Peptic Ulcers Symptom, Diet, Treatment, Picture, Cause

Peptic ulcers are breaks in the lining of the digestive tract caused by the action of gastric juices. There are two types of peptic ulcer: duodenal and gastric (stomach). They cause pain, bloating, wind, vomiting and other forms of abdominal upset and discomfort. Ulcers may be short- or long-term, single or multiple, deep or superficial. More effective remedies for reducing acid levels in the stomach have become available over recent years and peptic ulcers are now uncommon.

Effects on the stomach and duodenum

Severe ulcers that form in the stomach or duodenum may be caused by certain bacteria. After carrying out tests to confirm this, treatment with drugs can begin.

What is the causes of peptic ulcers?

Gasttitis, where the stomach may Have many small ulcers, may be Caused by anti-inflammatory tablets, Especially aspirin and ibuprofen. Once these are stopped the ulcers May heal spontaneously. Deeper, more severe ulcers are found in the stomach and duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. The bacterium Helicobacterpylori is often found in association with these ulcers, but it is not clear whether the ulcers are caused by the bacteria or whether these are present because there is an ulcer.

Other causes of peptic ulcers Include poor diet, stress, hereditary factors, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Management

In addition to drug treatment, lifestyle advice is vital in managing this condition. It is imperative to stop smoking. Weight loss may help, together with avoidance of acidic or spicy foods. Regular weight checks are good to ensure that weight loss is not a problem. Blood tests to show that an ulcer is not bleeding chronically and causing anaemia should also be done.

Complications

These ulcers may go so deep that they perforate the wall of the stomach or duodenum. This is a surgical emergency as peritonitis (a form of severe abdominal infection) and death may follow. Constant bleeding may lead to anaemia. Ulcers may also become cancerous and require surgical removal.

Treatment for peptic ulcers

If a person under 45 has typical symptoms of an ulcer, he will probably be treated with Hz blockers to reduce stomach acid production. Above this age, because there is an ever increasing risk that the ulcer may be cancerous, sufferers will probably be investigated using an endoscopy. People who have lost a lot of weight may also need this test. The doctor will then be able to see if and where any ulceration is.

Through the instrument tests may be done to detect if the Helicobacter pylori bug is present. If it is, then two sorts of antibiotics may be given, together with the acids uppressing drugs.

If the ulcer looks worrying, biopsies (small samples) of tissue will be removed for examination. In older people, ulcers may be cancerous and surgery necessary.

Peptic ulcer symptom