If you want to see more scientifically accurate 3D medical images, please subscribe to our channel: /nucleushealthvideose MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: A peptic ulcer is an ulcer that develops in the lining of the lower part of your esophagus or various parts of your stomach or small intestine. A peptic ulcer in your esophagus is known as an esophageal ulcer, and one in your stomach is known as a gastric ulcer. When the ulcer affects the first part of your small intestine, called the duodenum, it is known as a duodenal ulcer. When you eat, your stomach produces highly acidic digestive juices, also known as gastric acid, to help process the food. The food then passes into your duodenum for further digestion and subsequent absorption into your bloodstream. To help protect your organs from the corrosive effects of stomach acid, a mucous layer covers the lining of your stomach and duodenum. When the protective mucous layer breaks down, stomach acid can enter the lining of your stomach or duodenum and cause an ulcer. Most peptic ulcers are caused by a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, also known as H pylori. Scientists believe this bacterium can enter your body through contaminated food or water or through close contact with an infected person. Once inside your body, it settles in the mucus lining of your stomach or duodenum. As the bacteria grow, it damages the mucus lining, allowing stomach acid to reach the stomach or duodenal membrane. Together, the stomach acid and the bacteria can cause an ulcer. Some peptic ulcers are associated with heavy use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, including aspirin and ibuprofen. These drugs reduce the ability of your stomach and duodenum to protect themselves from the effects of stomach acid. Your doctor may prescribe one drug or a combination of drugs to treat your peptic ulcer. If H pylori is the cause of your ulcer, you will need to take antibiotics to kill the bacteria. If your ulcer is due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, your doctor will recommend that you stop or limit the use of these medications. For a gastric ulcer, you may be given a proton pump inhibitor, also known as a PPI, to decrease the production of acid in your stomach. For a duodenal ulcer, you may be given a histamine type 2 receptor antagonist, commonly known as an H2 blocker, to reduce the amount of acid secreted in your stomach. In addition, your doctor may recommend medications to coat and protect the lining of your stomach and duodenum until the ulcer has healed. These include sucralfate, misoprostol, and bismuth subsalicylate, commonly known as Pepto Bismol. You may need surgery for an ulcer that does not heal with medication, or you may need surgery for an ulcer that goes away with treatment when it recurs. You may need surgery for an ulcer that bleeds. If your ulcer breaks or punctures the wall of your stomach or duodenum, you may need surgery to repair the damage. You may also need surgery for an ulcer that is blocking food from moving out of your stomach. If you have one or more of these complications, your doctor may recommend one of three surgical procedures: a vagotomy, antrectomy, or pyloroplasty. In a vagotomy, your surgeon will cut part of your vagus nerve. Through this nerve, your brain tells your stomach to release acid. After your surgeon cuts the nerve, your stomach will secrete less acid. In an antrectomy, your surgeon will remove the lower part of your stomach, known as the antrum. The antrum tells your stomach to release acid. Once it is removed, your stomach releases less acid. If your ulcer is blocking food from moving out of your stomach, your surgeon may perform a pyloroplasty. During this procedure, your surgeon will widen the pylorus, which is the opening between your stomach and duodenum, allowing food to pass through more easily. While your ulcer is healing, you should avoid alcohol and cigarettes. This is because it can slow down the healing process and may make your ulcer worse. A few weeks after treatment, your doctor may perform an endoscopy, which is a procedure to look inside your upper digestive tract to make sure your ulcer has healed. ANH11057en ANH11057en