Peptic Ulcer Specialists in Ayapakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

What is Peptic Ulcer?

A peptic ulcer is an open sore that develops on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum, occurring when digestive acids erode the protective mucus layer. The condition was long attributed primarily to stress and spicy food, but is now understood to be caused predominantly by infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Ulcers can range from causing mild discomfort to serious complications such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestinal wall if left untreated. Pain typically relates to meals, with gastric ulcers often worsening after eating and duodenal ulcers often improving temporarily after eating before returning a few hours later. Effective treatment addressing the underlying cause, particularly eradicating H. pylori infection when present, leads to healing in the vast majority of cases.

Causes of Peptic Ulcer

Most commonly caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which damages the protective mucus lining of the stomach and duodenum, or by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin, which impair the stomach's natural protective mechanisms. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and severe physiological stress from critical illness can also contribute to ulcer formation. Contrary to popular belief, spicy food and psychological stress alone do not cause ulcers, though they can worsen symptoms in someone who already has one.

Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer

Burning or gnawing abdominal pain, pain that worsens or improves with eating depending on ulcer location, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, dark or tarry stools if bleeding is present, vomiting blood in severe cases

Treatment & Types of Peptic Ulcer in Ayapakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Treatment includes acid-suppressing medications such as proton pump inhibitors to allow the ulcer to heal, combined with a course of antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection when confirmed present. Discontinuing or reducing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, when medically feasible, is essential for ulcers caused by these medications. Severe complications such as significant bleeding or perforation require urgent hospital treatment, including endoscopic intervention or surgery in some cases.

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