Introduction:
Have you ever felt burning pain in stomach or mouth ? It might be more than just a indigestion. Peptic ulcers are common but sometimes it may be sign of cancer so be alert for signs of peptic ulcer. So it is very important to recognize the signs in early stages and seek proper treatment, and take necessary measures to prevent.
Definition : Peptic ulcers are a sore that develop in the inner lining of stomach. It occurs due to stomach acid (HCL) damages the inner lining of stomach.
Causes of peptic ulcer:
The most common causes of the peptic ulcer is
- Bacteria : Most common bacteria that cause peptic ulcer is helicobacter pylori .
- Stress : Sometimes stress may induces the peptic ulcers. It causes over production of gastric acid (HCL), finally it leads to land up with peptic ulcers.
- Spicy foods: It leads to damaging of inner lining of the duodenum and it causes formation of the sore in the lining of the mucus.
- Smoking : Smoking causes vasoconstriction (constriction of the blood vessels) leads to decreased blood flow to the lining of the duodenum, so it leads to peptic ulcers.
- Alcohol : alcohol leads to vasoconstriction.
Signs and symptoms of peptic ulcer:
- Severe pain : Peptic ulcers causes severe pain in the mouth as well as stomach due to damaging of the mucosal lining.
- Nausea : Nausea means vomiting sensation, due to the increased production of the HCL acid it occurs.
- Bloating : It is a common cause of the peptic ulcers as peptic occurs can cause by increased production of the HCL acid.
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- In severe ulcers ( blood vomiting)
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How to diagnose the peptic ulcers :
- History collection: It includes; dietary history of the client, personal history, habits of client (alcohol ,smoking)
- Physical examination: Complete head to foot examination is needed to diagnose the peptic ulcers and systemic examination on gastro interstitial system.
- Blood test: Complete blood count (CBC), it includes RBC( red blood cells ), WBC(white blood cells), and platelets count.
- Endoscopy: In severe cases endoscopy is done to visualize the ulcers.
- X ray: x ray is done in grade three peptic ulcers.
- ENT examination may done in some cases
How to manage peptic ulcers :
Medical treatment:
- Antibiotics: Such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin is used to prevent infection.
- Proton pump inhibitors: Such as omeprazole, pantoprazole is used.
- H2 receptor antagonist: Which helps lower acid production over a longer period.
- Antacids: It is a medicine, that neutralize stomach acid and providing immediate relief from heartburn, bloating, and indigestion caused by peptic ulcers.
surgical management :
in severe cases surgery is needed to treat peptic ulcers it includes ;
- gastrectomy.
- subtotal gastrectomy.
- total gastrectomy.
- vagotomy.
Life style changes is important to prevent peptic ulcers :
it includes,
- Avoid NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) if possible.
- Quit smoking is very important to prevent peptic ulcers.
- Take fluid diet in order to prevent ulcers.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- limit alcohol, if possible try to stop it forever.
Prevention tips :
Prevention in the sense you can reduce the risk of occurring peptic ulcers by using following tips
- Eating balanced diet
- avoid smoking and alcohol
- seeking early treatment
- limit NSAIDS use
Note : NSAIDS ( non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs )
This are type of medication used to treat inflammatory conditions
Examples of NSAIDS :
- Diclofenac sodium
- Paracetamol
- Acyclofenac sodium
- aspirin
- Ibuprofen
These are the some of NSAIDS drugs
Final Thoughts:
Peptic Ulcers are common and it has treatment, but if you ignore this at early stages, it leads to serious complications such as bleeding, perforation, or even an increased risk of stomach cancer. So you need to recognize early signs that causes peptic ulcers, like burning stomach pain, nausea, or unexpected weight loss. This can be treated by following a gut-friendly diet and consult a healthcare provider immediately to heal faster and prevent complications.
