Definition : Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your esophagus, stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is abdominal pain
Signs and symptoms : - Feeling of fullness and problems drinking as much fluid as usual
- Hunger and an empty feeling in the stomach, often 1 to 3 hours after a meal
- Mild nausea that may go away with vomiting
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Pain in the upper abdomen that wakes you up at night
Other possible symptoms include: - Bloody or dark tarry stools
- Vomiting, possibly bloody
- Weight loss
How to diagnosis : To di agnose an ulcer, you may need a test called an upper endoscopy (EGD).
-This is a test to examine the lining of the esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach), stomach, and first part of the small intestine.
-It is done with a small camera (flexible endoscope) that is inserted down the throat.
-This test most often to get through sedation Endoscopy.
-Have a low blood count (anemia)
-Have trouble swallowing
-Are vomiting blood or your stools are blood or dark and tarry looking
-Have been losing weight without trying
Testing for H. pylori is also needed. Other tests you may have include:
-Hemoglobin blood test to check for anemia
-Stool occult blood test to test for blood in your stool
Sometimes, you may need a test called an upper GI series. A series of x-rays are taken after you drink a thick substance called barium. This does not require sedation.