Peptic Ulcers are ulcers that form on the inner lining of the stomach, the upper region of the small intestine, and occasionally the lower esophagus.
Peptic ulcers are brought on by the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria as well as acid erosion from the stomach.
If not adequately recognized and treated, gastritis and peptic ulcer disease are more likely to appear gradually over time and worsen with time.
Additionally, as they progress, they may cause harmful conditions including internal bleeding, perforations, and obstructions as well as difficult-to-treat illnesses like stomach cancer.
Your stomach lining becomes more vulnerable to gastritis and, possibly, peptic ulcer disease due to the following reason:
Mucus and bicarbonate are produced by the cells that line the stomach to shield it from potential damage from stomach acid, germs, and the digestive enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food during digestion.
While the mucus forms a layer of defense for the stomach lining, bicarbonate aids in stomach acid neutralization.
The stomach lining is more vulnerable to gastritis and, possibly, peptic ulcer disease when these defense mechanisms are damaged or disrupted.
An Overview of Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer Disease:
Atrophic, chronic, and acute gastritis are all types of gastritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach lining.
Acute gastritis appears out of nowhere and, in some situations, can turn chronic.
The stomach lining gradually begins to wear away when chronic gastritis advances over an extended period of time.
Gastritis can progress to deeper, larger open sores called ulcers in the upper digestive tract, which is the main symptom of peptic ulcer disease. Gastritis can also create erosions, or shallow lesions, in the stomach lining.
Gastric ulcers are those that develop in the stomach's lining; whereas duodenal ulcers form at the beginning of the small intestine.
Some people get both duodenal and gastric ulcers, whereas others only have one.
Causes
1. NSAID's lead to gastritis and peptic ulcer disease by suppressing the development of an enzyme that would typically offer anti-inflammatory benefits to the stomach and help protect the stomach lining from damaging.
2. The H. pylori bacterium infection weakens the protective mucus in the stomach and duodenum, allowing acid to infiltrate the lining.
H. pylori bacteria and stomach acid irritate the stomach lining and contribute to the formation of ulcers.
Other potential causes and risk factors include:
1. Spicy foods.
2. Alcohol Consumption.
3. Tobacco Use.
Peptic Ulcers are classified into three types:
1. Gastric ulcers: form within the stomach.
2. Esophageal ulcers: form within the esophagus.
3. Duodenal ulcers: form in the top part of the small intestine (duadenum).
Principal Symptoms of Gastritis and Peptic ulcer
Although some patients with gastritis show no symptoms, both the condition and peptic ulcer disease cause similar symptoms.
Symptoms include:
1. Nausea that may be accompanied by vomiting.
2. An upper abdominal ache that is dull or burning.
3. Stomach discomfort and heartburn.
4. A feeling of fullness or satisfaction after eating a small amount of food.
5. Constant gurgling.
6. Diminished appetite.
7. A feeling of bloating.
Diagnosis
1.The first stage in diagnosing gastritis and peptic ulcer disease is identifying whether H. pylori infection is present or not, Since H. pylori infections often require a different form of therapy than cases of gastritis or peptic ulcer disease where H. pylori is not present.
Testing for H. pylori can be done using blood, breath, stool, or biopsy tests.
2. Upper endoscopy: An endoscope, a flexible viewing tube, is used by a physician during upper endoscopy to inspect the stomach and some small intestine.
3. Imaging from the upper GI series: This method can be used to identify both gastritis and peptic ulcer desease.
A series of gastro-intestinal X-rays of the digestive system, including the stomach and small intestine, are taken during the process.
The patient ingests a chalky drink that contains barium, which makes ulcers more visible on X-ray imaging.
Treatment
1. H.pylori eradication if present: Treatment for H. pylori normally lasts two weeks, occasionally longer, and comprises a variety of medications, including antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria and a proton pump inhibitor, which reduces stomach acid (PPI).
2. Acid-suppressive medications: Most treatments for gastritis or peptic ulcer disease that do not involve the H. pylori bacteria include antacids, histamine blockers, and proton pump inhibitors, which reduce acid production in the stomach.
foods to limit or stay away from if you have an ulcer and acid reflux
These foods may cause stomach irritation by increasing stomach acid secretions or by directly irritating the stomach walls.
1. Caffeine.
2. Spiciness.
3. Alcohol.
4. Chocolate.
5. Carbonated drinks.
6. Acidic foods (tomatoes and citrus).
Depending on the person, this may be. Not everyone who has a stomach ulcer experiences problems with all foods, so you should try a small amount of each to see what irritates you.
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