Gastroduodenal ulcers, better known as peptic ulcers, are lesions that are located in the mucosa of the stomach and duodenum. They appear when the protective layer of mucus is damaged.

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What causes ulcers?

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There are several factors that condition the appearance of ulcers:

• Infections with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori)

• A large number of medications such as pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Aspirin, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, etc.)

• Factors that favor the production of stomach acid such as some foods, stress, certain diseases, etc.

• Tobacco use and alcoholism

• Some diseases of the liver, kidneys and lungs

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What symptoms can they cause?

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An ulcer may or may not cause symptoms. When symptoms occur they can be:

• Burning or feeling of emptiness in the pit of the Stomach (Epigastrium)

• heartburn or acidity

• nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal pain that decreases with eating

In severe cases it can be observed:

• Vomiting bloody, black or red bowel movements

• Uncontrollable nausea and vomiting

• Pain in the pit of the stomach that no longer improves with eating or responds to anti-ulcer medications

• Weightloss.

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Does the risk of peptic ulcer increase if I take anti-inflammatories?

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There is strong evidence that pain relievers and anti-inflammatories cause peptic ulcers and the risk is increased when:

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• The dose of analgesics is high or several anti-inflammatories are combined

• If you take painkillers while infected with the H.pylori bacterium

• Using painkillers and anti-inflammatories without taking gastric protectors

• In individuals older than 70 years

• Women are at higher risk of forming ulcers

• All non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs produce ulcers to a greater or lesser degree, including those with an enteric coating. There is a rule: the greater the potency of the anti-inflammatory, the greater the possibility of producing an ulcer.

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Can they have complications?

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Yes. Gastric or duodenal ulcers that are not detected in time, can present serious complications, the most frequent are:

1. Hemorrhage

2. Drilling

3. Penetration to nearby organs

4. Narrowing of the pylorus and/or duodenum

These complications are more frequent in elderly patients.

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How are they diagnosed?

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Gastroduodenal esophageal endoscopy is the most appropriate method for the diagnosis of peptic ulcer and has the advantage of being able to take biopsies to rule out ulcerated cancer and investigate H. Pylori.

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How to treat them?

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There are a large number of medications known as histamine H2 blockers and proton pump blockers that are very effective in treating peptic ulcer.

Antacids and mucosal protective drugs are also effective.

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