You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly. You will also receive emails from Mayo Clinic on the latest health news, research, and care.
Peptic ulcers occur when acid in the digestive tract eats away at the inner surface of the stomach or small intestine. The acid can create a painful open sore that may bleed.
Your digestive tract is coated with a mucous layer that normally protects against acid. But if the amount of acid is increased or the amount of mucus is decreased, you could develop an ulcer. A bacterium. Helicobacter pylori bacteria commonly live in the mucous layer that covers and protects tissues that line the stomach and small intestine. Often, the H. It's not clear how H. It may be transmitted from person to person by close contact, such as kissing.
People may also contract H. In addition to having risks related to taking NSAIDs , you may have an increased risk of peptic ulcers if you:.
Alone, these factors do not cause ulcers, but they can make ulcers worse and more difficult to heal. You may reduce your risk of peptic ulcer if you follow the same strategies recommended as home remedies to treat ulcers.
It also may be helpful to:. Protect yourself from infections. It's not clear just how H. You can take steps to protect yourself from infections, such as H. Use caution with pain relievers.
If you regularly use pain relievers that increase your risk of peptic ulcer, take steps to reduce your risk of stomach problems. For instance, take your medication with meals. Work with your doctor to find the lowest dose possible that still gives you pain relief. Avoid drinking alcohol when taking your medication, since the two can combine to increase your risk of stomach upset.
If you need an NSAID , you may need to also take additional medications such as an antacid, a proton pump inhibitor, an acid blocker or cytoprotective agent.
Peptic ulcer care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. When an ulcer forms on the stomach lining, it is referred to as a gastric ulcer. A duodenal ulcer is the name for an ulcer that appears at the top end of the small intestine.
You can have ulcers at any age, but your chances of having one increases with age. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are also contributing factors in the development of ulcers. It is a common misnomer is that stress and spicy foods can a lead to this condition.
The fact is that while they are not factors in the formation of ulcers, they can make an existing condition worse. Some people can have a peptic ulcer and not experience any symptoms.
However, if symptoms are present, the most common is a burning pain or discomfort between the naval and breastbone. Stomach ulcers occur when the layer that protects the stomach lining from stomach acid breaks down, which allows the stomach lining to become damaged. It used to be thought that stress or certain foods might cause stomach ulcers, but there's little evidence to suggest this is the case.
It's not known how many people have stomach ulcers, although they're thought to be quite common. Stomach ulcers can affect people of any age, including children, but mostly occur in people aged 60 or over. Men are more commonly affected than women. With treatment, most stomach ulcers will heal within a month or two. The treatment recommended for you will depend on what caused the ulcer. Most people will be prescribed a medication called a proton pump inhibitor PPI to reduce the amount of acid their stomach produces and allow the ulcer to heal naturally.
If an H. Stomach ulcers can come back after treatment, although this is less likely to happen if the underlying cause is addressed. Complications of stomach ulcers are relatively uncommon, but they can be very serious and potentially life threatening.
0コメント