An “ulcer” is an open sore.

The word “peptic” means that the cause of the problem is due to
acid. Most of the time when a gastroenterologist is referring to an “ulcer” the doctor means a
peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcer is the most common of the problems affecting the upper GI tract. An
ulcer is an erosion of the stomach, pylorus, or duodenum. Ulcers occur only in areas affected by
excess hydrochloric acid and pepsin (an enzyme).
The two most common types of peptic ulcer are called “gastric ulcers” and “duodenal ulcers”.
These names refer to the location where the ulcer is found. Gastric ulcers are located in the
stomach. Duodenal ulcers are found at the beginning of the small intestine known as the
duodenum. A person may have both gastric and duodenal ulcers at the same time

The following are the major causative factors of peptic ulcer:

1. Increased acidity and secretion of gastric juices
2. Decreased secretion of mucous lining and buffers
3. Prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin,
ibuprofen, and others
 a group of medications used to relieve pain. NSAIDs cause ulcers by interrupting
the natural ability of the stomach and the duodenum to protect themselves from
stomach acid
 NSAID use is very common because many are available over the counter without
a prescription therefore it is a very common cause of peptic ulcers
4. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection—Infection by this bacteria, along with
hydrochloric (HCl) acid and pepsin secretion, is now believed to be a major cause of
ulcers.
 is a bacterium that lives in the stomach of infected people. it can raise the
amount of acid, break down the protective mucus layer, and irritate the digestive
tract.

Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers

● Some people are asymptomatic or experience only mild discomfort. In others, ulcer pain
may be experienced as a hunger pain, a sensation of gnawing, or a burning pain in the
stomach region.
● The pain or discomfort of ulcers may be relieved by food and recur several hours after
a meal, especially if the ulcer is duodenal. Gastric ulcers may be aggravated by food
and can cause loss of appetite and eventual weight loss.

Treatment goals for the peptic ulcer are to relieve pain, heal erosion, prevent complications, and
prevent recurrences. Therapy usually includes rest, antacids, and anticholinergics. Physicians
recommend reduction of ulcer-predisposing factors such as stress, hurried or skipped meals,
and excess coffee, colas, smoking, and aspirin

Nutrition Care for Peptic Ulcers

The goals of nutrition care are to correct nutrient deficiencies, if necessary, and encourage
dietary and lifestyle practices that minimize symptoms.
● Patients should avoid dietary items that increase acid secretion or irritate the GI lining
● Small meals may be better tolerated than large ones.
● Patients should avoid food consumption for at least two hours before bedtime.
There is no evidence that dietary adjustments alter the rate of healing or prevent recurrence.