Peptic Ulcer Disease Diagnosis & Treatment Johannesburg

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Peptic Ulcer Disease

What is peptic ulcer disease?

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. Stomach pain is the primary symptom of peptic ulcer disease and should be promptly addressed.

Types of peptic ulcers include the following:

Gastric ulcers develop on the inside of the stomach.
Duodenal ulcers form on the inside of the upper portion of the small intestine.

What are the most common signs of peptic ulcers?

A persistent dull pain or burning sensation in the stomach.
Bloating or a persistent feeling of fullness.
Heartburn
Nausea and frequent belching.

If the ulcer begins to bleed, the following symptoms may occur:

Traces of blood in the vomit
Presence of darkened blood in the stool or stools that appear tar-like.
Fainting
Dizziness

It is important to seek medical attention if blood is present in vomit or stool, or if symptoms such as faintness develop.

What leads to the formation of peptic ulcers?

Peptic ulcers typically develop when gastric acid erodes the lining of the stomach or small intestine. This erosion can lead to the formation of painful sores, which may eventually bleed.

The digestive tract is protected by a mucous layer that shields it from gastric acid. An increase in acid production or a decrease in mucus can elevate the risk of developing peptic ulcer disease.

Untreated peptic ulcers may result in severe complications such as:

Bleeding in the duodenum or stomach.
Perforation of the stomach or intestinal wall. A peptic ulcer can erode through these tissues, significantly increasing the risk of infection.
Obstruction. Peptic ulcers may cause a blockage that impedes the passage of food through the digestive tract, leading to early satiety, vomiting, and weight loss.

How do you check for peptic ulcers?

Endoscopy is a primary diagnostic method used to detect peptic ulcers. During this procedure, a physician inserts a flexible, lighted instrument to examine the upper digestive tract. If an ulcer is identified, a tissue sample may be collected for further analysis.

How do you resolve peptic ulcers?

Treatment for peptic ulcers primarily aims to eradicate Helicobacter pylori from the digestive tract. The therapeutic approach is individualized based on disease severity and patient-specific factors.