Nrs Oke Ololade
Peptic ulcer, also known as, stomach ulcer or gastric ulcer usually causes abdominal pain or discomfort. It is a critical health condition on the African continent. Abou 100,000 cases are reported in Nigeria every year. This week, we are going to know more about peptic ulcer, causes ,signs or symptoms and preventive measures.
Peptic ulcer disease is a condition in which painful sores or ulcers develop in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Normally, a thick layer of mucus protects the stomach lining from the effect of its digestive juices. But many things can reduce this protective layer, allowing stomach acid to damage the tissue. Peptic ulcer occurs when there are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, lower oesophagus, or small intestine. They are usually formed as a result of inflammation caused by the bacteria H. Pylori, as well as from erosion from stomach acids.
There are two major causes of peptic ulcer:
- Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
- Pain-relieving non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
H. pylori bacteria:
H. pylori commonly infects the stomach. About 50% of the world’s population has an H. pylori infection, often without any symptoms. Researchers believe people can transmit H. pylori from person to person, especially during childhood.
The H. pylori bacteria stick to the layer of mucus in the digestive tract and cause inflammation (irritation), which can cause this protective lining to break down. This breakdown is a problem because your stomach contains strong acid intended to digest food. Without the mucus layer to protect it, the acid can eat into stomach tissue.
However, for most people the presence of H. pylori doesn’t have a negative impact. Only 10% to 15% of people with H. pylori end up developing ulcers .
- Pain relievers
Another major cause of peptic ulcer disease is the use of NSAIDs, a group of medications used to relieve pain. NSAIDS can wear away at the mucus layer in the digestive tract. These medications have the potential to cause peptic ulcers to form.
The most common peptic ulcer symptom is burning stomach pain. Stomach acid makes the pain worse, as does having an empty stomach. The pain can often be relieved by eating certain foods that buffer stomach acid or by taking an acid-reducing medication, but then it may come back. The pain may be worse between meals and at night.
Many people with peptic ulcers don’t even have symptoms. The severity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer.
The most common symptom is a burning sensation or pain in the middle of your abdomen between your chest and belly button. Typically, the pain will be more intense when your stomach is empty, and it can last for a few minutes to several hours.
Other common signs and symptoms of ulcers include: dull pain in the stomach, weight loss, not wanting to eat because of pain, nausea or vomiting, bloating,feeling easily full,burping( belching) ,heartburn( which is a burning sensation in the chest) ,pain that may improve when you eat, drink, or take antacids, anaemia ,some symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath , paler skin, dark, tarry stool ,vomit that’s bloody or looks like coffee grounds.
Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms of peptic ulcer. Even though discomfort may be mild, ulcers can worsen if they aren’t treated. Bleeding ulcers can become life-threatening.
One in 10 people develops an ulcer. Risk factors that make ulcers more likely include:
- Frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a group of common pain relievers that includes ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®).
- A family history of ulcers.
- Illness such as liver, kidney or lung disease.
- Regularly drinking alcohol, which irritates and erode the mucous lining of the stomach and increases the amount of acid.
- Smoking may increase the risk of peptic ulcers in people who are infected with H. pylori.
- Untreated Stress and eating a lot of spicy food don’t cause ulcers, as experts once thought. But they can make ulcers worse and harder to treat.
Prevention of peptic ulcers
To prevent the spread of bacteria that might cause a stomach ulcer, wash your hands with soap and water on a regular basis. Also, be sure to properly clean all of your food and to cook it thoroughly as needed.
To prevent ulcers caused by NSAIDs, stop using these medications (if possible) or limit their use. If you need to take NSAIDs, be sure to follow the recommended dosage and avoid alcohol while taking these medications. And always take these medications with food and adequate liquids.
Foods that may make the pain worse include:
- coffee
- chocolate
- spicy food
- alcohol
- acidic foods, such as citrus and tomatoes
- caffeine
What to eat if you have a peptic ulcer:
Since H. pylori bacteria is now known to be an important cause of ulcer formation, scientists are exploring what foods may have a role in fighting against an infection.
In addition to taking the antibiotics and acid-blocking medications recommended by your physician for your ulcer treatment, eating these foods may also be helpful against the ulcer-causing bacteria: cauliflower, cabbage, apples, carrot, broccoli, leafy greens, such as spinach and pumpkin leaf ( ugwu), pawpaw leaf which is high in anti-inflammatory properties also reduce the inflammation and can also heal peptic ulcers by killing the bacteria, probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt ,honey, garlic, turmeric.