Ulcers – A Bad Gut Feeling
An ulcer is basically a sore that is created by a buildup of acid within the digestive system. Ulcers can often occur in the stomach or in the first part of the small intestines, known as the duodenum. A peptic ulcer is a specific kind of ulcer that must be at least a half centimeter in diameter and is extremely painful. More peptic ulcers occur in the small intestine than in the stomach, and roughly 4% of all peptic ulcers may be caused by a certain type of stomach cancer, so they require multiple biopsies to rule out any malignancy. Peptic ulcers are most often associated with abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. In some cases the patient may vomit blood, which may be coming directly from a gastric ulcer or from damage caused to the esophagus from repeated vomiting. Most patients that are diagnosed with an ulcer also suffer from a history of heartburn and acid reflux disease. The timing of the symptoms can be a great diagnostic clue in helping to determine the location of the ulcer. Gastric or stomach ulcers typically cause pain during the meal while duodenal ulcers will be marked by pain after the meal, as the food leaves the stomach and enters the intestines. There are many treatments available for patients suffering from ulcers. If caught early enough or in a young enough patient, many peptic ulcers can be treated with ant-acids. The anti-acid will help reduce the pain and in some cases, may even clear the irritant form the system altogether, allowing the ulcer to heal. Some ulcers are caused by infections in which case a course of antibiotics may be required in order to relieve the pain and heal the ulcer. In some very rare and serious cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the ulcer. Ulcers are a painful condition that strikes more of the population than most people realize. Often dismissed as just painful heartburn, they are too often allowed to fester and grow worse which can lead to greater complications, such as perforations. A perforation can become a life threatening complication, as the breach in the walls of either the stomach or duodenum can allow food, acids and waste to enter the body outside of the digestive tract. If you think that you may have an ulcer, it is vital that you seek out immediate medical attention.
|
