Peptic Ulcer

Overview

It is a disease related with gastrointestinal tract Peptic is termed as stomach while ulcer is open sore or a breakage in membrane.

Types of Ulcer

There are commonly three different types of ulcers.

⦁ Gastric Ulcer that occur on the inside of the stomach.

⦁ Esophageal Ulcer that develop inside the esophagus.

⦁ Duodenal Ulcer that occur in the upper and first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum.

The inner wall of the entire gastrointestinal tract is lined with mucosal cells which secrete mucus; it is a protective layer over the lining epithelium of the stomach cavity that normally protects against acids. In this condition sore formation occur inside the stomach.

Causes

The main causes include:

⦁ The erosion from stomach acid

⦁ the infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

⦁ long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).

⦁ Smoking

⦁ Drinking of Alcohol

⦁ Having a family history of ulcers

There is a frequently asked question that Can coffee, stress and spicy foods causes ulcers?

So the answer is NO these are not the cause of ulcer however we can say that if you are diagnosed with any kind of ulcer these can make the ulcers worse and more difficult to be treated.

Sign and Symptoms

These may include

⦁ Dyspepsia, commonly called indigestion leading to discomfort or pain in stomach

⦁ Bloating

⦁ Heartburn

⦁ Nausea or vomiting

⦁ Gnawing ( hunger pains)

In severe condition symptoms may include:

⦁ Dark or black stool ( due to bleeding)

⦁ Vomiting

⦁ Weight loss

⦁ Trouble breathing

⦁ Feeling faint

Treatment and Prevention

⦁ Avoid eating spicy foods, acidic drinks, smoking

⦁ Keep yourself stress free

⦁ Follow good hygiene

⦁ Combination of antibiotic drugs to kill bacteria (H. pylori)

⦁ Intake of Antacids that neutralize stomach acids

⦁ Practice moderation

and visit the doctor in severity.

Diagnosis

Under supervision of doctor following diagnosis can be carried out in order to evaluate the condition of ulcers

⦁ Endoscopy

is the insertion of a long, thin tube directly into the body to observe an internal organ or tissue in detail.

⦁ Breath, stool or blood tests

These tests can be done to determine the presence of H pylori bacteria in the stomach.

⦁ Barium swallow test

It is a special kind of X-ray where infected person is instructed to drink a liquid called Barium, this liquid will coat your digestive tracts and make it possible for the doctor to view and treat your ulcer.

⦁ Medications

After evaluating the condition Doctor will prescribe a combination of antibiotics.