ULCERS

The sole cause of ulcers has not been found yet. But according to the latest studies about them, an ulcer is the end result of an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum.

Most ulcers are caused by an infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori).

 

RISK FACTORS INCLUDE:

*Use of painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), such as aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, and many others available by prescription;

*Excess acid production from gastrinomas, tumors of the acid producing cells of the stomach that increases acid output

*Excessive drinking of alcohol

* Smoking or chewing tobacco

*Serious illness

*. Radiation treatment to the area

Symptoms do not always show up, but when they do, they may include:

*A gnawing or burning pain in the middle or upper stomach between meals or at night
* Bloating
* Heartburn
* Nausea or vomiting

In severe cases, symptoms can include:
*Dark or black stool (due to bleeding)
* Vomiting blood
* Weight loss
*Severe pain in the mid to upper abdomen

**How Serious Is an Ulcer?

Though ulcers often heal on their own, you shouldn’t ignore their warning signs. If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to serious health problems, including:

*.Bleeding

*.Perforation (a hole through the wall of the stomach)

*.Gastric outlet obstruction from swelling or scarring that blocks the passageway leading from the stomach to the small intestine

People at risk of developing ulcers include those who
*.Are infected with the H. pylori bacterium
*.Take NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
*.Have a family history of ulcers
*.Have another illness such as liver, kidney, or lung disease
*.Drink alcohol regularly
*.Are age 50 or older

Ulcer Medications

Ulcer medications will depend on the cause and extent of damage done.

*.Proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Proton pump medications reduce acid levels and allow the ulcer to heal.

*. Antibiotics. If you have H. pylori infection, then antibioticsare also used. There are multiple combinations of antibiotics that are taken for one to two weeks along with a PPI. Bismuthis also part of some treatment regimens.

*. Upper endoscopy. Some bleeding ulcers can be treated through an endoscope.

*.Surgery. Sometimes an operation is needed if the ulcer has created a hole in the wall of the stomach, or if there is serious bleeding that can’t be controlled with an endoscope.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing ulcers:
*.Don’t smoke.
*.Avoid alcohol.
*.Don’t overuse aspirin and/or NSAIDs.
*.If you have symptoms of an ulcer, contact your health careprovider.