Ulcers Symptoms

What is an Ulcer?

An ulcer is erosion or a sore in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) and / or the duodenum (duodenal ulcers). Ulcerations in the stomach and duodenum are called peptic ulcers.

Causes of Ulcer

The stomach protects itself from the pepsin and hydrochloric acid by producing mucus; synthesizing bicarbonates; and conveying blood to the gastric lining to help in rapid cell repair and renewal. If these functions get impaired, an ulcer develops.

• The chief cause of ulcers symptoms is H. pylori infection. H. pylori is a bacterium that scrapes the mucus membrane lining of the gut, attaches to cells of the gut wall, and synthesizes urease. Urease in turn, produces a substance that counteracts the acid, which encourages the bacteria to multiply. The bacteria weaken the mucus lining and make the tissue vulnerable to the harmful effects of the stomach acid.

• NSAIDs or non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, taken on a regular basis, get in the way of the stomach's capacity to synthesize mucus and bicarbonates, thus increasing acidity.

• Other significant causative factors include: smoking, excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages, and excessive intake of alcohol.

• Stress plays a pivotal role in the development of ulcers.

Ulcers Symptoms

Common manifestations of ulcers include:

• Burning or gnawing pain in the abdomen.
• Typically, in a gastric ulcer, the pain come on soon after eating, whilst in duodenal ulcer, the pain commences if the stomach is empty.
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue is seen when the ulcer bleeds
• Blood in stool / vomit.

Diagnosing an Ulcer

An endoscopy gives a clear picture of the GI tract. The doctor examines the gut and looks for inflamed and ulcerated areas. A barium swallow may also be carried out to confirm the diagnosis. The physician may conduct a gastroscopy, to rule out malignancy. A breath, blood or tissue test is carried out to establish H. Pylori infection.

Treatment of Ulcers Symptoms

Effective management of ulcers symptoms requires a multi-disciplinary approach:

• Drugs used to manage ulceration of the gut mucosa are proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers and mucosal-protecting agents. Proton pump inhibitors stop or impede the stomach's acid pump. H2 blockers decrease the production of acid by the stomach. Mucosal-protecting agents shield the mucus membrane from the hydrochloric acid

• Anti-biotics are administered to manage H. pylori infection. Anti-bacterial therapy is essential to prevent recurrences and to hasten healing.

• If the case does not respond to conventional therapy, surgery may be required. Vagotomy, pyloroplasty and antrectomy are commonly done procedures to manage ulcers. The vagus nerve which sends signals to and from the brain and stomach is cut, in the vagotomy procedure. Antrectomy excises the lower portion of the stomach, consequently enlarging the opening in to the duodenum helping the contents to empty easily. Pyloroplasty might be done along with vagotomy.

• Along side, it is essential to follow a diet that is wholesome and nutritious. The diet should not be too spicy, must be devoid of aerated beverages, caffeinated drinks and alcohol.

• Quit smoking.

• Equally important in the treatment of ulcers symptoms is stress management. Incorporating stress busting techniques in your routine is a vital aspect of ulcer treatment.