Peptic ulcers are open sores that form on the inner lining of the stomach, upper small intestine, or esophagus. They are extremely common in Bangladesh — and the most treatable when properly diagnosed. Understanding the link between peptic ulcers, H. pylori infection, and the role of your medicine and gastroliver specialist in Banasree is the first step to lasting relief.
What Causes Peptic Ulcers?
Two major causes account for over 90% of peptic ulcers:
1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection
H. pylori is a bacteria that colonizes the stomach lining, weakening its protective mucus layer and allowing acid to damage the tissue underneath. It is the leading cause of peptic ulcers worldwide and is very common in Bangladesh due to crowded living conditions and limited access to clean water in some areas.
2. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
Regular use of aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, or naproxen inhibits prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining, leading to erosion and ulcer formation. This is especially common among arthritis and pain patients.
Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers
- Burning or gnawing stomach pain — often between meals or at night
- Pain that improves temporarily after eating or taking antacids
- Bloating and feeling of fullness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Dark, tarry stools (melena) — indicates bleeding ulcer (medical emergency)
- Vomiting blood — requires immediate ER visit
Diagnosing H. pylori: The Breath Test
The Urea Breath Test (UBT) is the most accurate non-invasive test for H. pylori. Here’s how it works:
- You swallow a special urea solution containing a harmless tracer
- If H. pylori is present, its enzyme (urease) breaks down the urea, releasing labeled CO₂
- You breathe into a collection bag, and the CO₂ level is measured
- Results are typically available within 30 minutes
Other diagnostic options include stool antigen test (also non-invasive), blood antibody tests, and endoscopy with biopsy (gold standard, also checks for ulcer severity).
Treatment: Eradicating H. pylori
The standard treatment is Triple Therapy — a 14-day course of:
- A Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) — to reduce acid
- Two antibiotics (commonly clarithromycin + amoxicillin or metronidazole)
Compliance is critical — missing doses leads to antibiotic resistance. A follow-up breath test at 4–6 weeks confirms eradication.
Gastroliver Care at Farazy Hospital
Farazy Hospital’s medicine and gastroliver specialists provide H. pylori breath tests, stool antigen tests, endoscopy, and complete peptic ulcer management. We also offer dietary counseling to support healing and prevent recurrence.
📞 Book a gastroliver consultation: 01777-317772 | Banasree, Dhaka 1219
