STOMACH ULCERS(PEPTIC ULCERS),CAUSES, IT'S SYMPTOMS AND IT'S TREATMENT

Gastric or peptic ulcer: It is a disease that involves the presence of an ulcer where it is usually found on the lining of protective mucosa in upper digestive tract (stomach or the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum).

Peptic ulcers are characterized by their location either in the stomach or duodenum. When an ulcer is in the stomach it is called a stomach ulcer. When located in the duodenum it is called a duodenal ulcer.

An estimated 14.5 million people in the United States have peptic ulcers and many people suffer from this condition in other places such as Tanzania. In some cases the ulcer will heal on its own without treatment, however untreated sores appear again. Many people with ulcers, or peptic ulcer disease / PUD, need treatment to reduce symptoms and prevent further complications.

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SOURCE OF STOMACH ULCERS

Peptic ulcers occur when acids damage the fabric of the digestive tract. This can happen when there is extra acid in the system, or when the protective layer of mucus on the fabric is broken (making it more susceptible).

The two main causes of Pepcid ulcers are H. pylori infections in the gastric mucosa and regular use of NSAIDs. Most ulcers (80% of gastric ulcers and 90% of duodenal ulcers) develop as a result of infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Bacteria produce substances that reduce gastric mucus and make it more susceptible to the harmful effects of acids and pepsin. NSAIDs can cause changes in the immune system of the digestive tract, causing ulcers in some people. The risk of ulcer formation depends on a variety of factors, including the type of NSAID, dosage, and duration of use. These, together with other risk factors, alone or in combination, cause levels of acid and pepsin in the duodenum to penetrate the mucosal barrier and cause ulcers. Other factors that can cause stomach ulcers include;

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1) Increased cellular state of the stomach.

2) Serum gastrin levels that remain longer than normal after eating and continue to stimulate the secretion of acid and pepsin.

3) Failure of the mechanism of feedback in which the acid in the gastric antrum inhibits the release of gastrin.

4) Rapid release of the stomach, which increases the ability to suppress the secretion of bicarbonate-rich pancreas.

5) Acid production is stimulated by smoking.

6) Reducing the secretion of duodenal mucosal bicarbonate.

Some people store H. pylori and genes that make bacteria more dangerous, and increase the risk of ulcers.

Bacteria Helicobacter Pylori(H.PYLORI)

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that live in the digestive tract. H. pylori is very common; some data show that it is present in approximately 50% of people, however only about 10 - 15% of people infected with H. pylori develop gastric ulcer disease. H. pylori infection, especially in the elderly, cannot cause peptic ulcers. It is now clear that gastric ulcer disease is caused by environmental factors, particularly Helicobacter pylori infections, NSAID use, and smoking.

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Gastric or peptic ulcer disease occurs when a person has an open sore or ulcers in the upper part of the digestive tract. These sores can cause abdominal pain and / or depression, and can lead to internal bleeding.

SYMPTOMS OF STOMACH ULCERS

Although ulcers do not always cause symptoms (silent ulcers), the most common symptom of an ulcer is;

➡ chewing or burning with severe pain in the abdomen between the chest bone and the navel. Pain often occurs during meals and in the morning. It can last from a few minutes to a few hours.

In particular, duodenal ulcers cause abdominal pain that comes for several hours after eating (often at night); this is due to the presence of acid in the digestive tract without the "buffer" of food. Eating or taking an antidepressant can reduce symptoms.

➡ Other unusual symptoms include high blood pressure nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss, fatigue and weakness, blood in the stool, and heartburn or acidity.

MEASUREMENT AND INVESTIGATION

Several tests effectively detect peptic ulcers; Like;

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or advanced endoscopy. EGD (advanced endoscopy) is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A thin, light, light tube, called an endoscope, is directed to the mouth and throat, then to the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. At the end of the pipe there is a light and a small camera. This allows the doctor to not only look inside this area of the body but, also to insert the vessels through the scope of removal of a tissue biopsy sample that can be tested for infection.

• High levels of GI (gut) are also called barium ingestion. A cognitive test that examines the organs of the upper part of the digestive system that include the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Liquids called barium, metals, chemicals, chalk, a liquid that is used to lubricate the joints so that they can be seen in x-rays, are absorbed. X-rays have been taken to evaluate digestive organs. This procedure is less common than endoscopy to detect lesions, but may be appropriate for some patients.

• Examination of blood, respiratory, and abdominal tissues for H. pylori. These tests are performed to detect the presence of H. pylori. Although some H. pylori tests may give positive results from time to time, or may give negative results to people who have recently taken antibiotics, omeprazole, or bismuth, research shows these tests may help detect bacteria and guide treatment.

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TREATMENT OF STOMACH ULCER/PEPTIC/GASTRIC ULCER

The actual treatment of peptic ulcers depends on the underlying cause. The first step in treatment is to identify the cause of the ulcer.

🔴 H. pylori treatment - H. pylori is treated with several drugs, usually including two pesticides and a proton pump block (PPI). Proton pump inhibitors include esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and omeprazole. H. pylori treatment usually takes two weeks.

The treatment of ulcers is not due to H. pylori - Management of proton pump inhibition (see above) or H2 receptor antagonist as well as ranitidine and famotidine.

Stopping NSAIDs - Stop using NSAIDs and use alternatives such as acetaminophen. If it is not possible for you to stop taking NSAIDs there may be a need to take a prophylactic blocker as well. PPI should help protect the membrane of the digestive tract and reduce the risk of bleeding.

Surgery - In most cases, anti-ulcer medications heal wounds quickly and effectively, and the eradication of H. pylori prevents many ulcers from recurring. However, people who do not respond to medication, or who have problems, may need surgery.

Other ways to reduce symptoms - In addition to taking prescribed medications and preventing NSAIDs, there are other things that can be done to reduce symptoms and help ulcers recover:

● Quit smoking, if you are a smoker

● Limit the amount of alcohol you consume

● Take antacids if they relieve symptoms

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