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Esophageal ulcers: Symptoms, causes, and treatment
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An esophageal ulcer is a type of peptic ulcer. It’s a painful sore located in the lining of the lower part of the esophagus, at the junction of the esophagus and stomach. Your esophagus is the tube connecting your throat to your stomach.
Please discuss with your doctor for further information.
The common symptoms of esophageal ulcer are:
There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult with your doctor. Everyone’s body acts differently. It is always best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.
In the past, doctors thought ulcers were caused by stress or spicy foods. It’s now known that this is not the case, though these factors may aggravate an existing ulcer. Most often, an esophageal ulcer is caused by a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori for short. The bacteria damage the mucosal lining of the esophagus. This makes the esophagus more susceptible to damage by stomach acid.
A chronic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may also eventually lead to an esophageal ulcer. People with GERD have frequent acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents move backward into the esophagus.
This can happen when the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle that tightens to prevent food in the stomach from moving back up) is weakened or damaged so it doesn’t close properly. People with GERD experience acid reflux more than twice a week.
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can also damage the mucosal lining of the esophagus and result in an ulcer. Genetics also play a role.
In people who have compromised immune systems, esophageal ulcers may be caused by other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, including:
Please discuss with your doctor for further information.
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and health history. He or she will also give you a full exam. Tests will be done as well. These can include:
Treatment of an esophageal ulcer depends on the cause. If your ulcer is caused by an infection with H. pylori, for example, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria. If your ulcer is caused by NSAID use, your doctor will tell you to stop taking NSAIDs. They might prescribe a different pain medication.
Your doctor may have you take over-the-counter H2 blockers such as Zantac or Pepcid to help decrease stomach acid. They may also prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to protect your esophagus and allow it to heal. These drugs work by stopping the production of stomach acid in a different way. PPIs include:
Listen carefully to your doctor’s instructions. You might have to take a PPI for an extended period of time. It’s important to take all medications as directed and finish all antibiotics so the ulcer has a chance to fully heal. Depending on the cause of your ulcer, you may need to take antifungal or antiviral medications as well.
The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with esophageal ulcer:
If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you. Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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