Peptic ulcers affect a large portion of people all over the world. They are considered one of the main types of ulcers and there are three types of peptic ulcers — esophageal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers. Here is everything you need to know about peptic ulcers.

Symptoms of peptic ulcers
There are various symptoms of peptic ulcers. These are as follows:

• You feel a burning pain in the abdomen, which might cause you trouble while sleeping
• You vomit without any reason and feel nauseated
• You notice changes in your appetite
• You experience indigestion even with simple foods
• You experience pain in your chest
• You notice dark or bloody stools
• You lose weight without any explanation

Causes of peptic ulcers
The causes of peptic ulcer are as follows.

• A peptic ulcer can be caused due to regular smoking
• Drinking excessive alcohol regularly leads to peptic ulcers
• Helicobacter pylori can lead to peptic ulcers
• Radiation therapy can lead to the formation of peptic ulcers
• Anti-inflammatory medicines can lead to peptic ulcers
• Stomach cancer is one of the causes of peptic ulcers

Diagnosis of peptic ulcers
A peptic ulcer is one of the main types of ulcers. Your doctor will test if you have H. pylori in your stomach since it is one of the main causes of peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers can be diagnosed by upper GI and upper endoscopy. In the upper GI test, a barium swallow test is conducted wherein you are required to drink a solution containing barium sulfate. This makes it easy for your doctor to view the peptic ulcer and find the right course of treatment. Your doctor takes an X-ray of your small intestine, stomach, and esophagus. In an upper endoscopy, a long tube that has a camera attached is inserted in your throat so that your doctor can take a look at the peptic ulcers.

Treatment of peptic ulcers
A peptic ulcer can be treated depending on what is causing the ulcer to develop. If H. pylori are the cause then your doctor will give you prescription medications such as proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics for treating peptic ulcers. These help to reduce acid in the stomach and to kill infections. If H. pylori are not the cause then your doctor can recommend other prescription medication. Acid blockers are another effective medicine option that your doctor might suggest. Sucralfate can help decrease peptic ulcer symptoms.

Prevention of peptic ulcers
You can reduce the chances of having peptic ulcers by taking the following precautions.

• You should limit the number of anti-inflammatory drugs you take
• You should stop drinking excess alcohol
• You should not have alcohol when you are taking medication
• You should ensure your hands are clean at all times
• You should quit smoking and using tobacco products
• You should eat a diet rich in whole-grains, fruits, and vegetables

Peptic ulcers can heal completely when you receive proper treatment promptly. Otherwise, they can lead to many complications such as internal bleeding, perforation, and scar tissue. Refractory ulcers do not heal even with treatment. This can point to other problems such as another disease, excessive stomach acid production, or H. pylori bacteria in the stomach. Your doctor will conduct a test to ensure the exact cause is found so that proper treatment can be administered.