Diagnosis and Symptom Categories
Peptic Ulcer
Related terms · Gastric ulcer · Duodenal ulcer
A peptic ulcer is a state where a deep sore has formed in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. Epigastric pain, early satiety, and nausea may occur, but some cases are discovered through bleeding after having almost no symptoms.
Overview
Peptic Ulcer: Please check these three things first
- A peptic ulcer is a deep sore that develops in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.
- Helicobacter infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common causes.
- Vomiting blood orBlack stoolssudden severe abdominal pain requires a prompt medical evaluation before scheduling an appointment at a Korean medicine clinic.
Definitions and Distinctions
What is a peptic ulcer?
Helicobacter pylori Infections and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common causes. The location and cause of the ulcer are confirmed through endoscopy and Helicobacter tests. A peptic ulcer is a state where a deep sore has formed on the inside of the stomach or duodenum. Symptoms may include epigastric pain, early satiety, or nausea, but in some cases, there are almost no symptoms until it is discovered through bleeding.
- Easily Confused Terms
- gastritisGastritis refers to inflammation of the mucosa, while an ulcer refers to a deeper sore. Functional dyspepsia is considered when necessary tests do not identify a cause, such as an ulcer, that explains the symptoms.
- Why this is checked during the medical evaluation
- To distinguish between the risk of bleeding and remaining indigestion, it is necessary to know about the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, or anticoagulants, as well as Helicobacter treatment and previous ulcer or endoscopy results.
- Information to prepare
- Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, black and sticky stools, or sudden severe abdominal paindizziness requires immediate medical attention.
More details
Connecting Peptic Ulcers to My Symptoms
It is not the same as gastritis or functional dyspepsia
Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining, whereas an ulcer refers to a deeper sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. Since it is difficult to distinguish them by epigastric pain and satiety alone, endoscopy, Helicobacter tests, and current medications are reviewed.
Re-evaluating the cause of stomach discomfort even after ulcer treatment
Even after the ulcer has healed and the cause has been treated, bloating, early satiety, or epigastric pain may persist. While following the re-examination plan and current medication, we check for concurrent functional dyspepsia or reflux to set the goals for herbal medicine treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Peptic Ulcers
If I have a burning sensation in my epigastrium on an empty stomach, is it a gastric ulcer?
It cannot be determined by that symptom alone. Since ulcers, gastritis, and functional dyspepsia can be similar, we check for the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Helicobacter status, and other necessary tests.
Can I take herbal medicine while being treated for an ulcer?
Treating bleeding and the ulcer is the priority. Please inform both your medical staff and the Korean medicine doctor about any acid suppressants, eradication drugs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) you are taking, as well as your liver and kidney status, to determine if concurrent treatment is appropriate.
Gastrointestinal Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can proceed to a detailed explanation after confirming the simple meaning.Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideGastritisMany people with gastritis or gastropathy have no symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include epigastric pain, discomfort, or burning sensations, nausea or vomiting, early satiety (feeling full after a few spoonfuls) and postprandial fullness, and loss of appetite or weight. Gastritis is inflammation of the mucosa, whereas a peptic ulcer is a deeper wound in the stomach or duodenum, so they are not the same. Since the degree of inflammation seen on an endoscopy does not always correlate with the level of discomfort felt, not all upper abdominal symptoms are explained by gastritis alone. If you vomit blood or coffee-colored material, have black stools, dizziness, or shortness of breath, bleeding must be evaluated. If sudden upper abdominal discomfort is accompanied by chest pain, cold sweats, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or arm, heart problems must be evaluated first.→
- Condition GuideEpigastric Pain Syndrome (EPS)Epigastric Pain Syndrome (EPS) is a pattern of functional dyspepsia centered on pain or burning in the epigastric region (the upper central abdomen). It does not only occur after meals and may overlap with postprandial distress syndrome. If you experience black stools, vomiting blood, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, or if the pain newly worsens, do not dismiss these as functional symptoms; you must first undergo an evaluation to determine the cause.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat should I check first when I have abdominal pain and bloating?The phrase 'indigestion' can encompass a variety of symptoms, including pain in the epigastric area (the pit of the stomach), a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount, acid reflux, lower abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements. Start by noting whether your most distressing symptoms occur before or after meals, or before or after bowel movements. If you vomit blood, have black stools, vomit to the point of dehydration, or experience sudden and severe abdominal pain, do not wait to record your symptoms; seek medical attention immediately.→
- Digestive Health ColumnWhat is the difference between PDS, where you feel full after eating very little, and EPS, where the epigastric area hurts?→
Evidence and Update Information
The definitions and safety standards in the materials below were referenced.
- NIDDK: Peptic UlcersYou have reviewed the definition, common causes, symptoms, and the possibility of bleeding or perforation in peptic ulcers.