Some experts believe that an intestinal bacterial infection leads to the condition; other authorities emphasize alternative causes for ulcers. For example, aspirin and similar drugs, such as medicine used for arthritis, often produce ulcers. This is a recognized, common complication of these medications. Excess use of alcohol can also lead to ulcers.
If your father has recurring, burning abdominal pain that is relieved by eating or taking antacids, he should be checked for peptic ulcers. An upper GI series (special X-rays of the stomach and first part of the small intestine) will likely show an ulcer if one is present. In addition, ulcers can readily be seen during upper endoscopy, when a specialist examines the stomach with a fiberoptic device.
In your father's case, I would be more influenced by the location and nature of his pain than by his stress-free lifestyle. A family doctor can diagnose and treat peptic ulcers. Specialists are not necessary unless endoscopy is required or the abdominal pain remains undiagnosed after testing.
I should add that many medical conditions mimic peptic ulcer. These include angina and heart attack, gallstones, acute inflammation of the pancreas and aortic aneurysm (when blood leaks from a stretched artery in the abdomen).
Your father should start with his family doctor and accept a referral to a specialist as needed.
Q: I've been diagnosed as hyperparathyroid. I'm concerned about the bad things I might do to aggravate the condition and would like some guidelines.
