Peptic ulcers are defects in the gastric or duodenal mucosa that extend through the muscularis mucosa. The epithelial cells of the stomach and duodenum secrete mucus in response to irritation of the epithelial lining and as a result of cholinergic stimulation.

Most stomach ulcers go unnoticed until a serious complication, such as bleeding, occurs. This can lead to stomach pains and dizziness from blood loss.

Imaging tests used to diagnose ulcers include: Upper GI (gastrointestinal) series or barium swallow. This test looks at the organs of the top part of your digestive system. It checks your food pipe (esophagus), stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum).

Although the pathophysiology of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer is similar, there are clearly differences between the two groups. Duodenal ulcer is typified by H. pylori infection and duodenitis and in many cases impaired duodenal bicarbonate secretion in the face of moderate increases in acid and peptic activity.

A duodenal ulcer is a peptic ulcer that develops in the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). An esophageal ulcer occurs in the lower part of your esophagus. Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine.

If you have an ulcer, what should you do the next time you have a headache? In general, people with ulcers should use acetaminophen for over-the-counter pain relief. Unless your doctor has said it’s OK, you should not use aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen sodium.

Here are the top five signs you may have an ulcer:

• Dull, burning pain. The most common sign of a stomach ulcer is dull, burning pain in the stomach area.
• Indigestion or heartburn.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Change in stool color.
• Unexplained weight loss.

Symptoms of a duodenal ulcer have pain in the stomach or abdomen (this might come and go and is relieved by eating or taking an antacid) have indigestion. feel very full and bloated after eating. feel like you might vomit (nauseous)

The main symptom of a stomach or duodenal ulcer is upper abdominal pain, which can be dull, sharp, or burning (a hunger-like feeling). (Bloating and burping are not symptoms of peptic ulcer, and vomiting, poor appetite, and nausea are uncommon symptoms of peptic ulcer.)

The main cause of this damage is infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. The bacteria can cause the lining of your duodenum to become inflamed and an ulcer can form. Some medications can also cause a duodenal ulcer, particularly anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

Imaging tests used to diagnose ulcers include: Upper GI (gastrointestinal) series or barium swallow. This test looks at the organs of the top part of your digestive system. It checks your food pipe (esophagus), stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). You will swallow a metallic fluid called barium.

Infection with H. pylori is the cause in about 19 in 20 cases of duodenal ulcer. More than a quarter of individuals in the UK become infected with H. pylori at some stage in their lives. See the different leaflet called Stomach Pain (Helicobacter Pylori) for more details. 2. Anti-inflammatory Medicines

A peptic ulcer is an ulcer triggered by stomach acid. An ulcer happens where the lining of the gut is damaged and the underlying tissue is exposed. If you could see inside your gut, an ulcer appears like a little, red crater on the within lining of the gut.

Ulcers that are found where the duodenum joins the stomach can cause swelling and scarring. This can narrow or even block the opening to the duodenum. Food can’t leave your stomach and go into your small intestine.