An ulcer is an open and painful sore that can erupt anywhere from the stomach lining to the outer layers of skin. Ulcers can range from the smallest sores to bedsores to more serious conditions like lesion of the stomach and intestine. Most ulcers disappear in a few days without any medication. However, there are others that can cause complications and need medical treatment.
The main types of ulcers
- Peptic ulcers
- Arterial ulcers
- Venous ulcers
- Mouth ulcers
- Genital ulcers
Let’s discuss a couple of them in detail in this article.
Peptic ulcers
One of the main types of ulcers is peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal ulcers that develop on the inner lining of the stomach or the small intestine. They occur as a result of an imbalance caused in the digestive fluids, influenced by the infection of the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori. In other words, these ulcers are the result of an inflammation caused by these bacteria.
Peptic ulcers are associated with some common symptoms that include:
- Heartburn and a burning sensation in the stomach
- Abdominal pain ranging from the navel to the chest
- Significant changes in appetite and loss of appetite
- Indigestion and vomiting
- Nausea
- Passing dark or bloody stools
- Sudden weight loss
- Passing excessive amounts of gas
- Belching
- Fatigue
Among the main types of ulcers, the peptic ulcer itself has three common types, namely:
- Duodenal ulcers
The upper section of the small intestine has a lining called the duodenum. Ulcers develop on this lining and cause pain in the mid and upper stomach region. This pain can often intensify and wake you from your sleep. - Esophageal ulcers
The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Ulcers can develop inside the esophagus. This type of ulcer often needs dietary changes with medication. - Gastric ulcers
These painful sores are often developed in the stomach lining. It usually occurs when the thick layer of mucus protecting the stomach from digestive juice erodes. The digestive acids then eat away the tissues lining the stomach and cause ulcers. - Arterial ulcers
This is also one of the main types of ulcers that develop on the surface of the feet, including the toes, ankle, and heels. The term is derived from the damage of the arteries caused by the lack of blood flow or nutrient-rich blood. They can take months to heal, and the symptoms include dark, red or yellowish sores, lack of hair in the affected area, and feet or leg pain.
Causes of arterial ulcers
The most common causes of arterial ulcers include:
- High blood pressure
- Hardening of the arteries
- Thickening of the arteries due to the buildup of fatty tissues
- Renal failure
- Metabolic disorders like high blood sugar
- Inflammation of the blood vessels
- A peripheral vascular disease that narrow blood vessels and restrict blood flow
It’s always recommended to follow a healthy diet and do moderate exercises to treat and avoid developing arterial ulcers.
