Final answer:
A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, often caused by H. pylori infection or chronic NSAID use. Diagnosis is typically through symptoms and endoscopy, with antibiotics and acid-reducing medications as common treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
A peptic ulcer is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or duodenum. These ulcers can cause symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, which may improve with eating, as well as belching, vomiting, weight loss, and poor appetite. Many peptic ulcers are caused by an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Another common cause of these ulcers is the chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Diagnosis of a peptic ulcer often involves an assessment of symptoms or the detection of H. pylori in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An endoscopy may be required for a definitive diagnosis, enabling direct visualization of the affected areas. Treatment typically includes antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori and medications to decrease stomach acid and promote healing. In severe cases, where the ulcer has led to perforation, emergency surgery may be necessary.
It's important to note that lifestyle choices like eating spicy foods, drinking coffee, or alcohol consumption, which were once believed to cause peptic ulcers, are now thought to have little impact on their development. Complications from untreated peptic ulcers can be severe and include bleeding, with symptoms such as dark stools, and in extreme cases, perforation of the stomach can occur, which is a medical emergency.