Peptic ulcer is an ulcer that affects the gastrointestinal tract, contains acidic elements and creates a lot of pain. It is popularly known as PUD or peptic ulcer disease. In almost 80% of the cases of peptic ulcers the influence of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium is evident and the other 20% can be fatal where consultation with the doctor is a must.
The effect of drugs like NSAIDS or aspirins can be fatal and worsen the peptic ulcer. It is mostly found in duodenum and not in the stomach. A malignant tumor can also be responsible for the growth of peptic ulcers. In cases of duodenal ulcers the ulcers are benign and thus less harmful.
Previously the problem of peptic ulcers could only be solved by removal of portions of the digestive tract. Once the problem is gone there are no risks of haemorrhage. Today antibiotics are really helpful for curing the disease.
Causes of Peptic Ulcers
There are quite a few causes for peptic ulcers. Generally the gastric ulcers can occur both in the stomach region and duodenum. If the soft membranes of the digestive tract is damaged or badly affected there are greater chances of such a problem. One of the most probable causes for the growth of peptic ulcers is helicobacter pylori.
The membrane is useful in many ways. It not only contains food but also churns up food and in the process also provides a resistance to the digestive juices of the stomach. If the membrane is affected the digestive enzymes and acidic elements cause scars. Some of the conditions which are instrumental for peptic ulcers are:
It is known that drugs like aspirin, analgesics used mainly for arthritis and ibuprofens which are classified as NSAIDS or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are conducive for the growth of peptic ulcer. Although the bacteria helicobacter pylori are present in stomachs it can be fatal only in specific cases like the usage of a particular gropu pf drugs.
All those who people who are heavy drinkers and are too much into smoking can be affected by peptic ulcers and should be careful as without proper treatment the problem can be fatal. If somebody in the patient’s family has been affected by such diseases, it is likely that the children will be affected by the same. Persons falling under O blood groups can also be affected.
In several cases it is noticed that emotional stress can actually double the pain of an ulcer that already exists in the body of the patient. Stress is bad for the patients as they also hamper the healing process as medication takes a longer time to penetrate. Some of the other reasons that can be attributed as the causes of peptic ulcer are major physical trauma, surgery and burns. Under all these conditions the patients undergo a lot of stress which in turn can accentuate the problem of peptic ulcers.
Peptic Ulcers Symptoms
In most of the cases of peptic ulcers the patients suffer from unbearable pain in the stomachs. There is either a burning sensation or a gnawing pain in central part of the abdomen. The pain can also spread towards the back or in the upper side of the abdomen. Mostly the pain happens during the early hours or in the night and if you have skipped your dinner or lunch you can be prepared to face even a worse pain.
Antacids or milk or a proper intake of food can only lessen the pain. Patients suffering from peptic ulcers are usually very tired and suffer from a nauseous feeling or vomit because of indigestion. There can be heartburns or blood can appear in stools. Anaemia resulting in shortness of breath can be one of the several indications of peptic ulcer.
In many cases there are no such specific symptoms and in spite of that the person can be diagnosed with peptic ulcer. Treatment is very important as soon as the problem is diagnosed as this may cause internal ruptures leading to bleeding and there can be obstructions in the intestines which further deepen the problem.
Types of Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are classified according to the regions, like the one in the stomach is known as gastric ulcer and the other in esophagus is called esophageal ulcer. The other one in the duodenum is known as duodenal ulcer.
Treatment of Peptic Ulcers
Gastroscopy can help to diagnose peptic ulcers. A thin tube is inserted to the stomach which detects whether the membrane is affected or not. Even Barium studies can help to determine whether the person is affected by peptic ulcers or not. If the person is detected with the presence oh H. pylori then antibiotics are to be applied to the affected region.
Generally a drug combined with two antibiotics help to lessen the production of stomach acids. This way of eradication is also known as “triple therapy”. One should also avoid using NSAIDS and if the thing is not cured by medication then an operation is a must. In surgery the main nerve in the stomach is cut it is called the vagus nerve and helps in the control of the production of acids. Even portions of the stomach can be removed to solve the problem forever.
