Peptic ulcers: what are the symptoms?

The symptoms of peptic ulcers, which comprise gastric (or stomach) ulcers and duodenal ulcers, can vary from person to person and with the location of the ulcer. You may have an ulcer without experiencing any symptoms, have obvious symptoms, or experience a complication, such as bleeding or perforation.

Common symptoms of peptic ulcers

The following symptoms are commonly associated with peptic ulcers. However, bear in mind that peptic ulcers often cause no symptoms, especially in older people.

Burning or gnawing abdominal pain

Abdominal pain or discomfort is a typical symptom of peptic ulcers (both gastric and duodenal). The pain tends to come and go, and is often worse at night.

You may feel the pain anywhere in the area between your navel and your breastbone. It often occurs when the stomach is empty.

The pain may last from between a few minutes to several hours, and may be relieved by eating, drinking milk or taking antacid medicines. However, sometimes eating can make symptoms worse. In addition, drinking milk may be just a temporary fix. While it can improve symptoms quickly, it may increase acid production later on, making symptoms worse.

The pain or discomfort associated with peptic ulcers is sometimes referred to as ‘dyspepsia’.

Nausea and vomiting

Sometimes you might experience nausea or vomiting. These symptoms are not as common as abdominal pain.

Nausea associated with a peptic ulcer may be relieved by eating.

Loss of appetite and weight

Again these symptoms are less common than abdominal pain, but people with peptic ulcers may suffer from loss of appetite and so lose weight.

More serious symptoms

Sometimes people are not aware they have an ulcer until they experience a serious complication, and some of these may include the following.

Haemorrhage

As an ulcer corrodes the lining of the stomach or duodenum, it may extend into the stomach or duodenal wall. In these cases, blood vessels can also be damaged, which can cause bleeding.

If these blood vessels are small, the blood may slowly seep into the digestive tract, leading to the development of anaemia over time. This may make you feel weak, dizzy or tired.

If larger blood vessels are involved, the bleeding will occur much more rapidly. This is a more dangerous situation. You may feel weak when you stand up, or you may faint or vomit blood. Your stools may be a black or dark red colour (from the blood) and ‘tar-like’ in consistency.

If you have any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately, as you may need treatment to stop the bleeding.

Perforation and penetration

Although rare, ulcers can develop to such an extent that they completely perforate through the stomach or duodenal wall. This can cause the gastric contents, including partially digested food, to leak through this opening into the abdominal cavity, resulting in peritonitis (inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity). This can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain that is worsened by any kind of movement.

Sometimes an ulcer may penetrate through the wall of the stomach or duodenum into another abdominal organ, such as the pancreas.

Perforation and penetration of ulcers is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment in hospital.

Narrowing and obstruction

If your ulcer is located at the end of the stomach where it attaches to the duodenum, the scarring it causes may eventually narrow the opening to the duodenum. This will prevent food from leaving your stomach and moving into the small intestine.

If this happens you may experience nausea and vomiting, as well as worsening abdominal pain and bloating. You may also feel full after eating a small amount of food.

See your doctor about ulcer symptoms

If you are experiencing upper abdominal pain (tummy pain) or any of the other symptoms mentioned above, you should see your doctor. If your doctor suspects you may have a peptic ulcer they will want to confirm the cause and diagnosis and start treatment.

Ulcers | Cedars-Sinai

ABOUT

DIAGNOSIS

TREATMENT

Overview

An ulcer occurs when part of the lining of the stomach or intestines becomes deeply eroded. This typically happens in the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the in the duodenum (duodenal ulcer), which is located at the lower end of the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine. Ulcers range from quite small to an inch or more in size.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on where the ulcer is and how old the patient is. Many patients, especially older ones, may have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they tend to come back again and again.

Stomach (or peptic) ulcers may produce few or no symptoms, or they may cause burning, gnawing pain in the upper middle part of the abdomen that is relieved by eating or taking an antacid. Stomach ulcers often are not consistent. For example, eating sometimes will make the pain worse rather than better with certain types of ulcers, such as pyloric channel ulcers, which are often associated with bloating, nausea and vomiting, symptoms of a blockage caused by swelling (edema) and scarring.

Duodenal ulcers tend to cause consistent pain. A patient may feel no pain when he or she awakens, but by midmorning it is present. The pain can be relieved by eating, but it usually returns two to three hours later. Pain that wakes a patient at night is common for duodenal ulcers.

Causes and Risk Factors 

At one time ulcers were believed to be the result of too much stomach acid. It is now known that the main factors that lead to ulcers are the bacteria H. pylori and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). These disturb the normal defense and repair processes of the mucosal linings, making them more vulnerable to attack from stomach acid.

How H. pylori causes ulcers is not entirely clear. One theory is that the organism causes ammonia to be created so that it can survive in the stomach’s acid. The ammonia may then erode the mucous barrier that protects the cells of the digestive tract. Other poisons and enzymes from the bacteria may also be a cause, and proteins produced by the body in response to inflammation may play a role.

NSAIDs tend to cause inflammation of the GI tract lining. Weak acids themselves, NSAIDS cause a number of changes within the stomach, including reduced flow of blood to the stomach, less mucus production, and less cell repair and reproduction. All of these tend to break down the process of defense and repair that keeps the mucosa healthy.

Diagnosis

A doctor usually bases a diagnosis of peptic ulcer on the patient’s history. A physician will want to rule out the presence of stomach cancer, which can have similar symptoms. This is especially true in patients who are older, have lost weight, have severe symptoms or do not respond to treatment.

The diagnosis can be confirmed through a variety of studies, such as:

• Endoscopy, which uses a camera attached to the end of a flexible tube to allow the doctor to see inside the body. This can reliably detect swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the esophagus and esophageal ulcers as well as H. pylori infection.
• Barium swallow
• Cytology (examination under a microscope of cells from the affected area)
• Multiple biopsies
• X-rays or CT scans to identify ulcers that have caused holes in the stomach or intestines

Treatment

In the past, ulcers were treated by trying to neutralize or decrease the amount of acid in the stomach. Current treatment focuses on eliminating H. pylori through antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment should be given to all ulcer patients who have been diagnosed with H. pylori, even if they have no symptoms or are being treated to reduce stomach acid. Antibiotic treatment is especially important for patients who have had complications in the past. Antibiotics to treat H. pylori are evolving, and a combination of antibiotics is usually prescribed.

The symptoms of an ulcer can be relieved by taking antacids, which can also help prevent the symptoms from coming back and help promote healing of the ulcer. Antacids must be taken five to seven times a day and can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb other drugs. The two general types of antacids are:

• Ones that the body can absorb, such as baking soda. These are quick and effective but may have side effects when taken on a regular basis
• Ones that interact with stomach acid to create salts that are not absorbed by the body and are excreted

While there is currently no evidence that changing the diet helps an ulcer heal faster or prevents its return, a doctor may suggest that any food that causes distress be eliminated. These may include fruit juices, spicy foods and fatty foods.

Alcohol tends to increase the acid in the stomach, and ulcer patients are usually advised to restrict their drinking of alcohol. Persons who smoke are at a higher risk of developing ulcers and complications. Smoking also slows the healing process and makes the return of ulcers more likely.

Although surgical treatment is being prescribed less often, surgery may be necessary if complications do not respond to medical therapy, symptoms are severe or there is a suspicion that the ulcer may be cancerous.

More than 60% of people have a return of their ulcers a year after traditional treatment has ended. Fewer than 10% of people have a recurrence of ulcers after anti-H. pylori therapy. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs might also affect recurrence of ulcers.

Complications

Certain complications can also result from peptic ulcers, including:

• Bleeding
• A hole in the wall of the stomach or duodenum. This causes intense, ongoing pain that may be felt in locations other than the abdomen. The pain may change with shifts in body position.
• A hole into the peritoneal cavity, which surrounds the organs of the abdomen. This causes sudden, intense pain that spreads quickly throughout the abdomen and is worse with movement.
• A blockage. The outlet of the stomach may become blocked as a result of scarring, muscle spasms or inflammation related to an ulcer. This causes repeated, high volume vomiting, usually at the end of the day. There may also be a feeling of bloating after eating and a loss of appetite. Dehydration and weight loss are risks if vomiting continues.

Treatment of complications varies. For example:

• Bleeding may be stopped using a variety of minimally invasive techniques.
• Acid-suppressing drugs may be given intravenously and continued until the condition stabilizes.
• Emergency surgery may be necessary if the patient gets worse even with treatment and blood transfusions and if their pulse rate and blood pressure are not stable.

Persons who have H. pylori-related ulcers may be at higher risk for certain forms of cancer and lymphoma.

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

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Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum – MOSITALMED

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum 12 is a disease in which an ulcerative defect of the mucous membrane is formed. The disease is observed when the balance between the factors of aggression and protection of the mucous membrane is disturbed. As a result, under the influence of provoking factors, the submucosal and muscle layers are affected, and after healing, cicatricial changes remain. The peak incidence occurs in the autumn-spring period.

Treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers is carried out on an outpatient basis and in a hospital. The clinic “MOSITALMED” has an inpatient department equipped with comfortable wards, operating rooms and manipulation rooms with everything necessary to provide both planned and emergency medical care.

Causes of gastric ulcer

The appearance of an ulcer defect of the gastric mucosa occurs when exposed to a number of causes, including:

• Helicobacter pylori infection;
• taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and glucocorticoids;
• abdominal trauma;
• nerve strain;
• alcohol abuse;
• excessive consumption of coffee;
• smoking;
• unbalanced diet with insufficient content of vitamins and excessive consumption of rough, hot, salty and sweet foods;
• hereditary predisposition

Symptoms of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum

The main symptom of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum is pain.

Duodenal ulcer is characterized by pain on an empty stomach and 2-3 hours after eating in the epigastric region or right hypochondrium. Their intensity decreases after eating and taking antacids and increases at night.

An ulcer in the stomach presents with pain half an hour after eating and is accompanied by heartburn, nausea and vomiting, which brings relief. It is localized in the upper abdomen and intensifies after a heavy meal and physical activity.

Perforation of the ulcer is manifested by acute, unbearable, dagger pain in the projection of the stomach. It can mimic heart disease, leading to misdiagnosis, worsening of the condition and prognosis of the disease. This form of the disease is treated only by surgical intervention by stitching the wound.

Treatment of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum

Treatment of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum includes diet, drug therapy and physiotherapy. If Helicobacter pylori infection is confirmed, a course of antibiotic therapy is prescribed.

To restore the acid-base balance, antacids and drugs that have an enveloping and protective effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum are used. In order to monitor the effectiveness of therapy, endoscopic examinations are carried out with an interval of 2 weeks.

Diet for gastric and duodenal ulcers involves the exclusion of fried, salty, smoked, pickled and sweet. It is allowed to eat lean meats and fish, soy and dairy products. Meals should be fractional, up to 6 times a day. The diet can be supplemented with medicinal mineral waters. They should be low-mineralized, with a minimum amount of carbon dioxide or without it at all, with a neutral, alkaline or slightly acidic reaction.

Physiotherapeutic procedures are used to improve blood flow, accelerate mucosal regeneration, relieve inflammation and pain. At the peak of the disease exacerbation, patients are usually prescribed microwave therapy, sinusoidal currents, diadynamic currents, ultrasound, magnetotherapy, galvanization, electrophoresis with prescribed drugs.

The advantage of the treatment of duodenal ulcer in the clinics “MOSITALMED” is the complete control of the patient’s health on modern equipment of the highest class, highly qualified staff with extensive experience, as well as an individual approach. Here you can have a consultation with a gastroenterologist by appointment and without a queue.

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Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum: causes, symptoms, treatment

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum is a chronic disease characterized by the formation of ulcers on the mucous membrane of these organs. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, belching, heartburn, and sensitivity to sour and spicy foods. Treatment may include medications, lifestyle changes, and, in rare cases, surgery.

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum is a disease that affects a fairly large number of people. However, as a rule, most of them do not know that they have this disease. It occurs as a result of disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to serious complications if you do not pay attention to it and start treatment in a timely manner.

The main causes of peptic ulcers are the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, malnutrition, stress, nicotine and alcohol. Symptoms of the disease often manifest as abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, bleeding from the ulcer may occur, which is very dangerous for the patient’s health.

Treatment of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum should be prescribed only by a qualified physician and carried out in accordance with the diagnosis and severity of the disease. As a rule, doctors prescribe medicines that kill the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, drugs that reduce the production of gastric juice, and other medicines that alleviate the patient’s condition. In some cases, surgery is necessary.

It is important to know that before starting treatment, it is necessary to accurately establish the diagnosis and find out the cause of the disease. Only after that you can start treatment and get the desired result. Do not forget that our healthy lifestyle directly affects our health, so try to avoid nicotine, alcohol, fatty and spicy foods and keep an eye on your diet and rest.

The main causes of ulcers

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum is a chronic disease that is associated with a violation of the integrity of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. There are several factors that can lead to its occurrence.

• Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is the main cause of peptic ulcer disease. It affects the mucous membranes of the stomach and duodenum, causing inflammation and tissue destruction.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). People who regularly use NSAIDs to treat pain and inflammation are more likely to develop peptic ulcers. These drugs increase the level of acidity in the stomach, which can damage the lining of the stomach.
• Smoking. Tobacco smoking increases the risk of developing peptic ulcers. Nicotine and other chemicals found in tobacco increase the level of acidity in the stomach and reduce the protective properties of the mucous membrane.

Stress, unhealthy diet, alcohol and drug poisoning, gastritis and other diseases of the digestive system can also lead to the risk of developing peptic ulcer. To reduce the risk of peptic ulcers, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid bad habits and monitor your health.

Symptoms of peptic ulcer

Stomach pain and discomfort is one of the most common symptoms of peptic ulcer. The pain can gnaw or burn, most often appears after eating. The localization of pain depends on the location of the ulcer. In the case of damage to the stomach, pain can occur in the epigastrium, and with damage to the duodenum – in the right hypochondrium.

Discomfort after eating is another common symptom of peptic ulcer disease. After eating, there is burning and heaviness in the stomach, as well as a feeling of fullness and early satiety.

Nausea and vomiting is another symptom associated with peptic ulcer disease. It is most often associated with food and can occur both before and after meals.

Changes in appetite and weight – in the case of peptic ulcer, patients may experience decreased appetite and weight loss. However, some patients may feel the need to constantly snack to relieve pain.

Bloody stools – Patients with gastric ulcers may vomit blood, and with duodenal ulcers, blood in the stool.

Worsening of symptoms at night – many patients notice that symptoms become more pronounced at night or on an empty stomach.

Anemia – In some patients, peptic ulcer can lead to anemia associated with blood loss.

Diagnosis of peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum is a serious disease. Diagnosis of the disease begins with the collection of anamnesis and patient complaints.

To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a series of studies. The following methods are commonly used:

• Fibrogastroduodenoscopy is a procedure in which the doctor examines the stomach and duodenum with a special instrument. This study not only allows you to diagnose ulcers, but also to establish their severity.
• Gastroscopy is an examination using a video camera and a thin, flexible probe. With its help, the doctor can examine the condition of the walls of the stomach and duodenum.
• Contrast fluoroscopy is an examination in which the patient is given a drink of a radiopaque substance and then an x-ray is taken.

If you notice symptoms of a peptic ulcer, see your doctor. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the greater the chance of successful treatment.

Treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers

Conservative treatment

For peptic ulcers, the first line of treatment is proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics to fight Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that causes ulcers. The effectiveness of such treatment reaches 80-90%.

If treatment with proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics fails, treatment to relieve symptoms may be used. To do this, you can use anti-inflammatory and pain medications, as well as antacids to reduce stomach acid.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment is used when conservative treatment fails or complications of peptic ulcer disease, such as bleeding or perforation (penetration) of the ulcer. Surgery involves removing diseased tissue or closing a hole in the wall of the stomach or duodenum.

Alternative methods of treatment

Along with traditional methods of treatment, there are also alternative methods of dealing with peptic ulcer. For example, you can take infusions of medicinal herbs such as chamomile, lemon balm, sage, calamus root, etc. However, it must be remembered that any treatment, including folk, should be carried out under the supervision of a physician in order to avoid complications and undesirable effects.

Proper nutrition for peptic ulcers

Basic principles of nutrition for peptic ulcers

Proper nutrition is very important for peptic ulcers so as not to harm the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. The basic principles of nutrition are:

• Diet mode. It is necessary to eat food according to the schedule: breakfast, lunch, dinner and two or three snacks. Between meals it is necessary to observe intervals of time.
• Food quality. Avoid fatty, spicy, sour, salty, and gas-producing foods, such as cabbage, beans, and radishes.
• Moderation in diet. Portions should not be too large. It is better to eat more often, but in smaller portions.

What can you eat with peptic ulcer?

In case of peptic ulcer it is recommended to use such products as:

1. Porridge with water or a small amount of milk: buckwheat, oatmeal, rice, wheat.
2. Protein products : skinless poultry, fish, lean meat.
3. Biscuits , crackers and bread, baked without the use of yeast.
4. Low-fat dairy products : kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese.

What should be excluded from the diet in case of peptic ulcer?

In case of peptic ulcer, foods such as:

1. Fatty, fried and spicy foods should be avoided .
2. Fast food and fast food .
3. Alcohol and strong drinks and strong coffee and tea.
4. Dairy products : sour cream, full-fat cottage cheese, sweet yogurt.

It is important to remember that proper nutrition is one of the key points in the treatment of peptic ulcer, so you should follow the doctor’s recommendations and strictly follow the nutritional recommendations.

Advice for Patients with Peptic Ulcer

Lifestyle Changes

Patients with peptic ulcer are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, exercise and avoidance of stress. They should develop the habit of eating thoroughly and slowly so as not to burden the stomach and intestines. Quitting bad habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, will reduce the risk of an exacerbation of the disease.

Nutrition

In case of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, it is important to monitor the diet and avoid severe overeating. It is recommended to eat food in small portions 5-6 times a day so that the stomach is not overloaded. It is necessary to exclude from the diet spicy, fatty, smoked and salty foods, as well as carbonated drinks and coffee. An important place in the diet is occupied by dairy products, vegetables, fruits, herbs and lean proteins.

Drug therapy

Your doctor may prescribe medications to relieve the symptoms of an ulcer, start the healing process, and prevent flare-ups. These can include antibiotics, drugs to reduce stomach acid, and pain relievers. Be sure to follow the doctor’s prescription and do not stop treatment until complete recovery. If side effects occur, you should consult a doctor.

Regular follow-up with a doctor

Patients with peptic ulcer need regular check-ups with a doctor, monitor their health, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, and adjust diet and drug therapy. Monitoring is important in order to timely detect relapses and prevent complications.

Avoid stress

Stress can aggravate ulcers. Patients with peptic ulcer disease are advised to avoid overload, not overstrain the nervous system, engage in UZHK and meditation. It is important to be able to relax, communicate with loved ones and tune in positively. Avoid conflict situations and everyday stress.

Maintain good food hygiene

The Helicobacter pylori virus is one of the causes of ulcers. Patients with peptic ulcer are advised to follow the rules of food hygiene and not to eat food in unchecked places, not washable fruits and vegetables, meat of unknown origin.

Complications of peptic ulcer

Ulcer perforation

The appearance of a hole in the wall of the stomach or duodenum is a serious complication of peptic ulcer. This can lead to the development of peritonitis, an acute inflammation of the abdominal cavity that requires urgent surgery. Symptoms of a perforated ulcer include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and feeling unwell.

Bleeding

Another common complication of peptic ulcer is bleeding. It can be microscopic, appearing hidden in the stool, or it can be a bleeding ulcer resulting in profuse blood loss. Bleeding can be life-threatening and require urgent treatment, including blood transfusion and endoscopic hemorrhage.

Stenosis

Stenosis is the narrowing of the stomach or duodenum caused by ulcer healing. This can lead to disruption of the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting of food, upset stools and poor nutrition. Treatment consists of expanding the narrowing by endoscopic method or the need for surgical intervention.

Cancer

Cancer of the stomach and duodenum can be a complication of a long-term peptic ulcer. Patients with peptic ulcer disease have an increased risk of developing cancer. Cancer of the stomach and duodenum can appear without any symptoms in the initial stages. Therefore, it is important to conduct regular examinations to detect and prevent cancer.

Major complications of peptic ulcer ComplicationSymptoms Treatment

Prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers duodenal ulcer

Nutrition and diet

One of the most important measures to prevent ulcers is proper nutrition. The diet should contain adequate amounts of proteins, vitamins and minerals, but not high in fats, preservatives and alcohol. It is also necessary to observe the diet: eat constantly at the same time, do not overeat and do not eat before bedtime.

Stop smoking

Smoking contributes to the development of stomach and duodenal ulcers. Therefore, one of the most important measures for the prevention of ulcers is the complete cessation of smoking. In addition, smoking can lead to other serious diseases of the body.

Minimization of stress and neurosis

Stress and neurosis can cause ulcers. Therefore, it is important to minimize their impact on the body. There are various methods for this, such as yoga, meditation, aromatherapy and other relaxation exercises. You should also avoid conflict situations and try to create a calm environment around yourself.

Only take your medicines as directed by your doctor.

Some medicines, such as antibiotics and aspirin, may increase the risk of ulcers. Therefore, you should take them only as directed by your doctor, while avoiding overwork due to treatment.

Seek medical attention in case of symptoms

In case of symptoms such as stomach pain and discomfort, seek medical attention immediately. The disease in the initial stage is easier to treat and can be completely cured than the disease that has developed in an advanced form.

Popular myths about peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum is a disease that is sometimes surrounded by many myths and misconceptions. Some of these can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, so it’s important to understand which claims are myths.

• • Myth #1: Peptic ulcer is caused by stress.

Although stress can aggravate the symptoms of peptic ulcers, it does not itself cause them. It occurs due to an infection in the stomach caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

• • Myth #2: Spicy and specific foods cause ulcers.

This is not true. Some foods may worsen symptoms but are not the cause of the disease. The cause is an infection or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

• • Myth #3: Peptic ulcer cannot be cured.

Thanks to advances in medicine and treatment, most cases of peptic ulcer can be cured. Treatment includes antibiotics, which kill the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, and drugs, which reduce stomach acid and heal ulcers.

It is important to remember that in case of symptoms of peptic ulcer disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, and not rely on myths and false claims.

Related videos:

Q&A:

How does peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum manifest itself?

The main manifestations of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum are: acute or aching pain in the epigastrium, which may increase after eating and at night; nausea and vomiting; frequent or painful bowel movements; hunger caused by malnutrition due to stomach pain.

What causes can lead to the development of gastric and duodenal ulcers?

The main causes of gastric and duodenal ulcers are the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which can be transmitted from person to person, as well as damage to the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract caused by alcohol, smoking, consumption of stale foods, stress, long-term use of certain medications, etc.

What is the diagnosis of gastric and duodenal ulcer?

Diagnosis of gastric and duodenal ulcer includes physical and laboratory examination, endoscopy, fluoroscopy of the stomach and intestines, analysis of gastric contents for the presence of Helicobacter pylori, and biopsy and histological examination of mucosal specimens.

How to treat peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum?

Treatment of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum depends on the cause of its development, the degree of damage and concomitant diseases. Usually includes taking antibiotics to kill Helicobacter pylori, drugs to protect and restore the stomach lining, drugs to reduce stomach acidity, and painkillers to relieve pain symptoms.

What preventive measures are recommended to prevent the development of gastric and duodenal ulcers?

To prevent the development of gastric and duodenal ulcers, the following preventive measures are recommended: maintaining proper nutrition, avoiding fatty and fried foods from the diet, limiting alcohol and nicotine consumption, eating fresh foods, avoiding stressful situations, timely and regular treatment by a family doctor.

Is it possible to completely recover from peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum?

Yes, in most cases peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum can be completely cured, provided timely access to a doctor and proper treatment. However, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the doctor regarding the diet and regimen, as well as regularly undergo a medical examination and treatment in case of relapse.

What to do if you suspect a peptic ulcer

See a doctor

If you suspect a stomach or duodenal ulcer, see your doctor. It is impossible to independently establish a diagnosis, since the symptoms of peptic ulcer can be similar to other diseases. The doctor will conduct the necessary examination, make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Diet

If you suspect you have a peptic ulcer, it is important to follow a diet. It is necessary to exclude spicy, fatty, sour and salty foods from the diet. It is recommended to eat food in small portions and often, do not overeat and do not starve.

Give up bad habits

Smoking and drinking alcohol can aggravate peptic ulcers and make it difficult to treat. Therefore, it is recommended to abandon bad habits for the period of treatment and generally try to avoid them.

Monitor your health

If you have a peptic ulcer, you need to monitor your health. Visit the doctor regularly, take tests and carry out the necessary procedures. It is also necessary to pay attention to symptoms and disturbing sensations in order to take timely measures to eliminate them.

Conclusions about peptic ulcer

A problem for many people

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum is a widespread disease. It can occur when the diet is not followed, drinking large amounts of alcohol and smoking. The main reason is a violation of the functioning of the protective mechanisms of the mucous membrane.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The main symptom of peptic ulcer disease is pain in the upper abdomen, which appears on an empty stomach or after eating. Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, palpitations and a general deterioration in well-being may also be observed. Diagnosis of the disease occurs through gastroscopy and analysis of gastric juice.

Treatment and prevention

Peptic ulcer disease can be treated with special preparations that promote healing of ulcers. In the process of treatment, it is necessary to follow a diet, give up bad habits and reduce stress. Prevention of the disease includes a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and the absence of bad habits.