FAQ Category: peptic ulcer pillar

Treatment depends on the cause. If H. pylori is present, a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications is used. If NSAIDs are the cause, discontinuing them and using acid-suppressing drugs is the main treatment. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding spicy foods and alcohol, also help with healing.

Diagnosis typically involves a doctor reviewing your symptoms and medical history. Tests may include a breath or stool test to check for H. pylori infection. The most definitive method is an endoscopy, where a small camera is used to view the ulcer and take a biopsy if necessary.  

A peptic ulcer is an open sore that develops on the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer), esophagus, or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). The most common causes are an infection with H. pylori bacteria and the long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).  

A gastric ulcer is in the stomach, and its pain often worsens with eating. A duodenal ulcer is in the small intestine, and its pain is often relieved by eating. Duodenal ulcers are also far less likely to be cancerous, unlike some gastric ulcers which require a biopsy.

The most common symptom is a burning or gnawing abdominal pain, typically located in the upper part of the stomach. The pain may come and go and can be worse at night. Other symptoms can include bloating, heartburn, nausea, and feeling full quickly after eating.