The Burning Truth About Gastric Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options"

"The Burning Truth About Gastric Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options"

Karaganda medical university 

 corrosponding author - Mohammad Afjal 

Abstract:

Gastric ulcers are a common gastrointestinal condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The burning pain in the stomach, nausea, and vomiting associated with gastric ulcers can be debilitating and affect a person's quality of life. This article aims to provide an overview of gastric ulcers, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Introduction:

Gastric ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer that develops in the lining of the stomach. They are a result of the erosion of the protective mucous layer that lines the stomach, allowing digestive acids to penetrate the lining and cause damage. Gastric ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Symptoms:

The most common symptom of gastric ulcers is a burning pain in the upper abdomen that worsens after eating or when the stomach is empty. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and a feeling of fullness in the stomach.

Complication - Gastric ulcer, also known as peptic ulcer, can lead to several complications, including:

Bleeding: The ulcer can erode a blood vessel, causing bleeding in the stomach. The bleeding may lead to anemia, black or tarry stools, or vomiting blood.

Perforation: In rare cases, the ulcer can cause a hole to form in the stomach wall, leading to a life-threatening infection known as peritonitis.

Obstruction: Scar tissue from the ulcer can cause the stomach outlet to narrow, leading to obstruction and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Penetration: The ulcer can penetrate through the stomach wall and invade nearby organs such as the pancreas or liver.

Cancer: Although rare, long-standing gastric ulcers can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Malnutrition: If the ulcer causes obstruction or bleeding, it can affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food, leading to weight loss, weakness, and malnutrition.

Treatment:- Gastric ulcer, also known as peptic ulcer, is a common condition characterized by the 

formation of sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach. The condition is often caused by the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or a bacterial infection with Helicobacter pylori. Treatment of gastric ulcer usually involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

Medications:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs are medications that reduce the production of stomach acid.

They are highly effective in promoting ulcer healing and preventing recurrence. Examples of PPIs include omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole.

H2-receptor antagonists: These medications also reduce the production of stomach acid, but they are not as effective as PPIs. They include ranitidine and cimetidine.

Antacids: These medications neutralize stomach acid and provide rapid relief of symptoms. However, they do not promote ulcer healing or prevent recurrence.

Antibiotics: If the ulcer is caused by H. pylori infection, antibiotics are necessary to eradicate the bacteria. A combination of two or three antibiotics is usually prescribed for a period of two weeks.

Lifestyle changes:

Avoiding trigger foods: Certain foods can irritate the stomach and worsen ulcer symptoms. These may include spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and caffeinated beverages.

Quitting smoking: Smoking increases the production of stomach acid and delays ulcer healing. Quitting smoking can help to reduce symptoms and promote healing.

Reducing stress: Stress can worsen ulcer symptoms and delay healing. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation, can help to reduce stress and improve symptoms.

Conclusion:

Gastric ulcers can be a painful and debilitating condition, but they are treatable. Understanding the causes and symptoms of gastric ulcers can help individuals seek appropriate treatment and make lifestyle changes to prevent the development of ulcers. By working with a healthcare provider and making appropriate lifestyle changes, individuals with gastric ulcers can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

  REFERENCES

Lanas A, Chan FKL. Peptic ulcer disease. Lancet. 2017 Apr 15;390(10094):613-624.

Malfertheiner P, Megraud F, O'Morain CA, Atherton J, Axon AT, Bazzoli F, et al. Management of Helicobacter pylori infection—the Maastricht V/Florence Consensus Report. Gut. 2017 Jan;66(1):6-30.

Scheiman JM. The use of proton pump inhibitors in treating and preventing NSAID-induced mucosal damage. Arthritis Res Ther. 2013;15 Suppl 3:S5.

Lee SY, Kim JH, Sung IK, Park HS, Shim CS. Comparison of the effects of smoking and alcohol consumption on gastroduodenal ulcer recurrence in patients with a history 

of idiopathic gastroduodenal ulcer. Gut Liver. 2015 Jan;9(1):89-94.

1.

Scida S, Russo M, Miraglia C, Leandro G, Franzoni L, Meschi T, De' Angelis GL, Di Mario F. Relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and GERD. Acta Biomed. 2018 Dec 17;89(8-S):40-43. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

2.

Kayali S, Manfredi M, Gaiani F, Bianchi L, Bizzarri B, Leandro G, Di Mario F, De' Angelis GL. Helicobacter pylori, transmission routes and recurrence of infection: state of the art. Acta Biomed. 2018 Dec 17;89(8-S):72-76. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

3.

Barchi A, Miraglia C, Violi A, Cambiè G, Nouvenne A, Capasso M, Leandro G, Meschi T, De' Angelis GL, Di Mario F. A non-invasive method for the diagnosis of upper GI diseases. Acta Biomed. 2018 Dec 17;89(8-S):40-43. [PMC free article] [PubMed]