Ulcer & Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder that, left untreated, can lead to potentially serious complications and other disorders of the stomach such as ulcers. Acid reflux is caused by a defect in the barrier between the stomach contents and esophagus. The result is stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, causing pain and a variety of other symptoms.

Significance

• When acid reflux goes untreated and continuous acid backup is present, the esophagus can become eroded and symptoms can worsen, even mimicking other serious medical conditions. The pain from acid reflux can cause heart attack-like chest pain.

Ulcers

• Ulcers, peptic and gastric, typically produce acid reflux as a symptom. Stomach lining and other areas of the stomach that become eroded or injured by increased acid production are most susceptible to ulcer development.

Treatments

• Treatments for acid reflux and ulcers are usually the same and involve a course of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Protonix or Nexium. Sometimes, when ulcers develop, antibiotics are necessary, especially when they are caused by the helicobacter pylori bacteria.

Diet

• Helicobacter pylori bacteria is the most common cause of peptic ulcers and is most often found on ill-prepared foods. Make sure food is prepared according to directions. Also limit your intake of acidic and spicy foods during treatment, as they can stimulate acid production.

Medications

• Patients can prevent acid reflux by limiting use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), like Motrin and Aspirin, which aggravate the stomach lining.