Thursday, 6 April 2017

Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcer disease refers to the destruction of the inner lining of the stomach and upper portion of the small intestine, called duodenum. An ulcer in the stomach is known as gastric ulcer and while that in the first part of the stomach is known as the duodenal ulcer.

Causes of the Ulcers

There is no any single factor which causes the ulcer. But following are some of the major factors which can cause an ulcer.

Infections

The major causative factor is chronic inflammation due to Helicobacter pylori, that destroys internal mucosa. In response to the presence of the bacteria, parietal cells secrete gastrin, the increase in acid can contribute to the erosion of the mucosa and therefore ulcer formation.

NSAIDS

Excessive usage of the painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen can also cause ulcers. 

Diet

Dietary factors such as spice consumption were hypothesized to cause the ulcer. Caffeine and coffee, additionally commonly concept to cause or exacerbate ulcers, seem to have little impact.

Tumors in Acid Producing Cells

In Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, the acid producing cells become inflamed and cause gastrinomas, tumors of the acid-producing cells of the stomach that increases acid output.

Stress

Stress due to serious health problems and chronic life stress can also cause ulcers, known as stress ulcers. Although some studies have found correlations between drinking, smoking, and ulcer formation.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is burning abdominal pain that extends from navel to the chest. Other common signs of a peptic ulcer include:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating and abdominal fullness 
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Hematemesis ( vomiting of blood ), this can occur due to bleeding directly from a gastric ulcer,
  • Melena ( tarry, foul-smelling feces due to presence of the oxidized iron from hemoglobin )
  • Nausea and copious vomiting
  • Waterbrush ( rush of saliva after an episode of regurgitation to dilute the acid in esophagus, although this is more associated with gastroesophageal disease )    

       

  

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