Types of Ulcers

Ulcers are sores or open wounds that occur on the skin or along the lining of the digestive tract due to loss of tissue. The digestive tract includes the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, and the intestines. The different ulcers are classified according to their location along the digestive tract. Peptic ulcers are the most common type of ulcers that include sores that occur in the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum (beginning of the intestine). There are other types like genital ulcers, mouth ulcers and bedsores.

Different Types of Ulcers

Peptic Ulcers: Peptic ulcers is a broad term which includes ulcers of digestive tract in the stomach or the duodenum. Earlier it was believed that one developed this type of ulcers due to stress and spicy food. However, recent research has shown that these are just the aggravating factors. The causative agent is infection caused by the bacteria H. pylori or reaction to certain medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Symptoms of peptic ulcers include abdominal discomfort and pain 2-3 hours after one has taken a meal or when on empty stomach. Other symptoms include weight loss, poor appetite, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Some may also experience blood in stool and vomit, and black stools that indicate gastrointestinal bleeding. Ulcers of the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers, whereas those in the stomach are called stomach ulcers or gastric ulcers.

Mouth Ulcers: Sores that develop in the inner lining of the mouth are referred to as mouth ulcers. Anemia, measles, viral infection, oral candidiasis, chronic infections, throat cancer, mouth cancer and vitamin B deficiency are some of the common causes of ulcers or sores in the mouth. These mouth sores are round or oval in shape and white, yellow or gray in color. They are inflamed around the edge and commonly occur on the inner lining of the lips, cheeks, floor of the mouth and the underside of the tongue. Mouth ulcers cause pain and discomfort usually during drinking or eating. These are usually cured within 10-14 days. However, in severe cases it may take several weeks for these to heal completely.

Esophageal Ulcers: Esophageal ulcers are lesions that occur in the esophagus (the food pipe). These are most commonly formed at the end of the food pipe and can be felt as a pain right below the breastbone, in the same area where symptoms of heartburn are felt. Esophageal ulcers are associated with acid reflux or GERD, prolonged use of drugs like NSAIDs, and smoking.

Pressure Sores: These lesions are caused in patients who are confined to bed due to some debilitating illness or are on their way to recovery in hospital. In medical terms, these are called decubitus ulcers. Alternatively bedsores are also called pressure sores as they are caused due to pressure being exerted on skin for long periods. In the initial stages a bedsore manifests itself as a persistent area of red skin that hurts and feels warm. It may also be accompanied with itching. As the severity increases there is loss of the upper layer of skin and subsequent damage to the underlying tissue. These ulcers occur on parts like back, hips, shoulders and buttocks that are in contact with the bed as one lies down.

Genital Ulcers: Genital ulcers are caused due to sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis, genital herpes, or thrush. Non-sexual causes of genital ulcers are infections caused by yeast, scabies, pyoderma, genital trauma and Behcet's disease. Genital ulcers manifest as single or multiple ulcers which are mostly painful. They may also be associated with rashes and itching.

Peptic ulcers and mouth ulcers are the most common ulcer types. Although medicines are most commonly used to treat ulcers of the digestive tract, reducing stress and improving lifestyle go a long way in preventing and treating the sores. Surgery may be required in cases where medicines fail to bring the desired results.