What is an Esophageal Ulcer?
It is a hole in the lining of the esophagus corroded by the acidic digestive juices secreted by the stomach cells. The ulcer formation is normally related to H. pyloridus bacteria that are there in the stomach, such as anti-inflammatory medications, and smoking cigarettes. Ulcer pain may not correlate with the presence of ulceration. Diagnosis of esophageal ulcer involves barium x-ray and the possible complications with it are the bleeding and perforation.
What causes Esophageal Ulcers?
The direct cause of esophegeal ulcers is the destruction of the lining of the esophagus H. pyloridus bacteria. H. pyloridus bacteria are usually found in the stomach.
The most common causes for esophegeal ulcers involve the following:
- Chronic use of anti-inflammatory medications
- Smoking cigarettes
- Chewing tobacco
How is Esophegeal Ulcers Diagnosed?
In addition to a biopsy, there are other tests can determine if the cause of your ulcer is H. pylori infection:
Blood test – This test checks for the presence of H. pylori antibodies. A disadvantage of this test is that it sometimes unable to differentiate between past exposure and current infection.
Stool antigen test – This test checks for H. pylori in stool samples. It’s useful in helping to diagnose H. pylori infection. It may also be useful in monitoring the success or failure of the treatment.
Complications of Esophageal Ulcers
The complication of Esophegeal Ulcers is:
Bleeding and perforation
Can Esophageal Ulcers be treated?
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Some common treatment is: antibiotics to eradicate H. pyloridus, anti-reflux medication, elimination of risk factors, and prevention of complications.