Ulcer: Difference between revisions

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== Ulcer ==
{{SI}}
[[File:Gastric_Ulcer.png|thumb|right|Diagram of a gastric ulcer.]]
{{Infobox medical condition
An '''ulcer''' is a break in the skin or mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue, disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue, and often pus. Ulcers can occur on the skin or mucous membranes throughout the body, including the stomach, mouth, and intestines.
| name            = Ulcer
 
| image          = [[File:Gastric_Ulcer.png|250px]]
== Types of Ulcers ==
| caption        = Endoscopic image of a [[gastric ulcer]]
 
| field          = [[Gastroenterology]]
Ulcers are classified based on their location and cause. Some common types include:
| symptoms        = [[Abdominal pain]], [[bloating]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[weight loss]]
 
| complications  = [[Bleeding]], [[perforation (medical)|perforation]], [[gastric outlet obstruction]]
=== Peptic Ulcers ===
| onset          = Gradual
 
| duration        = Can be chronic
Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain. Peptic ulcers include:
| causes          = [[Helicobacter pylori]], [[NSAIDs]], [[stress (medicine)|stress]]
 
| risks          = [[Smoking]], [[alcohol consumption]], [[family history]]
* '''[[Gastric ulcer]]''': Occurs on the inside of the stomach.
| diagnosis      = [[Endoscopy]], [[barium swallow]], [[urea breath test]]
* '''[[Duodenal ulcer]]''': Occurs on the inside of the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenum).
| differential    = [[Gastritis]], [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]], [[pancreatitis]]
 
| treatment      = [[Proton pump inhibitors]], [[antibiotics]], [[antacids]]
=== Mouth Ulcers ===
| medication      = [[Omeprazole]], [[amoxicillin]], [[clarithromycin]]
 
| frequency      = Common
Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, painful lesions that develop in the mouth or at the base of the gums. They can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable.
| deaths          = Rare, but possible if complications occur
 
}}
=== Venous Ulcers ===
An '''ulcer''' is a break in the skin or mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue, disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue, and often pus. Ulcers can occur in various parts of the body, including the skin, mouth, and gastrointestinal tract.
 
=== Types of Ulcers ===
Venous ulcers are wounds that occur due to improper functioning of venous valves, usually in the legs. They are a common type of [[chronic wound]] in the lower extremities.
Ulcers are classified based on their location and cause. The most common types include:
 
* '''[[Gastric ulcer]]''': Occurs in the stomach lining.
== Causes ==
* '''[[Duodenal ulcer]]''': Occurs in the first part of the small intestine.
 
* '''[[Mouth ulcer]]''': Occurs in the oral cavity.
Ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
* '''[[Pressure ulcer]]''': Also known as bedsores, occur due to prolonged pressure on the skin.
 
=== Gastric Ulcers ===
* '''[[Helicobacter pylori]] infection''': A common cause of peptic ulcers.
Gastric ulcers are a type of [[peptic ulcer disease]] that specifically affects the stomach lining. They are characterized by:
* '''Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)''': Such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which can irritate or inflame the lining of the stomach and small intestine.
* '''Location''': Typically found on the lesser curvature of the stomach.
* '''Stress and spicy foods''': While not direct causes, they can exacerbate symptoms.
* '''Symptoms''': Include burning stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, and nausea.
* '''Smoking and alcohol''': Both can increase the risk of developing ulcers and hinder healing.
* '''Causes''': Often caused by [[Helicobacter pylori]] infection or the use of [[nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]] (NSAIDs).
 
=== Pathophysiology ===
== Symptoms ==
The development of gastric ulcers involves an imbalance between aggressive factors, such as gastric acid and pepsin, and defensive factors, such as the mucosal barrier and bicarbonate secretion. [[Helicobacter pylori]] infection disrupts the mucosal barrier, leading to inflammation and ulceration.
 
=== Diagnosis ===
The symptoms of an ulcer can vary depending on the type and location, but common symptoms include:
Diagnosis of gastric ulcers typically involves:
 
* '''Endoscopy''': Allows direct visualization of the ulcer.
* Burning stomach pain
* '''Biopsy''': To rule out malignancy and test for [[Helicobacter pylori]].
* Feeling of fullness, bloating, or belching
* '''Urea breath test''': To detect [[Helicobacter pylori]] infection.
* Intolerance to fatty foods
=== Treatment ===
* Heartburn
Treatment of gastric ulcers focuses on:
* Nausea
* '''Eradicating [[Helicobacter pylori]]''': Using a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
 
* '''Reducing acid production''': With PPIs or H2-receptor antagonists.
== Diagnosis ==
* '''Protecting the gastric lining''': Using agents like sucralfate.
 
=== Complications ===
Diagnosis of ulcers typically involves:
Potential complications of untreated gastric ulcers include:
 
* '''Bleeding''': Can lead to [[hematemesis]] or [[melena]].
* '''Endoscopy''': A procedure to look inside the stomach and duodenum.
* '''Perforation''': A hole in the stomach wall, leading to peritonitis.
* '''Barium swallow''': An X-ray exam that can help visualize the stomach and duodenum.
* '''Gastric outlet obstruction''': Due to swelling or scarring.
* '''Tests for H. pylori''': Including breath, blood, or stool tests.
== See also ==
 
* [[Peptic ulcer disease]]
== Treatment ==
* [[Helicobacter pylori]]
 
Treatment for ulcers depends on the cause. Common treatments include:
 
* '''Antibiotics''': To kill H. pylori if present.
* '''Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)''': To reduce stomach acid.
* '''H2-receptor antagonists''': To reduce acid production.
* '''Antacids''': To neutralize stomach acid.
* '''Lifestyle changes''': Such as quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol.
 
== Prevention ==
 
Preventive measures include:
 
* Avoiding NSAIDs when possible.
* Limiting alcohol consumption.
* Quitting smoking.
* Eating a balanced diet.
 
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[Gastritis]]
* [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]]
* [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]]
* [[Inflammatory bowel disease]]
* [[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug]]
 
== References ==
 
* "Peptic Ulcer Disease." National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
* "Ulcers." Mayo Clinic.
 
== External Links ==
 
* [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ulcer/ NHS - Stomach Ulcer]
* [https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-ulcers-basic-information WebMD - Understanding Ulcers]
 
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]
[[Category:Digestive diseases]]

Latest revision as of 19:19, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Ulcer
File:Gastric Ulcer.png
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, weight loss
Complications Bleeding, perforation, gastric outlet obstruction
Onset Gradual
Duration Can be chronic
Types N/A
Causes Helicobacter pylori, NSAIDs, stress
Risks Smoking, alcohol consumption, family history
Diagnosis Endoscopy, barium swallow, urea breath test
Differential diagnosis Gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, pancreatitis
Prevention N/A
Treatment Proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, antacids
Medication Omeprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common
Deaths Rare, but possible if complications occur


An ulcer is a break in the skin or mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue, disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue, and often pus. Ulcers can occur in various parts of the body, including the skin, mouth, and gastrointestinal tract.

Types of Ulcers[edit]

Ulcers are classified based on their location and cause. The most common types include:

Gastric Ulcers[edit]

Gastric ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer disease that specifically affects the stomach lining. They are characterized by:

Pathophysiology[edit]

The development of gastric ulcers involves an imbalance between aggressive factors, such as gastric acid and pepsin, and defensive factors, such as the mucosal barrier and bicarbonate secretion. Helicobacter pylori infection disrupts the mucosal barrier, leading to inflammation and ulceration.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of gastric ulcers typically involves:

Treatment[edit]

Treatment of gastric ulcers focuses on:

  • Eradicating Helicobacter pylori: Using a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
  • Reducing acid production: With PPIs or H2-receptor antagonists.
  • Protecting the gastric lining: Using agents like sucralfate.

Complications[edit]

Potential complications of untreated gastric ulcers include:

  • Bleeding: Can lead to hematemesis or melena.
  • Perforation: A hole in the stomach wall, leading to peritonitis.
  • Gastric outlet obstruction: Due to swelling or scarring.

See also[edit]

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