Stomach ulcer – Complications – NHS

Complications of stomach ulcers are relatively uncommon, but they can be very serious if they happen.

Internal bleeding

Internal bleeding is the most common complication of stomach ulcers. It can happen when an ulcer develops at the site of a blood vessel.

The bleeding can either be:

• slow, long-term bleeding, leading to anaemia – causing fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin and heart palpitations (noticeable heartbeats)
• rapid and severe bleeding – causing you to vomit blood or pass stools that are black, sticky and tar-like

You should visit your GP if you have persistent symptoms of anaemia. If they think you may have a stomach ulcer, they may refer you to a gastroenterologist for an examination and treatment.

Contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately, or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department, if you have symptoms of more severe bleeding.

Treating internal bleeding

A gastroscopy will be used to identify the cause of the bleeding and treatment can often be given during this to stop the bleeding.

Sometimes specialised procedures carried out under X-ray guidance are used to stop bleeding ulcers, although surgery may occasionally be required to repair the affected blood vessel.

Blood transfusions may also be needed to replace the blood you have lost.

Perforation

A rarer complication of stomach ulcers is the lining of the stomach splitting open, known as perforation.

This can be very serious because it enables the bacteria that live in your stomach to escape and infect the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum). This is known as peritonitis.

In peritonitis, an infection can rapidly spread into the blood (sepsis) before spreading to other organs. This carries the risk of multiple organ failure and can be fatal if left untreated.

The most common symptom of peritonitis is sudden abdominal pain that gets steadily worse. 

If you have this type of pain, contact your GP immediately. If this isn’t possible, call NHS 111 or your local NHS out-of-hours service.

Peritonitis is a medical emergency that requires hospital admission. In some cases, surgery may be needed.

Read more about treating peritonitis.

Gastric outlet obstruction

In some cases, an inflamed (swollen) or scarred stomach ulcer can stop food from going through your digestive system. This is known as gastric outlet obstruction.

Symptoms can include:

• repeated episodes of vomiting, with large amounts of vomit that contain undigested food
• a persistent feeling of bloating or fullness
• feeling very full after eating less food than usual
• unintentional weight loss

A gastroscopy can be used to confirm the obstruction. If the obstruction is caused by inflammation, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or h3-receptor antagonists can be used to reduce stomach acid levels until the swelling goes down.

If the obstruction is caused by scar tissue, surgery may be needed to treat it, although it can sometimes be treated by passing a small balloon through an endoscope and inflating it to widen the site of the obstruction.

Page last reviewed: 14 January 2022
Next review due: 14 January 2025

Peptic Ulcer Disease – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis

The Facts

A peptic ulcer is an erosion or sore in the lining of the stomach or intestine that occurs when the protective mucus layer wears away in certain areas, allowing damage to occur from the natural acids of the stomach.

Around 10% of people will have peptic ulcer disease (PUD) at some point in their life. The majority of peptic ulcers are caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or by taking ASA (acetylsalicylic acid) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., ibuprofen*, ketoprofen, naproxen).

There are two types of peptic ulcers:

• Gastric ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach.
• Duodenal ulcers are those in the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. This is an area where food is digested after passing through the stomach.

Causes

Although stress and spicy foods might make the symptoms of peptic ulcer worse, they aren’t the cause of the condition as was once thought.

A bacterium called H. pylori causes the majority of ulcers. The bacteria can spread into the mucus lining that usually protects the stomach and small intestine from digestive acids, damaging it in the process. By 60 years of age, up to 50% of people are infected with this bacteria, but only 10% to 20% of these people will actually develop stomach problems.

The other major cause of PUD is the use of ASA (acetylsalicylic acid) and other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. NSAIDs can penetrate the lining of the stomach and release substances that damage cells. NSAIDs also block natural chemicals called prostaglandins that can help to protect and repair those cells. People more at risk of ulcers caused by NSAIDs include those who:

• are seniors
• have a history of a peptic ulcer
• have a family history of peptic ulcer disease
• are also taking glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone)
• are taking high doses of NSAIDs or ASA
• have several medical conditions
• are taking more than one NSAID or ASA

Excessive alcohol use can put people at higher risk for PUD, but it isn’t a true cause.

Symptoms and Complications

The most common symptom of peptic ulcers (both duodenal and gastric) is a gnawing or burning pain in the abdomen between the breastbone and the navel, sometimes passed off as “heartburn. “ An ulcer can also feel like a dull ache or strong hunger pangs. Yet some people, especially the elderly, may not feel any pain at all from an ulcer. Ulcer pain can come or go and can be aggravated by eating or an empty stomach. Ulcers can also cause belching and bloating.

The most common complication of stomach and duodenal ulcers is bleeding. Although the blood loss is usually too slow to be noticed, it might be enough to make you tired, pale, and weak.

If bleeding from the peptic ulcer is heavier, blood may show up in the stool or vomit. Stools that have blood in them may look tarry, black, or red. If you notice any of these signs, see a doctor right away. If a bleeding ulcer is severe, it can be fatal if left untreated. Keep in mind also that, since NSAIDs are such strong painkillers, they can mask the pain of bleeding ulcers.

Very rarely, ulcers can make a hole, called a perforation, in the stomach or intestine. This can cause sudden and severe pain. Sometimes an ulcer can create a blockage out of the stomach or in the duodenum. This may cause bloating, feeling full after eating, vomiting, and weight loss.

If an ulcer causes scarring, spasm, or inflammation, it is considered a gastric outlet obstruction and may lead to weight loss and dehydration. It may cause loss of appetite with fullness after eating, or it may cause large-volume vomiting up to 6 hours after a meal.

Making the Diagnosis

If you have the typical symptoms of PUD, your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order one or more of the following tests:

A breath test (drinking a fluid and exhaling into a tube), blood test, or stool test may be used to check for H. pylori infection. If you have H. pylori, treatment may be given to cure the infection without the need for more invasive tests.

A series of GI (gastrointestinal) X-rays may be done. These are X-rays of your stomach, duodenum, and esophagus (the swallowing tube). To make the ulcer easier for the doctor to see, you’ll first need to swallow a chalky liquid called barium.

Endoscopy is another test used to detect ulcers. After numbing the throat, the doctor carefully guides a thin tube with a tiny camera on its end into the mouth and down the throat to get close-up pictures of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

If ulcers are detected by these tests, then appropriate treatment will be prescribed.

Finally, all people older than 50 years who, for the first time, show symptoms suggestive of a stomach acid-related disorder, and anyone of any age with “alarm” features such as vomiting, bleeding, anemia, an abdominal mass, unexplained weight loss, or trouble swallowing should have an endoscopy to identify the cause quickly and to rule out cancer.

Treatment and Prevention

Medical treatment focuses on eliminating the H. pylori bacteria in people where it has been detected. The majority of peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori can be cured with a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs; e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole) plus two antibiotics (clarithromycin plus amoxicillin or metronidazole), all taken twice a day for 2 weeks.

Other combinations of acid-reducing medications and antibiotics may also be used, including ones that use a total of four medications. For some people, several courses of treatment may be needed to get rid of H. pylori. Once the treatment for H. pylori is complete, the acid-suppressing medication should be continued for a total of 4 to 6 weeks.

When an ulcer is not associated with H. pylori or is caused by NSAIDs, treatment with a PPI is prescribed for 2 to 4 weeks. Some people may need to continue treatment for longer periods of time. Another type of acid reducer, h3-antagonists (e.g., ranitidine, nizatidine), may also be used.

If the peptic ulcer was caused by NSAIDs, such as ASA, your doctor will most often recommend that you stop taking them if possible. Some people are more susceptible to peptic ulcers caused by NSAIDs, including those who:

• are seniors
• have a history of a peptic ulcer
• are also taking glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone)
• are taking high doses of NSAIDs or ASA
• have several medical conditions
• are taking more than one NSAID or ASA

If you’re taking a NSAID and have one of these risk factors, your doctor may prescribe a protective medication to take along with it. Acid-suppressing medications (e.g., PPIs) or misoprostol may be used for this. Misoprostol encourages the stomach to produce its protective mucus coating and improves blood flow.

It’s important for people with PUD to quit smoking. Smoking can delay healing and can cause ulcers to return.

Very rarely, surgical treatment may be needed for PUD and its complications.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Peptic-Ulcer-Disease

how they are connected and what to do

If you have a coma in your throat and a stomach ulcer, you should pay attention to your diet and lifestyle. It is necessary to exclude spicy, fatty, smoked foods and alcohol, as well as to be more calm and relaxed. It is important not to postpone a visit to the doctor in order to receive timely treatment and prevent possible complications.

A lump in the throat is an unpleasant sensation that can occur for many reasons. However, it can also be associated with stomach ulcers, which are serious conditions in the gastrointestinal tract.

A stomach ulcer is a deep defect in the gastric mucosa that results in the formation of an ulcer. It can cause heavy bleeding, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting.

A lump in the throat and a stomach ulcer may be associated, as the sensation of a lump in the throat may be caused by reflux of gastric juice into the esophagus. This may occur due to an increase in the acidity of the contents of the stomach, which is characteristic of stomach ulcers. If you experience a regular sensation of a lump in your throat, be sure to see your doctor to check your stomach and esophagus.

In this article, we will look at the main causes of a lump in the throat and stomach ulcers, and give advice on what to do if you encounter these problems.

What is a lump in the throat?

A lump in the throat is a feeling as if something is caught in the throat or as if a piece of food is stuck there and cannot be swallowed. This condition can be temporary and resolve on its own, or it can become chronic and cause an increase in the granularity of the mucous membrane of the throat.

This feeling can occur for various reasons: from mental stress to diseases of the endocrine glands and endocrine system, from respiratory diseases to traumatic injuries of the spine.

Sometimes a lump in the throat can be a symptom of a stomach ulcer, as the acid that is secreted in the wrong way in this disease enters the esophagus and throat, causing irritation and discomfort.

Related videos:

What is a stomach ulcer?

Gastric ulcer is a chronic disease associated with the formation of an ulcer in the stomach or duodenum. An ulcer is an injury to the lining of an organ that can cause pain and bleeding.

Ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, such as Helicobacter pylori infection, frequent use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), stress, upset stomach, and other medical problems.

Gastric ulcer symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, appetite disturbances, and weight loss. Some people may not have obvious symptoms and only become aware of the disease through medical examinations.

Stomach ulcers are treated with medicines that reduce stomach acid and kill the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. It may also be necessary to adjust the diet and daily routine. In some cases, surgery is required.

Association between a lump in the throat and a stomach ulcer

When a person suffers from a lump in the throat, it may be due to dysfunction of the stomach. In most cases, a lump in the throat is due to reflux, when the contents of the stomach travel up the esophagus to the throat.

Gastric ulcer, in turn, is one of the main causes of reflux. This condition is characterized by the formation of an ulcer on the wall of the stomach, which can lead to a change in the form and function of this organ.

In the presence of a stomach ulcer, the esophagus may become more compressed, causing a feeling of a lump in the throat. This can be further exacerbated by stress and diet, which also affect the condition of the stomach.

• Symptoms associated with reflux and stomach ulcers:
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Feeling bitter after eating
• Stomach pain
• Chest discomfort 90 050
• Difficulty swallowing

To prevent a lump in the throat and stomach ulcers, it is necessary to monitor the diet, avoid spicy and fatty foods, alcohol and nicotine. It is also important to review your medical history and consult your doctor if you suspect you have a stomach ulcer or other gastrointestinal disease.

Causes of a lump in the throat

Psycho-emotional state : One of the most common causes of a lump in the throat are psychological factors such as excessive excitement, anxiety, stress, depression and other highly emotional conditions.

Cervical Spine Disorders : Pinched nerves in the cervical spine can cause a sensation of a lump in the throat. Also, the cause can be various diseases, such as osteochondrosis, scoliosis, etc.

Esophageal reflux : This is a condition in which stomach contents back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and pain in the throat and chest. As a result, there is a sensation of a coma in the throat.

Allergic reactions : some people may experience a lump in the throat when exposed to certain allergens such as dust, mold, plant pollen, etc.

Acute respiratory viral infection : this infection can cause swelling of the throat lining causing a feeling of coma.

Cancers : Sometimes a lump in the throat may be associated with a throat, esophageal or lung disease such as cancer, which requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of stomach ulcers

1. Helicobacter pylori

This bacterium is the main cause of stomach ulcers. It penetrates the lining of the stomach and causes chronic inflammation.

2. Use of certain drugs

Long-term use of certain drugs such as nextatin, aspirin, diclofenac and others may cause stomach ulcers.

3. Stress and nervous tension

Stress and anxiety can become the strongest provocateurs for the development of gastric ulcer. At the same time, acidity in the stomach increases sharply and the natural balance between acid and the protective factors of the gastric mucosa is disturbed . ..

4. Eating disorders

Improper diet, irregular meals, frequent snacking, eating spicy and fatty foods can provoke stomach ulcers.

1. Avoid excessive spicy and fatty foods
2. Divide your meals into 5-6 meals per day.
3. Do not chew gum

5. Heredity

If there has been a history of stomach ulcers in the family, sensitivity to the development of this disease can be inherited.

Symptoms of a lump in the throat

1. Sensation of a lump in the throat

The main symptom of a lump in the throat is the sensation of a lump or a foreign body that does not go away and interferes with normal swallowing. The sensation of a coma can be intensified by anxiety, stress, and also after eating certain foods.

2. Pain when swallowing

A coma in the throat may cause pain when swallowing, which is caused by irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat and esophagus. The pain can manifest as sharp and burning, or constant and pressing.

3. Bad taste in the mouth

A lump in the throat is often accompanied by an unpleasant taste in the mouth, which occurs due to the formation of putrefactive masses in the tonsils. You may also experience bad breath.

4. Difficulty breathing

If a lump in the throat is accompanied by swelling of the larynx or pressure on the airways, the patient may experience difficulty breathing. In severe cases, urgent medical attention is needed.

5. Cough and hoarseness

The appearance of cough and hoarseness may indicate the presence of a lump in the throat that irritates the airways. This manifestation is especially characteristic of an allergic coma in the throat.

6. Abdominal pain and heartburn

If a lump in the throat is associated with acid reflux disease, the patient may experience abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating, belching and other symptoms associated with indigestion.

Symptoms of gastric ulcer

1. Pain in the epigastric region (upper abdomen).

One of the main symptoms of a stomach ulcer is pain, which is localized in the epigastric region. The pain can be of different intensity and character: dull, oppressive, stabbing or burning.

2. Feeling of heaviness in the stomach, belching, heartburn.

With a stomach ulcer, there may be a feeling of heaviness and fullness in the stomach, belching with an acid taste, as well as a burning sensation and discomfort behind the sternum – heartburn.

3. Nervousness, irritability, loss of appetite.

Gastric ulcer can lead to disturbance of the digestive function of the stomach and intuition for food. This can lead to loss of appetite, nervousness and irritability.

4. Weight loss.

Patients with stomach ulcers may experience weight loss, which is associated with indigestion and decreased appetite.

5. Weakness, pale skin, anemia.

Anemia may be associated with bleeding from a stomach ulcer. With prolonged bleeding, signs of weakness, dizziness, pale skin and rapid fatigue may appear.

6. Acute bleeding from a stomach ulcer.

Acute bleeding from a stomach ulcer is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms are a sharp pain in the abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, pale skin, loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis of a lump in the throat and stomach ulcers

To diagnose a lump in the throat, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient. First of all, with the help of a gastroenterological examination, the presence of a stomach ulcer is determined. For this, fibrogastroduodenoscopy is performed, which allows to assess the condition of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum.

It is also necessary to conduct a study of the function of the digestive system, for example, pH-metry or manometry. These methods allow you to determine the level of acidity of the stomach and the tension of the muscles of its walls.

To diagnose a lump in the throat, fluoroscopy can be used, in which the doctor evaluates the patency of the esophagus and larynx. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest and neck can also be prescribed, which gives a detailed idea of ​​the anatomical structure of the organs.

Specialists may also order allergy tests, since a lump in the throat is often the result of an allergic reaction of the body to one or more substances.

• Fibrogastroduodenoscopy
• PH-metry or manometry
• Fluoroscopy
• Computed tomography
• Allergy tests

In general, the diagnosis and treatment of a lump in the throat and stomach ulcers require a visit to a doctor and systematic examination of the body.

Treatment of a lump in the throat

The feeling of a lump in the throat can be caused by various factors – from banal fatigue and nervous tension to serious diseases. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is necessary to find out the cause of the appearance of a coma.

If the lump is caused by stress, then relaxation, meditation and breathing exercises can be a good way to eliminate it. Anti-anxiety medications may also be helpful, but should only be taken as directed by a doctor.

If the lump is caused by a disease of the respiratory or digestive organs, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease under medical supervision. In such cases, the treatment of a stone in the throat can be carried out with the help of drugs aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease. Antitussives can also be used to ease breathing and reduce coma symptoms.

In severe cases, when the coma is accompanied by weakness, dizziness and other symptoms, medical attention is needed. Doctors may prescribe procedures, such as nasopharyngeal irrigations or inhalations, as well as prescribe medications to treat the condition.

In any case, if a lump appears in the throat, it is necessary to consult a doctor to diagnose and treat the cause of the disease. Do not self-medicate, as improper treatment can worsen your health.

• Find out the cause of the coma.
• Stress relief: relaxation, meditation, breathing exercises, sedatives.
• Treatment of the underlying disease.
• Antitussives.
• Medical assistance: procedures, nasal lavage, inhalations, medicines.
• Seeing a doctor to diagnose and treat the cause of an illness.

Gastric ulcer treatment

Gastric ulcer treatment should only be prescribed by a doctor. It depends on the severity of the disease, the presence of complications and the individual characteristics of the patient. The basis of therapy is the following activities:

• Prescribing antibiotics – Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which are found in the stomach of most patients with stomach ulcers, must be destroyed. For this, special antibiotics are prescribed.
• Taking drugs that reduce the acidity of the stomach – digestion disorders are reduced, pain is reduced.
• Diet – Avoid spicy, fatty, acidic foods, alcohol, coffee, marinades and smoking. Pleasant and light eating is an important condition for a quick recovery of the body.
• Mode of work and rest — it is necessary to understand that a patient depends a lot on his own attitude towards his health. Regular rest, food, communication and doing things you love help you get through the treatment faster.

After the treatment, it is recommended to do follow-up examinations and follow the diet. The doctor may advise taking a course of medication to maintain the stomach and overall strengthening of the body.

Prevention of coma in the throat and stomach ulcers

A lump in the throat and stomach ulcers are unpleasant and common problems, but there are many ways to avoid them.

1. Drink enough water every day. Lack of fluid can lead to a decrease in acidity in the stomach, which can cause constriction and, as a result, a lump in the throat.

2. Eat a healthy diet. Limit fatty, spicy, and acidic foods, which can irritate the stomach and cause ulcers.

3. Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity can help control weight and improve digestive health.

4. Avoid stress and psychological overload. Stress can impair stomach function and cause a lump in the throat.

5. Do not abuse alcohol and nicotine. Both substances can impair digestion and increase the risk of stomach ulcers.

6. Take medications only as directed by your doctor. Some medications, such as aspirin, may increase the risk of stomach ulcers.

7. Correctly treat existing problems. If you have symptoms of a lump in your throat or stomach ulcers, contact your doctor for professional diagnosis and treatment.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience frequent gastrointestinal discomfort such as abdominal pain, heartburn or belching, you should see your doctor. These symptoms may be associated with various gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, or inflammation of the esophagus.

In addition, if you experience prolonged nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite or weight loss, you may have serious health problems. These symptoms may indicate stomach cancer or other dangerous diseases.

If you have symptoms associated with a lump in your throat, such as a feeling of dryness, tightness or pressure in your throat, difficulty swallowing, or painful chewing of food, you should also see your doctor. These symptoms may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other diseases that can develop into extremely dangerous conditions.

In any case, if you develop new and unusual symptoms and/or symptoms become more severe, contact your doctor. No matter how severe or minor your symptoms seem, each of them can indicate a serious condition that should be brought to the immediate attention and treatment of medical professionals.

Conclusions

So, there is a direct connection between a lump in the throat and a stomach ulcer. Lump can occur as a result of digestive disorders, stress and other factors that can also lead to the development of stomach ulcers.

To prevent a coma in the throat and stomach ulcers, you need to monitor your food and emotional discipline. Eating regularly, chewing slowly and well, giving up bad habits, and regularly controlling stress levels will all be beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract.

If you have symptoms of a lump in your throat or stomach ulcers, you should contact your doctor immediately. Treatment can be long, but early detection and initiation of therapy are important factors for a successful cure.

Also, be aware that self-medication and neglect of symptoms can lead to serious consequences such as internal bleeding, ulcerative perforations, and other complications.

• Summing up, it is worth highlighting the following points:
• A lump in the throat and a stomach ulcer have common causes of development;
• For prevention, you need to monitor your lifestyle, eat right and control stress levels;
• If symptoms occur, seek medical attention for treatment;
• Self-medication and ignoring symptoms can lead to serious complications.

Q&A:

How are a lump in the throat and a stomach ulcer connected?

These symptoms may be related, as the acid released from stomach ulcers can cause irritation and tingling in the throat, sometimes even to the point of a lump.

What other symptoms may accompany a throat and stomach ulcer?

Other symptoms may include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, stomach and side pain, general weakness, loss of appetite, fatigue and weight loss.

What can cause a lump in the throat?

A lump in the throat can be caused by many things, including stress, anxiety, depression, overwork, allergen reactions, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and other throat conditions.

What medicines can be taken for stomach ulcers?

Anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitors, antacids, and antibacterial drugs to treat Helicobacter pylori infection may be given to treat stomach ulcers.

What can be done to get rid of a lump in the throat?

To relieve a lump in the throat, you can: drink a sip of water, take a deep breath, do relaxation exercises, use meditation therapy, do without alcohol and tobacco.

Can stomach ulcers be avoided?

Yes, you can. In order to avoid stomach ulcers, it is recommended to avoid spicy, fried and smoked foods, as well as alcohol and tobacco, constantly monitor the diet and rest, reduce stress and anxiety.

When should I see a doctor if I have symptoms of a lump in my throat and stomach ulcers?

If the symptoms interfere with daily life and do not disappear after applying the recommendations mentioned above, a doctor should be consulted. Also, if there is bleeding from the stomach or feces, medical attention should be sought urgently.

symptoms, causes, treatment, diet

A stomach ulcer is one of the most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This is a chronic pathology in which defects occur in the gastric mucosa. With untimely treatment or its complete absence, it can cause a person’s disability or even death.

Gastric and duodenal ulcers affect people aged 20 to 65 years. Men from 25 to 40 years old get sick 5-6 times more often than women, for the reason that male sex hormones indirectly increase the acidity and aggressiveness of gastric juice, and female ones decrease it.

Structure of the human stomach

The stomach is an organ of the digestive system in which food accumulates, and under the action of gastric juice, it undergoes primary digestion with the formation of a mushy mixture.

The stomach is mostly located in the upper left region of the abdominal cavity. The stomach does not have a specific shape and size, since they depend on the degree of its filling, the state of its muscular wall (contracted or relaxed) and age. The capacity of the organ is about 3 liters, 21-25 cm long.

The stomach has two main functions:

• Secretory . Excretion of gastric juice, which contains the necessary components for the initial stages of digestion and the formation of chyme (food lump). Approximately 2 liters of gastric juice are secreted per day. With a disorder of the secretory function of the stomach, a person’s acidity increases, i.e. the release of hydrochloric acid increases, or the acidity decreases, accompanied by a decrease in the release of hydrochloric acid.
• Motor . The muscular layer of the stomach contracts, resulting in mixing of food with gastric juice, primary digestion and promotion through the duodenum.

Violations of the motility of the stomach due to a violation of the tone of its muscular wall leads to a violation of digestion and the evacuation of gastric contents into the intestine. This is manifested by various dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting, bloating, heartburn, and others).

Mechanism of gastric ulcer formation

A gastric ulcer is a defect in the gastric mucosa, rarely less than 1 cm (sometimes submucosal), surrounded by an inflammatory zone.

The most common cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers is Helicobacter pylori infection. Various factors lead to an imbalance between protective factors (gastric mucus, gastritis, secretin, bicarbonates, gastric muco-epithelial barrier and others) of the gastric mucosa and aggression factors (Helicobacter Pylori, hydrochloric acid and pepsin).

Under the influence of treatment, the defect is overgrown with connective tissue (a scar is formed). The area on which the scar has formed does not have a functional ability (secretory function).

Causes of pathology development

The bacterium Helicobacter Pylori (the causative agent of ulcers) – has a destructive effect on the cells of the gastric mucosa, destroys local protective factors. As a result, a defect such as an ulcer is formed. Infection with a bacterium through the saliva of an infected person (non-observance of personal hygiene rules, use of unwashed dishes after an infected person).

Increased acidity – develops as a result of increased release of hydrochloric acid, which has a corrosive effect on the gastric mucosa, followed by the formation of a defect.

What influences the formation of stomach ulcers?

• Neuro-emotional overstrain leads to increased secretion of gastric juice (hydrochloric acid).
• Genetic predisposition to the formation of stomach ulcers.
• Smoking, alcohol consumption, coffee consumption in large quantities, nicotine and ethyl alcohol stimulate the formation of gastric juice, thereby increasing acidity.
• The presence of a pre-ulcerative condition: chronic gastritis, chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
• Disturbed diet: dry food, long breaks between meals lead to a violation of the secretion of gastric juice.
• Abuse of sour, spicy and coarse foods.
• Long-term use of drugs that have a destructive effect on the gastric mucosa.

Symptoms of gastric ulcer

• Painful sensations . Ulcer pain can be annoying day and night. Most often, pain in pathology manifests itself during hunger. It is localized in the upper abdomen, may decrease or increase immediately, or after a while after eating, depending on the location of the ulcer.

Unpleasant signs of a stomach ulcer can be so pronounced that nausea or even vomiting appears, which intensifies in the morning and disappears after eating. The ulcer manifests itself more often in the autumn-spring periods.

• Feeling of heaviness in the stomach . A person often begins to reduce portions of food, since the absorption of even a small amount of food that falls on the inflamed areas of the gastric mucosa and ulcers can cause these unpleasant sensations.
• Bad breath, tongue coating . Frequent companions of any inflammatory diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), against which ulcers most often appear.

Gastric ulcer diagnostics

Diagnosis of a typical stomach ulcer is quite simple, carried out by a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. Upon examination, the doctor determines the general condition of the patient, finds out complaints, the nature and characteristics of the course of the disease, and during palpation specifies the boundaries of the painful zones and their nature.

To form an accurate picture of the patient’s health status, the doctor may prescribe a complete blood count and instrumental examination. Most often, this is an endoscopic examination (EGDS).

The procedure is safe, lasts a few minutes, accompanied by unpleasant, but quite tolerable sensations. Allows you to examine the upper sections of the gastrointestinal tract, to establish the presence and nature of inflammatory and erosive-ulcerative processes, as well as the appearance of neoplasms.

Treatment of stomach ulcers

A peptic ulcer is treated by a therapist or gastroenterologist. It aims to relieve symptoms, heal ulcers, and eliminate the cause of the disease through diet, lifestyle changes, and medication.

Medical therapy

To get rid of Helicobacter pylori infection, the doctor prescribes antibiotics, and to reduce the acidity of gastric juice, acid-lowering drugs, etc. which have no ulcerative action.

First, the pain is relieved with painkillers. Drugs are taken only if there is discomfort in the stomach. Enterosorbents are also prescribed, which neutralize the negative effects of toxins. In addition, the patient needs to drink a course of vitamins.

Food

It is important for stomach ulcers not to aggravate the symptoms with the help of bad habits. You need to stop smoking and drinking alcohol. And also watch your diet. With a stomach ulcer, a special diet should be prescribed.

It involves a full meal, divided into 5-6 meals a day. The use of strong irritants of gastric secretion (ketchups, hot spices), coarse foods and dishes is limited. Food is prepared mostly pureed, steamed or boiled in water, fish and coarse meats are served in pieces. Very cold and hot dishes are excluded from the diet. The intake of table salt is limited.

The appearance of an excess amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach leads to the fact that pain occurs, the patient is tormented by heartburn. Water is needed, which has an alkalizing effect – when it is used, the harmful effects of hydrochloric acid are neutralized.

The opposite problem is low acidity. In this case, little gastric juice is produced. Bottom line: food is poorly digested, there is a feeling of fullness in the stomach.

Alkaline mineral waters speed up the processing of food and promote its rapid movement through the gastrointestinal tract.

Gastric ulcer prevention

With a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, careful attitude to your health, the likelihood of a stomach ulcer is extremely low. As we have already found out, sleep and nutrition disorders, an overly active lifestyle, as well as non-compliance with personal hygiene rules lead to the development of stomach ulcers.

If relatives had peptic ulcer disease, then regardless of complaints, endoscopy is recommended with the determination of gastric acidity, clarifying biopsies to determine H. Pylori infection and histological examination of suspicious areas at least once every 2 years.

You also need to adhere to a healthy lifestyle: give up bad habits, be physically active, sleep at least 7 hours at night. Avoid stressful situations, learn to perceive them correctly.

Regularly visit a doctor as part of a medical examination and eliminate foci of chronic infection. Starting from the age of 25, every two years, undergo a planned comprehensive endoscopic examination – endoscopy with the definition of H. Pylori.

Where to get the diagnosis and treatment of gastric ulcer in Krasnoyarsk?

The private medical clinic “Medunion” on Nikitin works for you.