Peptic Ulcer
Peptic Ulcer refers
to an eroded lesion in the gastric intestinal mucosa. An ulcer may form
in any part of the digestive tract which is exposed to acid gastric
juice, but is usually found in the stomach and the duodenum. The ulcer
located in the stomach is known as gastric ulcer and that located in
the duodenum is called a deudenal ulcer. Usually both are grouped
together and termed peptic ulcer.
Symptoms
The most common
symptoms of peptic ulcer are sharp and severe pain and discomfort in
the upper central abdomen. The pain is commonly described as burning or
gnawing in character. Gastric ulcer pain usually occurs an hour after
meals, but rarely at night. Duodenal ulcer pan usually occurs between
meals when the stomach is empty and is relieved by food, especially
milk. It is often described as hunger pain and gets the sufferer out of
bed between 2 and 4 a.m.
As the disease
progresses there is distension of the stomach due to excessive
flatulence, besides mental tension, insomnia and a gradual weakening of
the body. It may also cause constipation with occasional blood in the
stools. If an ulcer bleeds slowly, there is anemia.
Causes
Peptic ulcers result
from hyperacidity which is a condition caused by an increase in
hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This strong acid, secreted by the
cells lining the stomach, affects much of the breakdown of food. It can
be potentially dangerous and, under certain circumstances, it may eat
its way through the lining of the stomach or duodenum producing, first,
irritation of the stomach wall and eventually an ulcer.
Dietetic
indiscretion, like overeating, taking of heavy meals or highly spiced
foods, coffee, alcohol and smoking are the main factors contributing to
this condition. The ingestion of certain drugs, particularly aspirin,
food poisoning, infections like influenza and septicemia and gout may
also cause ulcers. Emotional stress or nervous tension also plays a
major role in the formation of ulcers.
Treatment
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