating certain types of food which may act as a barrier for the stomach acid. You can also take medications which can reduce stomach acids. However, the pain may come back after the effects of the medication wears off. Usually, the burning pain becomes worse at night or in between meals.

Breathing Problems

Those suffering from peptic ulcers may also have breathing difficulties. They have an imbalance between pepsin and acids. Also, their digestive tract isn’t able to protect itself from those harsh compounds. This causes pain which may sometimes lead to the breathing difficulties. To alleviate this symptom and the other effects of peptic ulcers, you can take an antacid. These medications help to neutralize your stomach acids to provide quick relief from the pain and other symptoms. However, you can’t use them to heal your ulcers. When treating peptic ulcers, you also need to repair them to prevent complications.

Belching, Bloating and Feeling Full

If you have peptic ulcers, you may also belch frequently and experience bloating and a feeling of fullness. This condition is a lot more common in those who often take pain medications. It’s also common in those who take medications for osteoarthritis. There are different ways to treat the condition. For one, you may have to undergo endoscopy. This is a procedure wherein the doctor would use a hollow tube with a lens to examine the upper portion of your digestive system. Through this procedure, your doctor can look for the ulcers. The only way a doctor can recommend the right treatment is after a successful diagnosis.

Changes in Appetite

Another possible symptom of peptic ulcer is a change in appetite. This may happen because you’re always feeling pain from the ulcers. You may even avoid eating certain foods, especially the ones that make the pain worse. To improve this symptom, you will have to take medicines as per suggested by a doctor. There are medications which can help reduce the production of acids. These medications, also known as H2 blockers can relieve the pain caused by ulcers. They can also promote healing, so you don’t have to change your eating habits.

Intolerance to Fatty Foods

Aside from appetite changes, you may also notice intolerance to fatty foods. This is another symptom of peptic ulcers. When you’re suffering from peptic ulcer, fatty foods may worsen your condition. Consuming such foods may also cause the other symptoms of the condition. Again, you can take medications to alleviate the symptom. There are some medicines which can protect the lining of your esophagus, stomach or duodenum. In some cases, the doctor may also prescribe cytoprotective agents. These can help protect the tissues which line your small intestines and your stomach.

Unexplained Loss of Weight

Another symptom of peptic ulcers is a sudden and unexplained loss of weight. But when you consider the previous signs, they may be the cause of the weight loss. Because of your appetite changes and your intolerance to fatty foods, you may start losing some serious pounds. To treat peptic ulcers and the painful symptoms that come with it, the best thing to do is take the right medications. There are antacids which can safely and efficiently treat your condition. However, when you stop taking them, then the ulcers may return. Because of this, it’s best to seek professional advice to help heal the peptic ulcer which is the source of all the symptoms.

Nausea and Vomiting

There are times when the cause of your peptic ulcers stems from bacteria. The Helicobacter pylori bacteria typically live in the mucous layer which protects the tissues those which line your small intestine and stomach. Sometimes, these bacteria can cause inflammation which produces the peptic ulcer. Along with the other symptoms, you might also experience nausea and vomiting. If you have peptic ulcers caused by bacteria, you need a different type of treatment. You should seek treatment for the ulcer and the bacterial infection too. Unfortunately, the bacteria may be very difficult to eradicate. You may need several medications including antibiotics.

Heartburn

Heartburn is another symptom of a peptic ulcer. This is a burning sensation felt between your breastbone and your navel. This pain may last for minutes or hours. You may also experience heartburn intermittently for weeks. The best way to treat heartburn is by taking antacids. These types of medication will provide instant relief from the pain.

Blood in Stool or Vomit

If you don’t seek treatment for your peptic ulcers, they may worsen over time. As the peptic ulcers become severe, you may experience more troubling symptoms. Severe peptic ulcers may cause bleeding in the affected organs. Because of this, you might start seeing blood in your stool or vomit. When you notice either of these symptoms, you need to seek medical help immediately. This is important because these symptoms indicate that your condition has already become severe. Consult with your doctor so you can get the appropriate treatment for your peptic ulcers.

Varying Symptoms

The symptoms of peptic ulcers may vary from person to person. They may also change according to the body part that’s affected by the ulcers. Common symptoms include indigestion and abdominal discomfort. You may experience these either before or after consuming a meal. Also, people may experience more intense pain in the middle of the night or early in the morning. Usually, the pain lasts for a few minutes to a few hours. For the pain, the best treatment would be to take antacids or similar medications. But to heal your peptic ulcers, you need to ask your doctor for the best form of therapy to use.