Peptic Ulcer Symptoms

Peptic ulcer are holes or breaks in the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. Peptic ulcer generally occurs in the lower part of the stomach, in the initial portion of the duodenum, and occasionally in the lower esophagus. There are several peptic ulcer symptoms.

Peptic ulcer symptoms include burning, aching, gnawing, or hunger discomfort in the upper abdomen or lower chest that is relieved by milk, food, or antacids. Other peptic ulcer symptoms include foul-smelling stools, feeling bloated after meals, nausea and vomiting.

There are some emergency peptic ulcer symptoms too such as shock, cold, clammy skin and fainting which suggests excessive blood loss and vomiting of fresh blood. Obviously the sign of any emergency peptic ulcer symptoms warrants a trip to the emergency room.

The cause of peptic ulcers is not fully known although peptic ulcer symptoms are well known. Normally, the linings of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are kept intact by a balance between the acid and stomach juices and the resistance of these linings to injury. When the balance breaks down, the result may be a peptic ulcer.

If your stomach produces a great deal of acid, you may not necessarily develop an ulcer; likewise, if you have low acid production, it is no assurance that you will never have an ulcer so watch for peptic ulcer symptoms. What appears to be decisive is the balance between the amount of acid and the quality and quantity of the protective lining.

Peptic ulcers are not uncommon in our society which provides even more reason to be aware of peptic ulcer symptoms. Nearly 10% will have a peptic ulcer at some point in their life. Duodenal ulcers are most common between the ages of 40 and 50 while gastric ulcers are most common between 60 and 70. Frequently, ulcers recur within one year after healing, sometimes without symptoms.

There is some evidence to suggest that some people may have inherited a disposition to ulcers. Peptic ulcers are 3 times more likely to occur in families of patients with duodenal ulcer than in the general population. And relatives of people with gastric ulcers are likely to have the very same kind of ulcer.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no clear evidence that people who are under a lot of stress or eat hurried, irregular meals are more likely to have peptic ulcer symptoms. Furthermore, ulcers do not affect primarily high-level business executives any more than those in other occupations. Ulcers affect people of all socioeconomic levels. And since they play no favorites, we should all be aware of peptic ulcer symptoms.