PEPT

IC U

LCERS

KEVIN G

ILLIG

AN AND W

YATT

THOMPS

ON

WHAT'S AND ULCER?

- an ulcer is a break in the bodily membrane (a sore)

PEPTIC ULCERS

- Peptic: Of or relating to digestion, esp. that in which pepsin is concerned

- Therefore a peptic ulcer is an ulcer that occurs in the digestive system, particularly in the stomach/duodenum region

CAUSES

- The mucous that coats the lining of the stomach or small intestine is weakened

REASONS FOR THIS

1. Bacteria (Helicobacter pylori)

2. Aspirin/Anti-Inflammatory medication

3. Alcohol

4. Stress

5. Caffeine

6. Cigarette smoking

7. Radiation therapy

Treated with lifestyle changes andmedication

Treated with an antibiotic

StomachDuodenum

SYMPTOMS

- Abdominal Pain (burning sensation relieved by food, antacids, or vomiting)

- Nausea/Regurgitation

- Loss of Appetite/Loss of weight

- Bleeding

DIAGNOSIS

1. Barium X-Ray

2. Endoscopy

DIAGNOSIS CON’T

Once it is determined that a patient has a peptic ulcer, doctors need to determine whether it was caused by H. pylori or not.

1. Blood test

2. Breath test

3. Tissue test (if an endoscopy was completed)

TREATMENT

- If H. pylori is present, the main focus of the treatment is to kill the bacteria, with reducing acid in the stomach being secondary

Antibiotics

TREATMENT CON’T

- If H. pylori is not present, the main focus of the treatment is to reduce the acid in the stomach and strengthen the mucous that lines your stomach and duodenum

- This can be done by eliminating the other causes (Anti- Inflammatory medication, alcohol, stress, caffeine, cigarette smoking)

- Acid-blocking medications

- Medications designed to protect the lining in your stomach

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bashinskaya, Bronislava, et al. "Trends in peptic ulcer disease and the identification of Helicobacter Pylori as a causative organism: Population-based estimates from the US nationwide inpatient sample." Journal of Global Infectious Diseases 3.4 (2011): 366. Global Issues In Context. Web. 11 Apr. 2012.

"Treatment of ulcers; Letter." Times [London, England] 7 Apr. 1993: 15. Global Issues In Context. Web. 11 Apr. 2012.

"New Helicobacter Research from Zhejiang University Outlined." Health & Medicine Week 13 Apr. 2012: 536. Global Issues In Context. Web. 11 Apr. 2012.

"New Helicobacter pylori Research from Edith Wolfson Medical Center Discussed." Health & Medicine Week 13 Apr. 2012: 537. Global Issues In Context. Web. 11 Apr. 2012.

Stratemeier, Michael W. "Peptic Ulcers." EMedicineHealth. EMedicineHealth. Web. 11 Apr. 2012. <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/peptic_ulcers/article_em.htm>.