What causes an ulcerated esophagus?
Esophageal ulcers usually form as a result of an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. It can also be caused by erosion from stomach acid moving up into the esophagus. In some cases, other infections from yeast and viruses can also in result in esophageal ulcers.
What is an ulcerated esophagus?
The most common cause of esophageal ulcers is a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which damages the lining of the esophagus. Patients with gastroesophageal disease (GERD) are also at greater risk for the development of esophageal ulcers.
What is the most common symptom of esophageal disease?
The most common symptom of esophageal disease is heartburn, which is defined as a sensation of substernal burning. Chest pain without typical heartburn may occur in a variety of esophageal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux and motor disorders such as in achalasia.
Who treats esophagus problems?
A gastroenterologist is a physician with specialized training in managing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and liver).
What system is the esophagus in?
The main organs that make up the digestive system (in order of their function) are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus.
What is the difference between peptic ulcer disease and GERD?
The underlying issue for both these conditions is the same—acid. In GERD, acid in the esophagus is the problem, whereas with an ulcer, acid is causing a problem in the stom- ach lining. So, the medication used to treat them is the same, an acid reducer (e.g. Pepcid, Zantac and Prilosec).
How do doctors diagnose stomach ulcers?
The only way your doctor can tell for sure if you have an ulcer is to look. They may use a series of X-rays or a test called an endoscopy. This test allows them to pass a thin, bendy tube down your throat and into your stomach and small intestine.
What is ulceration mean?
(UL-seh-RAY-shun) The formation of a break on the skin or on the surface of an organ. An ulcer forms when the surface cells die and are cast off. Ulcers may be associated with cancer and other diseases.