Ulcer: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:55, 9 February 2025

Ulcer

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.

Types of Ulcers

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

Peptic Ulcers

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:

Gastric ulcer: Occurs on the inside of the stomach.
Duodenal ulcer: Occurs on the inside of the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenum).

Mouth Ulcers

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.

Venous 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.

Causes

Ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Helicobacter pylori infection: A common cause of peptic ulcers.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which can irritate or inflame the lining of the stomach and small intestine.
Stress and spicy foods: While not direct causes, they can exacerbate symptoms.
Smoking and alcohol: Both can increase the risk of developing ulcers and hinder healing.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ulcer can vary depending on the type and location, but common symptoms include:

Burning stomach pain
Feeling of fullness, bloating, or belching
Intolerance to fatty foods
Heartburn
Nausea

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ulcers typically involves:

Endoscopy: A procedure to look inside the stomach and duodenum.
Barium swallow: An X-ray exam that can help visualize the stomach and duodenum.
Tests for H. pylori: Including breath, blood, or stool tests.

Treatment

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

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

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Ulcer''' is a break in the skin or mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue, disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue, and often pus.
+== Ulcer ==
+[[File:Gastric_Ulcer.png|thumb|right|Diagram of a gastric ulcer.]]
+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.
-==Types of Ulcers==
+== Types of Ulcers ==
-Ulcers can occur in many parts of the body, but the most common types are:
-* [[Peptic ulcer]], which occurs in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum.
+Ulcers are classified based on their location and cause. Some common types include:
-* [[Mouth ulcer]], also known as canker sores, which occur in the mouth.
-* [[Genital ulcer]], which occurs on the genitals.
+=== Peptic Ulcers ===
-* [[Pressure ulcer]], also known as bedsores, which occur on skin that's continuously under pressure.
+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:
+* '''[[Gastric ulcer]]''': Occurs on the inside of the stomach.
+* '''[[Duodenal ulcer]]''': Occurs on the inside of the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenum).
+=== Mouth Ulcers ===
+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.
+=== Venous 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.
+== Causes ==
-==Causes==
 Ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
-* Infection with the bacterium ''[[Helicobacter pylori]]''.
+* '''[[Helicobacter pylori]] infection''': A common cause of peptic ulcers.
-* Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
+* '''Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)''': Such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which can irritate or inflame the lining of the stomach and small intestine.
-* Certain other medications, such as bisphosphonates.
+* '''Stress and spicy foods''': While not direct causes, they can exacerbate symptoms.
-* Radiation therapy.
+* '''Smoking and alcohol''': Both can increase the risk of developing ulcers and hinder healing.
+== Symptoms ==
+The symptoms of an ulcer can vary depending on the type and location, but common symptoms include:
+* Burning stomach pain
+* Feeling of fullness, bloating, or belching
+* Intolerance to fatty foods
+* Heartburn
+* Nausea
+== Diagnosis ==
+Diagnosis of ulcers typically involves:
+* '''Endoscopy''': A procedure to look inside the stomach and duodenum.
+* '''Barium swallow''': An X-ray exam that can help visualize the stomach and duodenum.
+* '''Tests for H. pylori''': Including breath, blood, or stool tests.
+== Treatment ==
-==Symptoms==
+Treatment for ulcers depends on the cause. Common treatments include:
-Symptoms of ulcers can include:
-* Pain or discomfort, usually in the abdomen.
+* '''Antibiotics''': To kill H. pylori if present.
-* Feeling of fullness, bloating or belching.
+* '''Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)''': To reduce stomach acid.
-* Intolerance to fatty foods.
+* '''H2-receptor antagonists''': To reduce acid production.
-* Heartburn.
+* '''Antacids''': To neutralize stomach acid.
-* Nausea.
+* '''Lifestyle changes''': Such as quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol.
-==Diagnosis==
+== Prevention ==
-Ulcers are diagnosed through a variety of methods, including:
-* [[Endoscopy]], where a long, flexible tube with a camera is inserted down the throat and into the stomach and duodenum.
+Preventive measures include:
-* [[Barium swallow]], where a thick, chalky substance called barium is swallowed and coats the upper digestive tract, making ulcers visible on X-rays.
-* [[Blood test]], to check for the presence of ''H. pylori'' bacteria.
-==Treatment==
+* Avoiding NSAIDs when possible.
-Treatment for ulcers depends on the cause, but may include:
+* Limiting alcohol consumption.
+* Quitting smoking.
+* Eating a balanced diet.
-* Medications to block stomach acid.
+== Related Pages ==
-* Antibiotics to kill ''H. pylori'' bacteria.
-* Medications to protect the lining of the stomach and small intestine.
-* In some cases, surgery may be needed.
-==See also==
 * [[Gastritis]]
-* [[Gastroenteritis]]
+* [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]]
-* [[Stomach cancer]]
+* [[Inflammatory bowel disease]]
+== References ==
-[[Category:Digestive diseases]]
+* "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:Pathology]]
-{{stub}}