A peptic ulcer refers to an open sore that forms on the upper portion of the small intestine and the inner lining of the stomach. A major symptom of this medical condition is stomach pain. There are two kinds of ulcers. The first is a duodenal ulcer, which forms on the duodenum or the inside of the upper portion of the small intestine. The second type is called a gastric ulcer that forms on the inside of the stomach.

These ulcers are commonly caused by an infection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium. It can also be caused due to prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and aspirin. Contrary to popular belief, spicy foods and stress do not lead to a peptic ulcer. Let’s review some facts on peptic ulcers:

1. Symptoms of peptic ulcer
Almost 75% of patients of peptic ulcer do not show any symptoms for a long time after developing them. The common symptoms of the condition, when they manifest, are:

• A feeling of bloating and fullness
• Belching
• Burning stomach pain
• Heartburn
• Intolerance to fatty food
• Nausea

3. Does the condition cause pain?
The most common symptom of the condition is stomach pain that leads to a burning sensation. The pain is worsened by stomach acid as well as an empty stomach. Good pain relievers for this are acid blockers and certain foods that buffer the stomach acid. However, the relief may be short-lived until the condition is cured completely. The pain may be its worst at night and in-between meals.

Other than pain, peptic ulcers may cause severe symptoms and signs like:

• Dark blood in stools, or stools that are black in color
• Vomit or vomiting blood
• A feeling of faintness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Nausea
• Changes in appetite
• Unexplained weight loss

3. When to see a doctor
You must seek a doctor’s appointment without delay if you notice any of the symptoms or signs mentioned above. Moreover, if you have tried over-the-counter acid blockers and antacids to help relieve the pain but to no avail, then it is a sure sign that you must see a doctor.

4. Risk factors for peptic ulcers
Anybody can get peptic ulcers, however with certain lifestyle choices, the risk of developing this kind of ulcer increases. Thus, you may be at risk if you:

• Consume NSAIDs
  As mentioned before, the prolonged usage of NSAIDs increase your chances of developing a peptic ulcer.
• Smoke
  If you are a smoker infected with H. pylori, your chances of developing this ulcer increase. Therefore, it is recommended to quit smoking.
• Consume alcohol
  Consuming alcohol regularly and in excess can wreak havoc on your body. It can irritate the mucous lining of your stomach and even erode it. It can also cause your stomach to produce an excess of stomach acid, which will then cause severe pain in your stomach.

Peptic ulcers are an entirely curable condition if detected and treated on time. This makes it imperative for you to keep an eye out for symptoms and consult a doctor at the earliest sign of suspicion.