When the stomach or small intestine’s inner surface is attacked by digestive tract acid, peptic ulcers develop. A painful open sore that may bleed can be formed by the acid.

A mucous layer covers your digestive tract, which often shields it from acid. You could, however, develop an ulcer if the amount of acid is increased or the amount of mucus is lowered.

Open sores known as peptic ulcers form on the inner lining of the stomach and the upper small intestine.

The bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and long-term usage of over-the-counter strong painkillers and naproxen sodium are the two main causes of peptic ulcers (Aleve).

There is no link between stress and peptic ulcers. However, they might exacerbate your symptoms.

Symptoms

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

Common causes include:

• Consistent usage of specific painkillers. Aspirin and a class of painkillers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can irritate or inflame the lining of your stomach and small intestine.
• A bacterium. The mucous layer that covers and shields the tissues that line the stomach and small intestine is a popular habitat for Helicobacter pylori bacteria. The H. pylori bacterium frequently causes no issues, but it can also lead to ulceration by inflaming the stomach’s inner layer.
• Other medicines. Combining certain additional drugs with NSAIDs can significantly increase the risk of getting ulcers. These include steroids, anticoagulants, low-dose aspirin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), alendronate (Fosamax), and risedronate (Actonel).

Left untreated, peptic ulcers can result in:

• Internal bleeding.
• A hole (perforation) in your stomach wall.
• Peptic ulcers can block passage of food through the digestive tract, causing you to become full easily, to vomit and to lose weight either through swelling from inflammation or through scarring.
• Gastric cancer (Stomach Cancer).

Treatment

H. pylori infections are usually treated with at least two different antibiotics at once. This helps prevent the bacteria from developing a resistance to one particular antibiotic.

Treatment may also include medications to help your stomach heal, including:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs stop acid from being produced in the stomach. Some examples of PPIs are omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid) and pantoprazole (Protonix).
• Bismuth subsalicylate. More commonly known by the brand name Pepto-Bismol, this drug works by coating the ulcer and protecting it from stomach acid.
• Histamine (H-2) blockers. These medications block a substance called histamine, which triggers acid production. One example is cimetidine (Tagamet HB). H-2 blockers are only prescribed for H. pylori infection if PPIs can’t be used.

Repeat testing for H. pylori at least four weeks after your treatment is recommended. If the tests show the treatment didn’t get rid of the infection, you may need more treatment with a different combination of antibiotics.

ALSO READ: Reasons why you are finding it difficult to sleep well at night and solutions