Peptic Ulcer Devin Scott, Kensei Suzuki, Isabelle Legare

Symptoms of a Peptic Ulcer A burning, aching, or gnawing pain between the belly button and the breastbone. Some people also have back pain. The pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours and may come and go for weeks. Loss of appetite and weight loss. Bloating or nausea after eating. Vomiting.

Causes of a Peptic Ulcer Overuse of over the counter painkillers- aspirin, ibuprofen, and advil. Alcohol Psychological stress Smoking Helicobacter pylori

What happens-Pathology The Helicobacter pylori causes an infection, and has the ability to survive in the acidic stomach environment and the small intestine because it produces enzyme’s that neutralize stomach acid. The bacteria moves through the mucous membrane, and survives in the lining of the stomach creating complications. Pepsin and hydrochloric acid are then responsible for leaking through the broken-down membrane and causing pain/inflammation.

Treatment of a Peptic Ulcer Antibiotic medications to kill Helicobacter pylori, often taken for two weeks. Medications that block acid production and promote healing of the affected area. Medications to reduce acid production or antacids that neutralize stomach acid.

Statistics/Interesting Facts of Peptic Ulcers One test to find out if you have a peptic ulcer is a esophagogastroduodenoscopy. 1 in 54 or 1.84% or 5 million people in the USA are affected by this. There’s a test that calls for an individual to eat or drink radioactive carbon, and later if you blow into a bag the H. pylori bacteria will be present.