What are gastric and duodenal ulcers?

Gastric and duodenal ulcers are types of peptic ulcer. The main distinction is that they affect different parts of the digestive tract. A person could have both at the same time. Some causes of peptic ulcers include an excess of stomach acid, bacterial infection, and certain medications.

In this article, we look at what gastric and duodenal ulcers are and how a doctor diagnoses them. We also explore their causes and treatments, along with associated symptoms and risk factors.

What are gastric and duodenal ulcers?

Gastric and duodenal ulcers are peptic ulcers, which are open sores in the lining of the digestive tract.

Gastric ulcers form in the lining of the stomach.

Duodenal ulcers develop in the lining of the duodenum, which is the upper part of the small intestine.

Many people with peptic ulcers rely on medical treatment to relieve their symptoms. Peptic ulcers sometimes heal on their own, but they can recur if a person does not receive treatment.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gastric and duodenal ulcers are generally similar. The most common complaint is a burning pain in the stomach.

Duodenal ulcers may also cause abdominal pain a few hours after eating.

This pain tends to respond well to medications or foods that reduce stomach acid, but as the effects of these wear off, the pain usually returns.

Abdominal pain from a duodenal ulcer may be worse when the stomach is empty, for example, between meals, at night, or first thing in the morning.

Other common symptoms of peptic ulcers include:

• heartburn or indigestion
• feeling full, even when the stomach is empty
• bloating
• gas
• nausea

Some people with these ulcers develop intolerances for specific foods. These foods may make a person feel sick, or they may make ulcer-related symptoms worse.

Less common and more severe symptoms include:

• feeling lightheaded
• weight loss
• blood in the stool
• vomiting
• vomiting blood
• trouble breathing

Some people with peptic ulcers have no symptoms. A doctor may only discover the ulcer when checking for a different digestive disorder.

Anyone with symptoms of peptic ulcers should see a doctor. If symptoms are severe, seek urgent medical attention.

Causes

Peptic ulcers result from damage or erosion to the protective lining of the digestive tract.

The following issues can play a role:

• having too much acid in the stomach or digestive tract
• digestive imbalances
• problems with the lining that makes it more susceptible to damage

Bacterial infections and certain medications can also lead to peptic ulcers.

A person has a higher risk of developing a peptic ulcer if they have an overgrowth of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria in the digestive tract. This type of bacterial infection is common.

While an H. pylori infection does not cause symptoms in most people, it sometimes irritates the lining of the digestive tract, which can lead to peptic ulcers.

Long-term use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also damage or irritate the lining and increase the risk of peptic ulcers.

NSAIDS include many other-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin.

Risk factors

A person's genetics and lifestyle can also increase the risk of developing a peptic ulcer.

If close family members have peptic ulcers, a person may be more likely to develop them. Smoking tobacco products can also increase a person's risk.

Other risk factors include:

• being over the age of 70
• having a history of gastric or duodenal ulcers
• recently experiencing serious physical trauma

Beyond NSAIDs, other medications can also increase a person's risk of developing peptic ulcers, including:

• anticoagulants
• steroids
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs

Doctors no longer think that alcohol, spicy foods, or rich foods cause ulcers. However, consuming them may make symptoms worse or slow the healing process.

The role of stress in the development of ulcers is uncertain. Some doctors believe that stress is a direct risk factor, while others do not.

In one small study, psychological stress increased the risk of developing peptic ulcers. However, the researchers believed that the link was partly indirect, that stress led to other risk behaviors, such as taking NSAIDs and smoking.

Diagnosis

Symptoms of peptic ulcers can be similar to those of other conditions, such as gallstones or gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is commonly called GERD. Receiving a correct diagnosis is essential.

A doctor may begin by asking about a person's medical history and current medications. They will also ask about symptoms and the location of any pain.

A variety of tests can help confirm a diagnosis. The doctor may test the blood, stool, or breath to check for signs of H. pylori infection.

The doctor may also perform an endoscopy to look for ulcers. This involves inserting a thin tube with an attached camera down a person's throat and into the stomach and upper small intestine.

In some cases, a doctor may also recommend a barium swallow test. This involves swallowing a liquid that contains barium. The barium helps the doctor see the intestinal tract more clearly on an X-ray of the abdomen.

Treatment

For most people, treatment will involve taking medications that either reduce the amount of acid in the stomach or protect the lining of the stomach and duodenum.

These medications may fall into the following categories:

• proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), including omeprazole, pantoprazole, and lansoprazole
• H2-receptor antagonists, including ranitidine, famotidine, and cimetidine
• protectants, such as sucralfate
• antacids, such as calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate

If an H. pylori infection is responsible for the ulcers, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria. They may also prescribe medications that help suppress excess stomach acid, such as PPIs.

If other medications, such as NSAIDs, have caused the ulcers, the doctor may prescribe a PPI or review the need for the drug.

Some doctors also recommend reducing or better managing levels of stress.

Complications

Untreated ulcers can cause complications.

Rarely, peptic ulcers can lead to a perforation, or hole, in the wall of the stomach or intestine.

A perforation can put a person at serious risk of infection in the abdominal cavity. The medical name for this infection is peritonitis.

If a person with peptic ulcers experiences sudden abdominal pain that grows worse, they should see a doctor immediately.

Also, inflammation from ulcers can block a portion of the digestive tract. This obstruction can cause a person to:

• feel full after eating little or no food
• regularly vomit
• lose weight or become malnourished

In addition, ulcers can cause internal bleeding. If this bleeding develops slowly, it can lead to anemia. Symptoms of anemia can include fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath.

If the bleeding is severe, a person may see blood in vomit or stools. Anyone with symptoms of severe internal bleeding should seek immediate medical attention.

Source: Medical News Today