Peptic Ulcer: Texts
A peptic ulcer is an open sore or break in the lining of the stomach, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), or occasionally the oesophagus.
Causes:
- Infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria
- Long-term use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Smoking cigarettes, which increases ulcer risk and impairs healing
- Excess stomach acid (rarely due to Zollinger‐Ellison syndrome)
Key Points:
- Ulcers may be silent (no symptoms) or cause burning pain, especially when the stomach is empty or at night
- Pain may improve with eating or antacids
- Untreated ulcers can lead to bleeding, perforation, or obstruction
- Diagnosis typically involves endoscopy and testing for H. pylori
Questions 1–6
1the infection and the type of medication that can cause the condition?
2how an ulcer can create a hole through the stomach or intestine?
3diagnostic methods such as endoscopy and the urea breath test?
4the lifestyle factors that should be assessed when investigating a suspected ulcer?
5the parts of the digestive tract in which ulcers can form?
6the medicines used to eradicate the bacteria and to reduce stomach acid?
Questions 7–13
7What type of bacteria is most commonly associated with peptic ulcers?
8Which class of pain relievers can damage the stomach lining if taken frequently?
9Apart from being dull, how is the stomach pain of a peptic ulcer described?
10What condition can develop if an ulcer causes narrowing of the digestive tract?
11Which procedure allows an ulcer to be identified directly and a biopsy to be taken?
12Under which category of treatment are proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers listed?
13Under which category of treatment are sucralfate and misoprostol listed?
Questions 14–20
14A peptic ulcer is an open ________ or break in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.
15Excess stomach acid is occasionally caused by a condition called ________.
16One serious complication of ulcers is gastrointestinal ________, which may present as black stools.
17Infection with H. pylori can be detected by a stool antigen test or by a ________.
18A standard treatment for H. pylori infection is a course of ________.
19Patients are advised to limit alcohol intake and to stop ________ to support healing.
20Untreated ulcers can lead to bleeding, obstruction or ________.