Peptic ulcers are a sore on the lining of the stomach of duodenum. Abdominal discomfort when the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly and the stomach contents are allowed to flow back or reflux into the esopagus. The main symptoms are persistent heartburn (burning sensation in the chest or throat and acid regurgitation.
Almost all stomach ulcers are caused by either infection with a bacterium called helicobacter pylori (h.pylori) or by use of pain medications called NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. NSAID-induced ulcers can be cured with time, stomach protective medication, antacids and avoidence of NSAIDS.H pylori-related ulcers can be cured with antbiotics. In some patients stress and spicy foods may aggravate ulcers, but they are not a cause of them. br>GERD may be treated with lifestyle changes, medication(such as antacids) or surgery. Your doctor will decide on the best course of action, depending on how servere your symptons are. br>Along with reducing stress and modifying lifestyle, doctors treat gastric and duodenal ulcers with several types of medicines, including H2-blockers, proton-pump inhibitors and mucosal protective agents. When treating H. pylori, these medications are used in combination with antibiotics. If medication is ineffective or complications arise, surgery may be required.