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Signs You Have an Ulcer
A peptic ulcer is a sore that typically develops in the lining of your stomach or your duodenum — the upper portion of your small intestine.
The acid in your stomach is highly corrosive, which is necessary to help break down food during the digestive process. Thankfully, your gastrointestinal tract has a lining of mucus that protects it from the intensity of the stomach acid. However, in some cases, this protective lining fails, and the acid erodes right through your digestive tract, forming a peptic ulcer.
Studies report that up to 70% of people can have a peptic ulcer and not even realize it, since so often it presents with incredibly mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. You may even think it’s another gastrointestinal issue altogether.
Because peptic ulcers can cause major issues if they’re left untreated, Ven Kottapalli, MD, CNSP, and the rest of our team at GI Physicians, Inc. in Lima, Ohio, want to give you some signs that commonly indicate you have a peptic ulcer.
Common symptoms of peptic ulcers
You may not encounter symptoms with a peptic ulcer, but if you do, you might experience the following:
Abdominal pain
One of the most commonly reported symptoms of peptic ulcers is abdominal pain, specifically in your upper abdomen. This pain may be burning or aching and can worsen at night or right before and after meals. Your pain experience depends mostly on where the ulcer is located, whether it’s in your stomach or your duodenum.
Indigestion
Peptic ulcers can often be mistaken for indigestion since it’s another one of the main symptoms. Stomach and duodenal ulcers can cause a range of uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, feeling full quickly, or feeling full for a long period after you eat.
Two other common symptoms of peptic ulcers include loss of appetite and nausea.
More rare and serious symptoms of peptic ulcers
If you don’t realize you have a peptic ulcer and it continues to worsen until it bleeds or wears a complete hole through your gastrointestinal tract, you may experience some of these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Bloody or dark, tarry stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek prompt treatment.
Get expert peptic ulcer care with our team
If you suspect you have a peptic ulcer, don’t delay in seeking treatment from our team at GI Physicians, Inc. We can provide next-level care that includes medication to heal your gastrointestinal tract tissues and clear any infections.
Schedule an appointment by calling our office or booking online today.
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