Peptic Ulcers: An Acid Reflux Complication You Must Deal With

tuan megai — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:47:03 +0000

stomach ulcers

Peptic ulcer is described as eroded areas of the mucous lining of the digestive tract. Those that occur in the lower end of the esophagus and stomach are called gastric ulcers while those that appear in the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers. Peptic ulcers can be induced in animals by putting them in stressful situations.

This is also widespread among humans, appearing in three out of every one thousand, including children over ten. However it is more common among men than women, especially men who are highly competitive. It is an obvious acid reflux complication because it is usually characterized by the emptying of the stomach.

Causes of Peptic Ulcers

The immediate cause of ulcers is the excessive secretion of gastric acid that literally eats up the digestive tract lining. Why this overproduction that leads to ulceration should be the response of a particular individual to stress, which in others might cause hypertension or migraine headache, is not known. There is also an accumulation of evidence indicating some hereditary predisposition to ulcers, especially among “O” blood types. Once the ulcer begins to form, any factor that increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid will aggravate the condition such as alcohol, spicy foods, irregular meals, and chronic emotional strain.

As of the present, Helicobacter pyloricus contamination in the stomach is tagged as the leading source of ulcer. Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and cigarette smoking is also referred to as causes of the disorder.

Symptoms of peptic ulcers

Typically, symptoms of gastric ulcer are pain and vomiting, and in more advanced cases, bleeding. The pain is likely to be felt to the left from the center of the stomach. The pain produced by duodenal ulcer is felt either in the middle of the upper duodenum or to the right and under the ribs.

Other symptoms of ulcer include nominal dyspepsia. At times there may be no discomfort at all. Other individuals also experience blazing sensations in their stomach or they may feel regular hunger pain 1-3 hours after eating or during bedtime.

When ulcers start to bleed, vomited food appears brownish while stools blacken. Loss of blood over a long period may lead to anemia. If the hemorrhage occurs sudden or severe, emergency hospitalization is needed.

Treatment and diagnosis for peptic ulcers

Chronic or intermittent stomach pains should always be checked by a doctor. Anyone who dismisses such symptoms as chronic indigestion and refuses to get professional diagnosis may have an ulcer that suddenly worsens and requires emergency attention. Diagnosis to differentiate peptic ulcer from gastritis, and other ailments is based on laboratory tests of stomach acid, examination with a gastroscope, and a series of gastrointestinal x-rays following barium intake.

Therapy for ulcers is based on various changes in the patient’s daily regimen such as dietary recommendations, medications, supportive psychotherapy, and when needed, corrective surgery. You can prevent having ulcers by learning how to relax and to make fewer demands on yourselves and people around you. Of course, acid reflux should be focused on.

Digestive Disease Myths: Eight Problems to Talk About

admin — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:05:24 +0000

The digestive system participates in the proper digestion of food. It is especially susceptible to disorders brought on by tension and other emotional disturbances. It is very important to note that digestive diseases must not be self-treated. As always, it is necessary to go for treatment. Acid reflux is just one of the cases to be treated in the system. In this regard, it pays to check on the most common myths linked to the disorders of the digestive system.

Common myths involving digestive system diseases

Below, you will find the most common myths involved in digestive system diseases. We want to share them with you so you may separate them from the facts behind these disorders:

Ulcers. There is a common belief that this kind of digestive system disorder is a result of eating too much spicy foods and stress. The fact about the disease is that it is a result of either bacterial contamination or excessive intake of aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. It may also be caused by cancer.
Heartburn. Some people think that cigarette smoking can cure heartburn. Truth is it is a factor to the condition. You must understand that heartburn happens if the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) loosens up making way for the acidic stuffing of the stomach to move upward to the esophagus.
Celiac Disease. People think that this disease affects children only. Well, it also affects the elderly. Although the symptoms of this condition may occur throughout childhood days, it may continue up to adulthood.
Bowel Regularity. People say that when regular bowel movement will not cause any problem in the digestive tract. Well, this should not be used as a gauge for overall health. It may cause problems in the long run.
Constipation. Many people think that using enema will cure constipation. The fact is there is still no evidence on the safe use of enemas. Before undertaking this treatment, you must consult your doctor first.
Diverticulosis. Some people think that this condition is rare. It is not quite true because almost all Americans whose ages are more than 60 are affected by this condition.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This disease is often linked to emotional problems. The cause to this problem is not known up to now. However, researchers say that it results from a virus or bacterium that infests the immune system.
Cirrhosis. The usual belief is that this liver ailment is due to alcoholism. The fact is alcoholism is only a contributing factor to this disease. There are other causes that can trigger this condition like hepatitis B or C.

These are but a few of the disease of the digestive system that had been taught of falsely by a lot of individuals. In order to cure these situations, you have to direct your concerns to your doctor. Assumptions will not help you cure the plight. Self-medication is not allowed. It is better to spend your hard-earned money in order to alleviate the condition. Otherwise, severe situations may result like that of acid reflux.

Acid Reflux » ulcers

Peptic Ulcers: An Acid Reflux Complication You Must Deal With

Digestive Disease Myths: Eight Problems to Talk About