Antacid medication commercials often feature people overwhelmed at work or regretting eating too many tacos. However, 9 out of 10 ulcers are caused by an infection, not stress or spicy food.
Helicobacter pylori infection is the culprit for 90% of ulcers, according to the Mayo Clinic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,the other 10% are caused by the use of drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.
The most common symptom of an ulcer, which is a sore or hole in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the intestine ,is gnawing or burning pain in the abdomen between the breastbone and the belly button. Ulcer pain often occurs when the stomach is empty, between meals, and in the early morning hours, but it can occur at any time. Less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. Sometimes ulcers bleed which may lead to anemia with weakness and fatigue.
In the past, ulcers were viewed as a chronic condition, requiring regular treatment and prevention through bland diets and over the counter antacids. Now, doctors want patients to know that they don’t have to live with that pain: ulcers can be cured permanently with a 10-14 day course of antibiotic-based therapy. The FDA has approved eight treatment options for H. pylori infection.Eliminating the infection with antibiotics means that there is a greater than 90% chance that the ulcer can be cured for good.
However, a GI scope should be done before antibiotics are given to rule out other sources of tummy trouble, such as tumors, Crohn’s disease or abnormal blood vessels, such as arteriovenous malformations.
Resources:
http://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/ToolsTemplates/EntertainmentEd/Tips/Ulcers.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/h-pylori/basics/complications/con-20030903
