Anatomy of an Ulcer | Discovering the Causes of Ulcers | The Telltale Burn | Diagnosis | Removing the Offending Agent | Steering Clear of Ulcers

Ulcers were believed to be caused by stress, anxiety, and/or a diet rich in spicy foods. However, research has demonstrated that most ulcers are caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The other common cause of ulcers is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Anatomy of an Ulcer

When we eat, food passes down the esophagus (throat) and into the stomach. There, hydrochloric acid and pepsin (an enzyme) continue the digestive process that started with the saliva in your mouth. Next, food passes to the duodenum (small intestine) where the digestive process continues. An ulcer is an area of stomach or duodenum that has been damaged by the digestive enzymes and stomach acid.

How H. pylori causes ulcers is not yet fully understood. Researchers do know the following:

An ulcer that goes untreated can cause several problems in the abdomen, such as:

  • Internal bleeding
  • Perforation (a hole) in the stomach or duodenum allowing food and bacteria to spill into the abdomen and cause infection and irritation
  • Blockage of the opening between the stomach and duodenum due to chronic inflammation that leads to swelling and scarring

Discovering the Causes of Ulcers

The story behind the discovery of the H. pylori bacteria and its relationship to ulcers is an unusual one. In 1982, two Australian researchers, Drs. Barry Marshall and Robin Warren, detected H. pylori in the stomach lining of people suffering from gastritis. When further study demonstrated the presence of H. pylori in nearly 100% of patients with duodenal ulcers and 80% of people with stomach ulcers, Drs. Marshall and Warren proposed that H. pylori might be the cause.

When their hypothesis was met with a great deal of skepticism, Dr. Marshall ingested a teaspoonful of H. pylori bacteria. Within 24 hours, he developed severe gastritis. Further research by Dr. Marshall, Dr. Warren, and others established that H. pylori does in fact cause 50% of stomach ulcers and 90% of the much more common duodenal ulcers.

Of the ulcers that are not caused by H. pylori bacteria, most are caused by NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen , aspirin , and naproxen sodium. NSAIDs block the production of mucous in the stomach that protects the lining from the damaging effects of the stomach acid.

The Telltale Burn

The most common symptom of an ulcer is a chronic burning pain localized in the upper part of the abdomen. The pain is usually between the breastbone and the naval and it can last from minutes to hours. Pain often recurs in the middle of the night, upon waking, and/or 2-3 hours after a meal. It may be relieved by eating or taking antacid medicines. Less common symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting (can be bloody or appear like coffee grains) if the ulcer is bleeding
  • Loss of appetite
  • Loss of weight
  • Bloody or black stool (caused by bleeding from the ulcer)
  • Weakness (caused by bleeding from the ulcer)

Diagnosis

It is important that ulcers be properly diagnosed because the symptoms common to ulcers can also be caused by a number of other conditions. In addition, ulcers caused by H. pylori and those caused by NSAID are treated somewhat differently.

Two most commonly used tests for diagnosing an ulcer:

  • Endoscopy —an examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum via a small, flexible, camera-containing, tube-like instrument inserted through your throat
  • Upper GI series —x-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are taken after you drink a chalky substance that outlines the shape of the digestive tract

A test for the presence of H. pylori is done to determine whether the ulcer is caused by H. pylori bacteria. Several methods exist for detecting H. pylori. A test for presence of H. Pylori bacteria may include a blood test to detect antibodies to the bacteria, a breath test that examines by-products of the bacteria, or a lab analysis of the biopsied tissue sample. These tests differ in sensitivity for detecting the presence of bacteria in your system.

Removing the Offending Agent

Treatment involves removing the underlying cause of the ulcer and healing the ulcer. One common treatment approach involves taking antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria along with an acid suppressor and sometimes also a bismuth-containing stomach lining shield (eg, Pepto-Bismol). This method is often effective in killing the bacteria, healing the ulcer, and preventing recurrence.

Steering Clear of Ulcers

To prevent NSAID-caused ulcers, try to avoid using NSAIDs in large doses for long periods of time. Unfortunately, researchers do not yet know how to prevent the development of H. pylori bacteria in the digestive tract. Some recommended precautions are to:

  • Wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before eating
  • Drink water from a clean source—H. pylori is transmitted from person to person through close contact and exposure to body fluids such as vomit.