Gastric Ulcer vs Duodenal Ulcer: How Can You Differentiate the Two?

Have you experienced a burning and gnawing sensation in your stomach? Well, chances are you might have had a condition called peptic ulcer disease, otherwise known as peptic ulcer. This is a common condition that occurs due to open sores in the stomach lining. When the sore develops in the lining of the stomach, it is called a gastric ulcer. However, when the sore or ulcer occurs in the first part of the small intestine (i.e., the duodenum), it is called a duodenal ulcer.

However, it is often difficult to differentiate between gastric and duodenal ulcers. Thus, this article provides information on how to distinguish between these two conditions. Unquestionably, this will help you know what you might be dealing with for effective treatment.

What Causes These Conditions?

Normally, your stomach produces hydrochloric acid (with the help of parietal cells in the stomach lining). This acid helps digest food and defend your stomach against harmful microbes. In addition, your stomach also has a mucosa layer, which secretes mucus that protects the stomach lining and other tissues from the acid.

However, certain factors can break down the mucosal protective layer and disrupt its functioning. So, the acid gains access to delicate parts of the stomach, causing an ulcer or sore to develop. The main factors that can trigger ulcer formation in the stomach are a type of bacteria called H. pylori and a class of painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Furthermore, other causes of stomach ulcers are:

• Smoking
• Some viral infections
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Hallmark Features and Symptoms to Differentiate Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers

The main symptom of peptic ulcer disease is having upper abdominal pain. However, here are some distinguishing features of gastric and duodenal ulcer;

What Are the Risk Factors?

The following are the risk factors for peptic ulcer:

• Excessive alcohol intake or smoking
• Genetics/family history
• Overproducing and overconsumption of calcium
• Uncontrolled use of pain medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, etc
• Chronic stress

Complications Associated With Gastric vs. Duodenal Ulcers

An ulcer literally eats a hole through your stomach lining which is called perforation. If left untreated, stomach ulcers can worsen, leading to internal bleeding, especially in the case of gastric ulcers. In general, the following are the complications associated with gastric and duodenal ulcers, respectively:

• Gastric Ulcer Complications: This includes hemorrhage, perforation, and cancer
• Duodenal Ulcer Complications: Also high risk of perforation and blockage, severe pain, and black stool.

How to Prevent and Alleviate Ulcer Symptoms

Stomach ulcers can block food from passing through the digestive tract, cause severe nutritional deficiencies, and trigger digestive conditions. Thus, here are some tips to prevent and alleviate peptic ulcers:

• Use of antibiotics and probiotics: if the ulcer is caused by the bacteria pylori, the use of antibiotics will help kill off the bacteria. However, antibiotics do not distinguish between the good and the bad bacteria in your digestive tract. Their sole aim is to kill off bacteria, irrespective of their function. This is where the use of NATURE’SFIELD DAILY PROBIOTICS comes in to restore harmony and provide a conducive environment for your well-being.
• Use of prescription medication to reduce stomach acid: This depends on the type and specific cause of the ulcer.
• Decrease the use of NSAIDs: This is to prevent their toxic effects on the stomach.
• Avoid spicy or fried foods and alcohol: Reducing or avoiding the risk factors is one of the best strategies to prevent this condition.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of peptic ulcer, don’t wait for it to worsen before you do something about it. Fortunately, incorporating NATURE’SFIELD DAILY PROBIOTICS exerts dual benefits as it not only maintains a balance in the microorganisms in your body but also inhibits the growth of H. pylori with potent anti-inflammatory properties. As has been noted, the stability of your gut affects your overall health. This is because the microorganisms in your body are invaluable. Therefore, maintaining harmony and balance is critical to improving health conditions.