Stomach UlcerPeptic Ulcer Stomach ulcer or peptic ulcer

Stomach Ulcer(Peptic Ulcer) • Stomach ulcer or peptic ulcer is the damage of the protective layer (lining) of stomach or gastrointestinal tract • It may be the erosion of the surface or a hole • Erosion of the protective layer is occurred by the acidic digestive juices which are secreted by stomach cells • 70 -90% of stomach ulcers are associated with Helicobacter pylori a bacterium lived in acidic environment

http: //www. medicinenet. com/peptic_ulcer

Causes • Main cause of peptic ulcer is the weakening of protective layer in Stomach and intestine by H. pylori • After infection by bacteria, the mucosal lining is damaged by gastric juices of stomach • Injury of mucosal lining or weakening of mucous defense system • Excessive secretion of Hydrochloric Acid due to genetic problem or psychological stress • Excessive use of anti-inflammatory medicines such as Aspirin • Peptic ulcer is also caused by smoking and frequent use of alcoholic products

Symptoms • • • Abdominal pain with a burning Pain after 2 - 3 hours of eating Worse pain by an empty stomach especially at nighttime Pain is relieved by milk Heartburn Indigestion Nausea Vomiting Poor appetite Weight loss

Diagnosis Upper gastrointestinal (GI) series: In this test after taking a chalky liquid called barium a series of X-rays is performed to check for stomach ulcer Endoscopy: In this the ulcer is diagnosed via a thin tube having a small camera on upper end and this tube is inserted in the stomach and duodenum of patient to see the ulcer. With this endoscope we can also take the sample of tissue to check for bacterial infection

www. umm. edu/patiented/articles/how_peptic_ulcers_diagnosed

Treatment Change Life Style: • Eat fruits and vegetables and the diet rich in fibers • Eat food that contains Flavonoids like apples and use onion, garlic and tea because these things inhibit the growth of H. pylori • Quit smoking and the use of alcoholic products. Do not eat spicy foods

Medication: • “Triple therapy” is used in order to eradicate the peptic ulcer • 1 st medicine is used as proton pump inhibitors which reduce the production of acid. • 2 nd medicine is used against the bacteria H. pylori which act as an antibiotic • 3 rd medicine is used as the recovery medicine to recover the inner mucosal lining of stomach and intestine

H 2 - Blockers: • They help to reduce the gastric acid production These includes: • • Cimetidine Ranitidine Nizatidine Famotidine

Surgery • If there is severe condition and bleeding is present from the ulcer, then eventually the surgery is the last cure • Only 30% of the patients of peptic ulcer Require surgery to cure them • 2 Types 1 - Vagotomy 2 - Antrectomy