Dr. Wojo. Healthy Living. Simplified.

During this Thanksgiving holiday, Former First Lady Barbara Bush underwent emergency surgery for a perforated ulcer. This condition can be life threatening, so let’s take a closer look.

What is a perforated ulcer? An ulcer located in the stomach or other parts of the digestive tract is a breakdown of the organ’s inner lining. As the tissue begins to break down, the digestive acids eat away at the walls of the digestive tract. Eventually, bleeding can occur. A perforated ulcer is a result of this worsening condition. The acids eventually create a hole in the organ resulting in the release of foods and digestive juices outside the stomach or intestine.

What are the symptoms? As one begins to develop an ulcer, generalized abdominal pain, burning, and pain from an empty stomach may occur. Sometimes the pain is relieved with certain foods or the use of antacids. Many times, the pain is more frequent at night. As the condition progresses, a person may have difficulty eating or experience unexplained weight loss. Blood may also be noticed when one vomits, or in the stool. Once the ulcer has perforated, the abdominal pain is very severe, generalized and completely unrelieved by any home measures. Blood when vomiting, in the stool or severe pain are indicators of a life-threatening situation and you should seek immediate medical attention!

What are the causes? Contrary to popular belief, stress and spicy foods do not cause an ulcer, although they may aggravate the condition.  A bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, is one of the major causes. H. pylori is a common gastrointestinal infection that can be transmitted from person to person or via contaminated food or water. H. pylori often does not cause problems, but damage to the lining of the digestive tract can make it easier for the bacteria to cause an infection and inflammation leading to an ulcer.

Damage to the lining of the tract can also be caused by the use of medications like ibuprofen or naproxen.  Alcohol is also a contributing factor, as well as smoking.

What is the treatment? For ulcers that are not perforated, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors will be prescribed. If H. Pylori is present, antibiotics will be prescribed. Perforated ulcers require surgery. To prevent this life-threatening condition, see a physician if you have the symptoms listed above and avoid foods, medications or beverages that aggravate the condition.