view bucket

view bucket

Peptic ulcers

Description

Ulcers are sores that heal slowly and develop on the lining of different organs. Similarly, peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of stomach or small intestine. Peptic ulcers are of two types; gastric ulcers – that develop on the lining of stomach and duodenal ulcers – that develop on the top end of small intestine. Peptic ulcers may be symptomatic, asymptomatic, or recurrent.

Causes

Known causes of peptic ulcers are:

  • Helicobacter pylori infection,
  • Prolonged intake of pain-relieving medicines such as aspirin or NSAIDs,
  • Intake of other medicines like steroids or anti-depressants,
  • Smoking,
Risk factors

Prominent risk factors of peptic ulcers are:

  • Smoking,
  • Alcoholism,
  • Emotional stress,
  • Eating spicy foods,
  • Older age,
  • Excessive intake of aspirin and other pain-relieving medicines.
Symptoms

Common symptoms of peptic ulcers are:

  • Burning stomach pain,
  • Feeling of fullness,
  • Bloating,
  • Intolerance to fatty foods,
  • Heartburn,
  • Nausea,
  • Vomiting,
  • Blood in vomiting,
  • Dark blood in stools,
  • Trouble breathing,
  • Feeling lethargic,
  • Unexplained weight loss,
  • Appetite changes.
Diagnosis

To reach a diagnosis, your doctor will take your detailed medical history, will ask you to get a few laboratory investigations like endoscopy, fecal antigen and urea breath test for helicobacter pylori done, may perform a physical exam, and ask specific questions regarding your symptoms.

Management

If the causative agent is helicobacter pylori, peptic ulcers are managed by giving medicines that block acid production, antibiotics, antacids, medicines that reduce acid production, and medicines that protect the lining of your stomach and intestine.

When to consult a doctor?

You should consult a doctor if the above mentioned therapeutic measures fail to resolve your pain and ulcers, if the ulcers start bleeding, if your ulcers don’t heal within 3 weeks, there is a complete loss of appetite, or if there is a general feeling of malaise and fatigue.

Available Medicine for Peptic ulcers

Tagamet 400mg

Rs.123.91

GlaxoSmithKline

Tagamet 200mg

Rs.50.55

GlaxoSmithKline

Cimet 400mg

Rs.165.55

Ferozsons

Cidine 1mg

Rs.360

Highnoon

Cidine 1mg/5ml

Rs.428.4

Highnoon

Cinita 1 mg

Rs.200

Getz Pharma

S.R.D 1 mg

Rs.198

Seraph