Understanding Ulcers

 

Understanding Ulcers

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On the article

What is a gastric ulcer?

How are ulcers diagnosed?

How are ulcers treated?

What is a gastric ulcer?

Although there is no clear evidence that the stresses of modern life and constant fast food eating cause stomach and duodenal ulcers, they are still common in our society.

About 1 in 10 Americans will experience the burning, nagging pain of a stomach ulcer at some point in their lives. A gastric ulcer is a hole or tear in the protective lining of the duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine) or stomach (the area that comes in contact with stomach acids and enzymes) Esophageal ulcers that form in the esophagus or swallowing tract are relatively rare and are often the result of taking medications such as certain antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, or alcohol abuse.

 

and poor lifestyle habits (such as excessive consumption of high-fat foods, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco). did. Such exposure has been thought to contribute to the accumulation of stomach acid, which erodes the protective lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Although hypersecretion of stomach acid is certainly involved in the development of peptic ulcer disease, a relatively new theory suggests that bacterial infection is the main cause of peptic ulcer disease. Mid-conducted studies have shown that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is present in over 90% of duodenal ulcers and approximately 80% of gastric ulcers. However, recent figures show that these percentages are declining.

 

Other factors also appear to contribute to ulcer formation, particularly H.

 Helicobacter pylori:

 

Excessive use of over-the-counter pain relievers (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen)

heavy alcohol consumption

mental stress

smoking

Other studies have shown that stomach ulcers are more likely to occur in older people.

Arthritis is common in older people, and aspirin or ibuprofen should be taken daily to relieve arthritis pain.

As we age, the pylorus (the valve between the stomach and duodenum) relaxes, allowing excess bile (a compound produced by the liver to aid digestion) to seep into the stomach and erode the lining of the stomach.

Also, people with type A blood are more likely to develop cancerous stomach ulcers of unknown cause.

 

Duodenal ulcers tend to occur in people with blood type O. This is probably because the surface of the blood cells does not produce substances that can protect the lining of the duodenum. How are ulcers diagnosed?

If your doctor determines you may have an ulcer, they may start with a physical exam and some tests.

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They will feel your stomach and ask if you have had symptoms such as tenderness, pain, or gas. A stethoscope can be used to listen to the sounds your stomach makes.

The next step is a test to look for signs of H. pylori. Doctors can take blood, stool, or breath samples for this purpose.

In some cases, especially if the patient is older and has symptoms such as weight loss or anorexia, a long, flexible tube called an endoscope is used to look under the throat and into the stomach for signs of ulcers Check for any (A drug that makes you sleepy will be prescribed.) Endoscopy can also take small tissue samples from ulcers that can be examined in the laboratory.

Before taking an x-ray of your stomach, you may be asked to drink a milky liquid called barium. This drink coats the digestive system and makes problems such as ulcers more visible.

How are ulcers treated?

If you have a stomach ulcer, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on the cause.

 

 

The most common treatment is a combination of antibiotics that kill H. pylori and drugs that remove stomach acid. These typically include proton pump inhibitors (such as Aciphex and Nexium) and antibiotics. Take a PPI for several weeks. If the ulcer is caused by an over-the-counter pain reliever, it should be stopped.

Medications called ulcer protectants may also be given to protect the ulcer from stomach acid.

no smoking

Limit alcohol and caffeine.

Avoid foods that make your symptoms worse. After treatment, your doctor may want to monitor you closely for:

 

 

The size of the ulcer and where it was

Effect of treatment

If you have any other problems

Left untreated, ulcers can lead to serious problems, including stomach bleeding. Untreated ulcers can perforate the stomach, which may require surgery to fix.