Peptic Ulcers

A peptic ulcer is an open sore that develops in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. It is caused by an infection from the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, or long-term use of medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Symptoms of a peptic ulcer include abdominal pain, nausea, and heartburn. Left untreated, peptic ulcers can cause serious complications such as bleeding, perforation, and even stomach cancer. Treatment of peptic ulcers involves antibiotics to clear the infection, medications to reduce stomach acid, and lifestyle changes to reduce stress levels. By following these treatments, it is possible to achieve complete recovery of the ulcer. In addition, risk factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and eating a poor diet should be avoided to reduce the chance of developing peptic ulcers in the future.