{"id":1265,"date":"2023-09-07T14:59:32","date_gmt":"2023-09-07T14:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=1265"},"modified":"2023-09-08T14:01:15","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T14:01:15","slug":"ulcer-types-and-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/irritable-bowel-syndrome-medications\/ulcer-types-and-causes\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Ulcers: Types and Causes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights<\/b><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>There are many types of ulcers. They most commonly occur in the stomach and small intestine and on the skin. Less commonly, they can affect other areas of the body.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ulcers should be treated immediately, even if they\u2019re not painful or otherwise interfering with your quality of life.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Internal ulcers have a wide range of causes, including chronic health problems, bacterial infections, injury, and emotional stress.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>External ulcers are most commonly caused by infection, inactivity, and diabetes.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Untreated ulcers can raise the risk of more serious health problems, such as infection or even amputation.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lifestyle changes and careful management of chronic conditions can help limit both the frequency and severity of ulcers.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ulcers are among the most common health problems. One type of ulcer alone, peptic ulcer, is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/6378441\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diagnosed over 350,000 times a year<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the United States alone. Read about the different types of ulcers, their causes and symptoms, how they\u2019re treated, and effective management of ulcer risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Is An Ulcer?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An ulcer is any break or discontinuity in a body membrane. It\u2019s also called a sore or a lesion, depending on what caused it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some ulcers, such as mouth ulcers, can heal on their own without treatment. However, it\u2019s important to see a doctor if you have an ulcer that is painful, persistent, or interfering with your daily activities. Ulcers can be a symptom of a larger problem, and they leave the body open to other forms of infection, especially if they\u2019re not healing or healing slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Types of Ulcers<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any membrane in the body can have an ulcer, but they are most commonly found in the stomach and small intestine and on the skin. Ulcers can be broadly split into two categories, external ulcers, found on the skin or near the surface of the body; and internal ulcers, which can usually only be detected by spotting the symptoms and seeing a doctor for diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes and treatments can overlap between the two types. However, it\u2019s important to note that having one type of ulcer doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ll get another. If you have a peptic (stomach) ulcer, that usually doesn\u2019t increase your risk of a skin ulcer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Internal Ulcers<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1268\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/2.jpeg-1-min.jpg\" alt=\"internal ulcer\" width=\"780\" height=\"439\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Internal ulcers are what most people think of when they hear the word \u201culcer.\u201d The most common types of internal ulcer are esophageal, stomach (also called peptic), and duodenal. Each type has its own unique characteristics, though symptoms can vary and overlap. Whether you&#8217;re dealing with abdominal pain, weight loss, or ongoing heartburn, knowing the specific type of internal ulcer you&#8217;re facing can guide you toward the most effective treatment plan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Esophageal Ulcers\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually found closer to the bottom of the esophagus, esophageal ulcers can be caused by an <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">infection, similar to the ones that cause peptic ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), better known as chronic heartburn. Certain medications can also cause esophageal ulcers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common sign of an esophageal ulcer is a burning pain in your chest that won\u2019t go away. They also share many of the symptoms of peptic ulcers, but have a few unique symptoms of their own, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ongoing heartburn<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain with swallowing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dry cough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A sour or acidic taste in the mouth<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment is usually dependent on the cause. The bacteria are usually stopped with antibiotics, while stomach acid-related ulcers are treated with medication, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peptic Ulcers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also called a gastric ulcer or a stomach ulcer, these are most commonly caused by an <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">H. pylori<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> infection or long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, but can have other causes, such as autoimmune disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common signs are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal pain, especially while eating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bloating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea and regular vomiting, including bloody vomit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low or no appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tar-like, foul-smelling feces<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with a history of heartburn or acid reflux are at particular risk for stomach ulcers. Treatment will depend on the cause once diagnosed; for example, an <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">H. pylori<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> infection is treated with antibiotics.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Duodenal Ulcers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An ulcer in the upper part of the intestine close to the stomach, a duodenal ulcer is fairly similar in symptoms and causes \u2014 with two key exceptions. The pain is usually lessened with eating, making weight gain a common symptom of the ulcer; and the pain from the ulcer generally begins to register two to three hours after eating. It\u2019s common for people suffering from duodenal ulcers to wake up during the night with pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>External Ulcers<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1269\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/3.jpeg-1-min.jpg\" alt=\"external ulcer\" width=\"780\" height=\"439\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like internal ulcers, there are several types of external, or skin ulcers. They most commonly affect the mouth, arms, and legs. They are usually painful and can bleed or have a discharge of pus as the primary symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin ulcers can have a wide range of causes including:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viral infections, such as herpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inactivity or long-term pressure on an area (bedsores)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tearing or injury of the skin<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin ulcers are usually treated by draining them, keeping them bandaged and dry, and covering them with a medical ointment, depending on the location.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s what to know about the most common types of skin ulcers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mouth Ulcers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are an extremely common form of ulcer with many causes, sometimes called a canker sore. While they can be uncomfortable, most go away on their own and only rarely cause concern. However, if you have persistent or recurrent mouth ulcers, see your doctor and get them evaluated for underlying conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mouth ulcers can be caused by stress, hormonal changes, and vitamin deficiencies. Treatment is usually an over-the-counter pain medication or local numbing agent.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/4.jpeg.jpg\" alt=\"bed sores\" width=\"780\" height=\"585\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, often showing up in individuals who have limited mobility. These ulcers commonly appear on bony areas of the body like the hips, heels, and tailbone, where prolonged pressure restricts blood flow. Unlike venous or arterial ulcers, these are directly linked to inactivity or constant pressure on a specific area. The skin may initially look red and feel warm, progressing to more severe stages that include open sores or even exposed muscle and bone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment of pressure ulcers is all about pressure relief \u2014 frequent repositioning and specialized cushions or mattresses. For bedsores, prevention plays as crucial a role as any medical intervention.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venous Ulcers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ulcers found in the veins are believed to be caused by problems with the venous valves. Venous ulcers are usually found on the legs. Just how and why they happen is still being researched, but it\u2019s believed that venous insufficiency is the key cause of the problem. Poor circulation may also contribute.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of venous ulcers include:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red or dark spots that appear on the legs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain that goes away when you elevate the ulcer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the limb with the ulcer (edema)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hardening or bleaching skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Varicose veins<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short-term treatment includes compression therapy and exercise. Over the long term, surgery such as skin grafts or vascular surgery may be needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arterial Ulcers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arterial ulcers are less common than venous ulcers but more painful. They occur due to poor arterial blood flow, often caused by conditions like peripheral artery disease. These ulcers are usually found on the feet, heels, or toes and can be identified by their well-defined edges and deeper wound bed. The skin around an arterial ulcer may be pale, shiny, and cool to the touch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment of arterial ulcers often focuses on improving arterial blood flow, which may involve medications to dilate blood vessels or surgical interventions like angioplasty.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetic Ulcers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1271\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/5.jpeg.jpg\" alt=\"diabetic foot ulcers\" width=\"780\" height=\"374\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes raises the risk of ulcers across the body because of the nerve damage and circulation loss that are side effects of the disease. Diabetes can also make some people more at risk of infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetic ulcers are most common in the extremities, but they can be found anywhere on the body. Treating them as they arise is crucial, as untreated ulcers can lead to more serious complications, such as serious infection and even amputation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetic ulcers are most commonly treated in a multi-step process:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Off-loading.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is a plan that takes pressure off the ulcerated area so it can heal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Debridement.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Any dead or damaged skin and tissue are carefully removed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Medication and bandaging.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The ulcer is disinfected and carefully wrapped to protect it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Management. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood sugar control is an essential part of managing diabetic ulcers. Patients need to follow diabetes and other chronic disease management regimens to minimize risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Ulcer Risk Factors<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the causes of ulcers are diverse, there are some common risk factors that they share. Addressing these can help reduce the risk of many types of ulcers and have overall health benefits as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifestyle Factors<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1272\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/6.jpeg.jpg\" alt=\"fruit and vegetables in human body\" width=\"780\" height=\"445\" \/><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifestyle factors are habits or activities that can raise or lower your risk. Many of these will be familiar already from other advice your doctor might have given you, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tobacco use.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Smoking and other tobacco products are probably most well known for being a possible factor in many cancers. Yet they also have a range of other possible <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/14619984\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">effects that can trigger ulcers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so quitting smoking if you\u2019re at elevated risk is particularly important.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diet.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Medical science has moved on from believing that diet is a cause of gastric ulcers, a discovery so important <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2661189\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it won the Nobel Prize<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But while diet alone doesn&#8217;t cause gastric ulcers, certain foods can irritate an existing ulcer. Diet is also a key factor in treating chronic conditions that cause ulcers, such as diabetes or GERD.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stress.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The many impacts of high and ongoing emotional stress <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/can-stress-give-you-an-ulcer\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are still being sorted out by researchers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Still, the evidence points towards stress reduction and stress management as key to both your overall health and to ulcer management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Activity level.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> While exercise by itself may not prevent ulcers, it can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/wellness-and-prevention\/3-kinds-of-exercise-that-boost-heart-health\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">help in multiple ways<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For example, exercise improves circulation and boosts the immune system, reducing the chances of some ulcers. Exercise has also been shown to help manage stress, a potential cause of internal ulcers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Underlying Health Conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As noted above, a range of chronic conditions, such as GERD and diabetes, can contribute to \u2014 or even cause \u2014 ulcers. Some less common contributors include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain types of cancers, especially cancer in the system experiencing ulcers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autoimmune disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conditions that require immunosuppressant drugs, such as an organ transplant<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a chronic health condition or a family history of one, carefully managing your condition can help prevent ulcers. Talk to your doctor about possible ulcer risk and what you can do to manage it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a wide range of types of ulcers, with a diverse range of causes. And we\u2019re all at different levels of risk for them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, managing your risk of ulcers is often well in your control, both before the ulcer becomes a problem and after it manifests. Read the other blogs in our series on ulcers to learn more about ulcer treatment and how to effectively manage your ulcer risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Get The Lowest Price for Your Ulcer Medication<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter what kind of ulcer you\u2019re treating, BidRX can help you keep your medication costs down. Place your prescription up for bid and pharmacists across the country will offer their best price. Pick the one that works for you and it\u2019ll be shipped right to your door.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get started on our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/medication\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medications page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to see how you can save today!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Read about the different types of ulcers, their causes and symptoms, how they\u2019re treated, risk from chronic conditions, and effective management of ulcer risk.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1282,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1265","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-irritable-bowel-syndrome-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1265","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1265"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1265\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1274,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1265\/revisions\/1274"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1282"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1265"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1265"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1265"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}