Bruce Springsteen that he鈥檚 postponing a slate of concerts in September on the advice of doctors who treating him for peptic ulcer disease.
Fans who aren鈥檛 familiar with this common and potentially serious gastrointestinal problem may wonder how it could sideline who turns 74 later this month. Here鈥檚 what to know about the disease:
WHAT IS PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE?
It鈥檚 a condition marked by open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach and the small intestine, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The most common symptoms are burning stomach pain, heartburn, nausea and bloating or belching.
About 8 million people worldwide suffer from it.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
The most common cause of peptic ulcers is long-term use of anti-inflammatory pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen, according to Dr. Lawrence Kosinski of the American Gastroenterological Association.
鈥淎s you get older, they鈥檙e more injurious to the lining of the stomach,鈥� he said.
Another cause may be an infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori.
Contrary to common belief, stress and spicy foods don鈥檛 cause these ulcers, though they can make the symptoms worse. Alcohol use, even at moderate levels, can also exacerbate the problem, Kosinski said.
IS IT SERIOUS?
Peptic ulcer disease can be dangerous, leading to bleeding and emergency situations such as perforation of the ulcer through the stomach.
Typical treatment uses common drugs called proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec, which can help heal the ulcers within four to six weeks.
People who are treated "recover completely from peptic ulcer disease,鈥� Kosinski said.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute鈥檚 Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Jonel Aleccia, The Associated Press
