Peptic ulcers occur in the lining of the stomach, which is known as the duodenum. Beginning as a small sore, they may not present typical symptoms right away. However, left on their own to grow and fester, peptic ulcers can wreak havoc causing pain, bleeding, and a possible tear in the intestinal lining. That is why it is important to watch for the signs that a peptic ulcer might exist.
Instructions
1. Recognize the cause of peptic ulcer---a bacteria known as H pylori. It often resides within the gastrointestinal tract without creating problems until the stomach's protective mechanism breaks down. It can then inflame the delicate tissue and create an ulceration.
2. Make yourself knowledgeable about risk factors that add to the possibility of getting a peptic ulcer. These include using too much aspirin or NSAID drugs, drinking too much alcohol, and smoking.
3. Research your family's medical history. Peptic ulcers tend to run in the family. If that history exists, contact your doctor to work out a plan that might help prevent one from happening to you.
4. Determine your blood type. People with a blood type of O tend to be prime candidates for a peptic ulcer.
5. Watch for the typical symptoms of a peptic ulcer. These include abdominal pain, blood in the stool, burning chest pain, fatigue, indigestion, nausea, vomiting of blood, unusual weakness and weight loss.
6. Recognize other signs that a peptic ulcer may exist. These include difficulty swallowing; loss of appetite; stomach pain when it is empty; sudden onset and disappearance of gastrointestinal pain; temporary pain relief right after eating and vomiting of food that should have already digested.
7. Make an appointment with a physician if an ulcer is suspected. He will likely order the following: A blood test, breath test, endoscopy, stool test for blood, and an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series. For more information on those tests, see the Tips section below.
8. Ask your doctor to rule out other conditions and diseases that could be misdiagnosed as peptic ulcer. These include Angina pectoris, Biliary disease, Crohn's disease, gastric cancer, gastritis, indigestion, non-ulcer dyspepsia, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
9. Watch for complications commonly associated with an undiagnosed peptic ulcer. These include anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, hypovolemic shock, intestinal obstruction or narrowing, pancreatitis, peritonitis, pyloric stenosis, and shock. If any of these occur, report immediately to a physician, clinic, or hospital ER.
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