ProViva Tummy School

Section 3: Peptic ulcer disease

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is more common than you would think. About ten percent of the Swedish population suffer from peptic ulcer at some point in their lives. In the most common version the ulcer is located in the duodenum, but it can also occur in the stomach. In the old days people with peptic ulcer had to live with the condition for the rest of their lives, but today extremely effective treatment is available for these patients and most cases can be cured. What is the cause?

By far, the most common cause of peptic ulcer is the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. The bacteria live in the mucous that protects the stomach and intestines from corrosive substances, such as the acids needed to break down food so that the body can benefit from the nutrients. When the bacteria attack the mucous membrane it can no longer defend itself against the corrosive substances and an ulcer occurs. About seventy percent of ulcers in the stomach and almost all ulcers in the duodenum are caused by Helicobacter pylori. Other cases can be caused by overuse of medications that contain acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) as well as certain antiinflammatory medications.

However, not every carrier of Helicobacter pylori develops peptic ulcer disease. Currently we do not know why some people get peptic ulcers, while others do not and researchers are investigating this question. Many believe the disease to be spontaneous and just like dyspepsia, it is related to poor eating habits, stress, etc., but there is no scientific evidence that this is the case. All that is known with certainty is that smoking adversely affects the healing process in PUD. In the worst of cases, ulcers can be due to stomach cancer.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and are similar to those that occur with dyspepsia.

• Pain in upper portion of stomach

• Nausea

• Early satiety during meals

• Sometimes pain or discomfort increases during meals

• Blood in stool (bleeding peptic ulcer)

• Vomiting blood (bleeding peptic ulcer)

What can you do about the situation?

• Always contact a doctor if you suspect that you have a peptic ulcer! A bleeding peptic ulcer can be extremely serious and must be worked up

• In Sweden, over the counter medications that alleviate the symptoms are available.

• Some foods can relieve problems, such as milk

• Products that contain lactobacilli (e.g., ProViva) can affect the harmful bacteria in the stomach and accelerate the healing process