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Are You Suffering With An Ulcer?

Ronald Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O., D.A.C.B.N., MS
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For many years, stress and spicy foods were to blame for contributing to peptic ulcers.

Research has now discovered some key reasons for the occurence of this painful condition. Doctors now know that a bacterial infection or medications, not stress or diet, cause most ulcers of the stomach and upper part of the small intestine.

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus.

Duodenal and gastric ulcers are the most common types of chronic peptic ulcers. Depending on their location, ulcers have different names:

  • Gastric ulcer. A peptic ulcer that occurs in your stomach is called a gastric ulcer.
    Gastric Ulcer
    Gastric Ulcer

  • Duodenal ulcer. This is the most common. This ulcer affects that the duodenum (the first one-third of the small intestine) portion of small intestine.
    Duodenal Ulcer
    Duodenal Ulcer

  • Esophageal ulcer. An esophageal ulcer is usually located in the lower section of your esophagus.
    Esophageal Ulcer
    Esophageal Ulcer

    Peptic ulcers are grouped into three groups based on pathophysiology:

  • Those with massive acid secretion (i.e., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
  • Ulcers caused by an infectious pathogen commonly the Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori is a common gastrointestinal infection around the world. This organism is found in 90 percent of patients with duodenal ulcers and 80 percent of patients with gastric ulcers.
  • Those caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Nonprescription NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and ketoprofen (Orudis KT). To help avoid digestive upset, take NSAIDs with meals.

    About 20 percent of people who regularly take NSAIDs develop ulcers. The drugs stop the production of an enzyme (cyclooxygenase) that produces prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that help protect your stomach lining from chemical and physical injury. Without this protection, stomach acid can erode the lining, causing bleeding and ulcers.

    Other contributing factors

  • Cigarette smoking -- will increases gastric acid damaging the lining of the gut wall.
  • Use of alcohol - Alcohol can irritate and erode the mucous lining of your stomach and intestines, causing inflammation and bleeding.
  • Psychological stress - stress may not be the primary cause of peptic ulcers but is likely to aggravate symptoms of an already existing peptic ulcers.

    Statistics from the Center for Disease Control

  • 25 million Americans will suffer from an ulcer at some point during their lifetime.
  • Mortality: 6,500 deaths (1987).
  • Hospitalizations: 630,000 (1987).
  • Disability: 401,000 people (1983-87).

    Part 2: Signs and Symptoms, Conventional Treatments, Medications, Side Effects and Drug Interactions

  • Click Here for Part 2

    • Reviewed and submitted on March 14, 2004

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