Acid Reflux or Peptic Ulcer? Know the Difference
Acid reflux diseaseis themost common upper gastrointestinal disease在西方国家,影响超过七百万Americans alone. The condition occurs when gastric acid splashes up into the esophagus, causing damage. Another common GI condition that affects 4.6 million Americans is peptic ulcer disease. Peptic ulcers can have some symptoms in common with acid reflux and are often treated with PPI medications — causing some confusion between two conditions that are actually quite different.
What is peptic ulcer disease?
Peptic ulcers occur when the acid in the digestive tract eats away at the lining of the stomach or small intestine, creating irritated or raw spots that can become painful open, bleeding sores. Some of the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease include burning stomach pain, feeling full quickly, bloating, intolerance to fatty foods, heartburn, and nausea. So it is easy to see why the initial symptoms of peptic ulcer might be confused with acid reflux disease.
What causes peptic ulcer disease?
Peptic ulcer disease is most frequently caused by a bacterial infection or the overuse of certain medications. Helicobacter pylori bacteria or H. Pylori can be found in the mucosal layer of the GI tract. In most cases it doesn’t cause any problems, but for some it can cause irritation and ulcers. Another factor that can contribute to the development of peptic ulcer disease is the overuse of NSAIDs. These medications, while great for reducing inflammation in conditions like arthritis or pulled muscles, can irritate the lining of the GI tract. As with acid reflux disease, people who smoke, drink alcohol in excess, or eat spicy foodsmay be more likely to develop peptic ulcers.
How are peptic ulcers treated?
Peptic ulcer treatment may vary depending on the cause contributing to the problem. If an H. Pylori infection is confirmed (usually by a simple blood or breath test) your doctor will most likely prescribe a combination of two antibiotics along with acid suppressing medications. Should the cause of your peptic ulcer be linked to NSAIDs, your doctor will usually recommend discontinuing the medication (or recommend an alternative pain reliever) along with acid suppressing medications.
While acid reflux and peptic ulcer disease may share some similar symptoms and treatmentsit is vital to get an accurate diagnosis**.When left untreated, peptic ulcers can cause internal bleeding, perforation of the stomach or small intestine, infection of the abdominal cavity, or an obstruction in the GI tract.If you experience significant or new abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss or appetite changes; have dark (tar-like) stools or trouble breathing; or feel faint; or are vomiting blood, seek immediate medical care.
