Peptic ulcers are the most common type of ulcers. These develop in the stomach lining, esophagus, or small intestine. Ulcers need early treatment. If ignored, they do not simply go away. Rather, they may become worse. Peptic ulcers can lead to holes in the delicate stomach lining and even cause internal bleeding. In such severe cases, the patient is advised to undergo surgery. To avoid such a scenario, it is best to identify the signs and symptoms of the condition as early as possible.

Depending on their location within the body, the peptic ulcer types are:

• Esophageal ulcers, which are in the esophagus
• Gastric ulcers that are located in the stomach
• Duodenal ulcers that are in the upper part of the small intestine

Let’s take a look at some more information on peptic ulcers:

1. Causes of peptic ulcers
The main cause of ulcers is the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium causes an inflammation in the delicate lining of the stomach, esophagus, or intestine that leads to an ulcer. Certain lifestyle habits can also cause the formation of ulcers. These include smoking and excessive consumption of certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs.

2. Symptoms of peptic ulcers
While tiny ulcers do not produce any noticeable symptoms, the larger ones can cause much discomfort. The main symptoms of peptic ulcers include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dark-colored stools
• Weight loss
• Abdominal and chest pain
• Difficulty in swallowing

In many cases, peptic ulcers can lead to anemia.

3. Diagnosis of peptic ulcers
The following tests are used to diagnose the different peptic ulcer types. The type of test conducted depends on the severity of symptoms and whether the patient has any other health complications.

• Endoscopy: One of the main diagnostic tests is an upper endoscopy. In this test, a long tube with a camera is inserted into the body through the patient’s throat. The endoscopy also allows the doctor to remove samples of tissue for testing. An upper endoscopy is compulsory for patients who are suspected of suffering from stomach cancer along with peptic ulcers.
• Upper gastrointestinal test: For patients with a low risk of stomach cancer, the upper gastrointestinal test is recommended. Also known as upper GI, in this test, a patient has to drink a thick liquid called barium, following which the doctor will take an X-ray of the stomach, esophagus, and intestines. This helps determine the type of ulcer present and the extent of the condition.

4. Treatment of peptic ulcers
The treatment prescribed for any of the peptic ulcer types depends on the cause of the infection. If the ulcer is caused by Helicobacter pylori, the patient is given antibiotics and certain other drugs to minimize stomach acids.

If diagnostic tests reveal an absence of bacterial infection, the patient is given some medicine to help heal the ulcer quickly, reduce inflammation, and minimize overactive stomach acids. Along with this, the patient needs to follow a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.