Peptic ulcers, also known as ulcus peptium or peptic ulcer disease (PUD), are a type of ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract which is usually acidic and is also extremely painful. Between 80%-90% of peptic ulcers are associated with the helicobacter pylori bacterium.
Peptic ulcers are becoming increasingly common – in fact, one out of every eight individuals in the United States suffers from peptic ulcer disease. While H. pylori bacteria are often to blame, peptic ulcers can also form when the thick protective layer of mucous lining the wall of the stomach is eroded by arthritis medication, aspirin, or other irritants. Erosion then results in infection of the stomach lining and an inflammation of the stomach wall known as gastritis. Normally, a protein antibody develops in the blood to fight against the bacterial infection, but if the antibody cannot fight off the infection, the continuous acid erosion causes an ulcer.
Peptic ulcer symptoms can be painful, long-term, and often life-changing. A proper peptic ulcer diet should not include food that could cause irritation, thus helping to reduce excessive acid production and prevent heartburn. Avoid excessively spicy or deep fried foods. Relax and enjoy your meals and remember to eat several small meals each day, rather than just three normal sized meals and do not overeat.
Often, effective peptic ulcer treatment begins with a simple, non-invasive helicobacter pylori test. Since proper peptic ulcer treatment depends upon accurately diagnosing the presence of H. pylori bacteria, our BreathID system offers the most simple and reliable helicobacter pylori test available today.
For more information about how the BreathID breath test system is used to detect H. pylori at the point-of-care, please watch a short film on Urea Breath Tests or contact a company representative by completing the contact form.