When a sore forms in the lining of the stomach, the condition is called a peptic ulcer. Sometimes, the sore occurs in the duodenum—the first part of the small intestine. If peptic ulcers occur in the stomach, they are called gastric or stomach ulcers. Duodenal ulcer is the term used when it occurs in the duodenum.
Most cases of peptic ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection, commonly by the Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. Sometimes, however, the prolonged or long-term use of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can be the cause of the ulcer. Examples of NSAIDS include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.
When ulceration occur in the stomach or duodenum, it may cause symptoms such as:
The stomach makes powerful acids that help in the digestion of food. A protective lining shields the stomach and duodenum from the strong acids. However, long-term NSAIDS use can weaken these protective linings. As a result, digestive juices including stomach acids can damage the stomach or duodenal wall and cause ulcers.
How are peptic ulcers caused by NSAIDS treated?
In most cases of NSAID-induced ulcers, healing occurs when the person stops taking the medication. The doctor may recommend taking antacids, which help neutralize the acid. Antacids help to relieve symptoms and can help in the healing process. In addition, the doctor may also prescribe medications that lessen the amount of acid the stomach makes. Such medications include H2-blockers or proton pump inhibitors.
Antibiotics may also be needed if the person with NSAID-induced ulcer is tested positive for H. pylori.
If serious complications such as severe bleeding, perforation, or obstruction develop, or if the ulcer recurs or fails to heal, surgery may be necessary.
Taking NSAIDS for a long time can cause peptic ulcers to develop. If you experience symptoms of peptic ulcer, you should see your doctor immediately for prompt treatment. Untreated peptic ulcers may lead to more serious complications. Also, ask your doctor about other pain relievers that you can take.
See Also: Peptic Ulcer
References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (September 2004). NSAIDS and Peptic Ulcers (NIH Publication No. 04—4644). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/nsaids/index.htm. Accessed: December 6, 2008
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (October 2004). What I need to know about Peptic Ulcers (NIH Publication No. 05—5042). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/pepticulcers_ez/index.htm. Accessed: December 6, 2008
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Most cases of peptic ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection, commonly by the Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. Sometimes, however, the prolonged or long-term use of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can be the cause of the ulcer. Examples of NSAIDS include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.
When ulceration occur in the stomach or duodenum, it may cause symptoms such as:
gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomenHow does NSAIDS use cause peptic ulcers?
nausea and vomiting
loss of appetite
loss of weight
fatigue
The stomach makes powerful acids that help in the digestion of food. A protective lining shields the stomach and duodenum from the strong acids. However, long-term NSAIDS use can weaken these protective linings. As a result, digestive juices including stomach acids can damage the stomach or duodenal wall and cause ulcers.
How are peptic ulcers caused by NSAIDS treated?
In most cases of NSAID-induced ulcers, healing occurs when the person stops taking the medication. The doctor may recommend taking antacids, which help neutralize the acid. Antacids help to relieve symptoms and can help in the healing process. In addition, the doctor may also prescribe medications that lessen the amount of acid the stomach makes. Such medications include H2-blockers or proton pump inhibitors.
Antibiotics may also be needed if the person with NSAID-induced ulcer is tested positive for H. pylori.
If serious complications such as severe bleeding, perforation, or obstruction develop, or if the ulcer recurs or fails to heal, surgery may be necessary.
Taking NSAIDS for a long time can cause peptic ulcers to develop. If you experience symptoms of peptic ulcer, you should see your doctor immediately for prompt treatment. Untreated peptic ulcers may lead to more serious complications. Also, ask your doctor about other pain relievers that you can take.
See Also: Peptic Ulcer
References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (September 2004). NSAIDS and Peptic Ulcers (NIH Publication No. 04—4644). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/nsaids/index.htm. Accessed: December 6, 2008
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (October 2004). What I need to know about Peptic Ulcers (NIH Publication No. 05—5042). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/pepticulcers_ez/index.htm. Accessed: December 6, 2008
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