Peptic Ulcers Tips

Peptic ulcer often referred to as stomach ulcer, is usually a misunderstood disease. Most people are unaware of the reasons why the ulcer is caused and are also unaware of the early symptoms of the disorder. Here is a look at some of the strange facts about peptic ulcers that you may not know.

1. Stress does not cause ulcers: The myth that stress causes ulcers is just that- a myth. Ulcers are not caused by stress and tension. However, if you are already affected by an ulcer, stress can alleviate the symptoms and make matter worse. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can result in ulcers. So, if you have already been diagnosed with peptide ulcer, try not to stress too much.
2. Ulcer pain is not caused due to food: Contrary to popular belief, ulcer pain is not alleviated when you eat something. In fact, the pain increases if your stomach remains empty for a long period of time. So, if you are an ulcer patient, make a point of eating at regular intervals. In fact, the American College of Gastroenterology claims that people with ulcers do not need to follow a bland diet in order to recover from the condition.
3. Heartburn medication is effective against ulcer: Stomach acid is the common link between heartburn and ulcer, as both of these disorders are caused as a result of excess acid formation in the stomach. This is why physicians often prescribe antacids to ulcer patients.
4. Untreated ulcers can be problematic: Ulcers are easy to cure and can be completely treated with proper medication and adherence to restrictions. However, you should seek treatment for ulcers as soon as it is diagnosed. If left untreated, this ulcer may go on to cause severe issues for the patient. For instance, untreated ulcers may lead to internal bleeding and scar tissue. The same also impede the digestive process. So, do not leave ulcers untreated and think that they will be repaired automatically over time.
5. Endoscopy is the best way to diagnose ulcers: Even though X-rays may often reveal ulcers, a normal X-ray cannot detect certain smaller ulcers. Endoscopy is the best way to detect the disorder. In this process, a small tube, containing a light and a camera, is inserted inside the patient’s oesophagus. The camera reveals any abnormal growth or infection inside the stomach. If you suspect an ulcer, book an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible.

Many times we forget about the importance of our health in the race to pursue our careers and goals. We take our bodies for granted and keep working them without stopping for a breath. While some may have mastered this art, there are many who may not be able to cope with such a lifestyle and may end up falling ill. The most common problem that most people suffer from is stomach upset, gas, or stomach pain, and all of this may be because of not eating right or having irregular eating habits.

It is due to such problems that people fall ill and then goes to the doctor with a problem that may take much longer to treat. However, if the patient starts to check in with the doctor before the stomach pain worsens, it may be easier to treat because very often the pain arises from stomach ulcers. Ulcers are sores that are caused on the lining of the stomach or the oesophagus or even on the intestines. In serious cases, the sores may cause great damage to the stomach and may lead to much worse issues. However, with the right intake of food, the damage may be controlled in combination with medicines and treatment from experts.

Foods to avoid

In controlling the spread of stomach ulcers or peptic ulcers, it may be important to know the food that should be avoided so that the medicines and treatments taken for controlling the problem may work better. Here is a list of foods that you should avoid:

1. Hot beverages such as tea, coffee, cocoa and milk should be avoided because they cause an acid imbalance in the stomach.
2. Anything that may contain caffeine should also be avoided.
3. Alcohol should be completely avoided by those suffering from peptic ulcers.
4. Citric or sour drinks such as grape or orange drinks should also be avoided for remaining at ease.
5. Any spicy powders or seasonings, such as pepper, chilli powder and garlic should be excluded from the diet.
6. Anything that is made from milk or cream and is extremely fatty in nature should not be consumed.
7. Flavoured cheese that is strong and spicy should not be eaten.
8. Meats that include high levels of fat or those that are highly seasoned should be completely avoided.
9. Chillies or peppers in any form should be kept away from your diet.
10. Anything that is made from tomato should also be avoided, such as gravy, sauces or raw tomatoes.

When you start to keep your diet clean and healthy, it may be much easier for your doctor to cure you of stomach ulcers.
 

Peptic Ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of a stomach, small intestine or lower oesophagus. They usually crop as a result of inflammation caused by bacteria and also due to erosion from stomach acids. Peptic Ulcers affecting the stomach are also known as gastric ulcer, one in the duodenum is called a duodenal ulcer and an ulcer occurring in the oesophagus is called an oesophageal cancer.

Talking about the causes, symptoms, tests and exams related to it and treatment options for peptic ulcers. Let’s go ahead and take a look at them one by one:

• There are certain symptoms for peptic ulcers and one of the most common ones being, indigestion-like pain in the abdomen.
• The pain tends to occur anywhere in the region between the belly button and breastbone and the duration can be brief or may even last for hours.
• A change in appetite could be noticed, wherein you may not feel like having anything
• Feeling of uneasiness which can have an effect as if you are going to vomit.
• You tend to lose weight for no apparent reason.Stools with dark red blood.

Causes Of Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers can be caused as a result of different factors, which lead to the breakdown of lining of the stomach, oesophagus and small intestine. The causes are as follows:

• Overdose of drugs: If you are in the habit of using aspirin or ibuprofen along with other anti-inflammatory drugs on a regular basis, then you increase the chances of suffering from ulcer.
• Smoking: Smoking leads to an increase in the production of stomach acids and that tends to reduce bicarbonate production. People who smoke are at risk of developing duodenal ulcers.
• Increased Alcohol Consumption: When you have too much alcohol, then you are at a risk of developing all sorts of problems. Alcohol is basically a toxin which can damage almost every organ of the body. Digestive system can get hampered a lot through alcohol. Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, which leads to an increased risk of developing ulcer.

Treatment Of A Peptic Ulcer

Treatment would depend upon the underlying cause of ulcer. Your doctor would most probably suggest you to do an endoscopy and if the test shows that there is H.pylori infection, a combination of medicines would be prescribed. Medications would ideally continue for two weeks. There will be antibiotics to kill infections and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) for reducing stomach acid. If the doctor feels that ulcer has not been caused as a result of H.pylori infection, then you might be asked to take over-the-counter medicines like Prilosec or Prevacid for close to eight weeks, which would not only reduce stomach acid but also heal your ulcer.

Peptic ulcers are wounds that develop in the stomach lining, less esophagus or small intestine. They are usually due to inflammation caused by bacterial H. pylori, in addition to corrosions from stomach acids. An ulcer is generally rooted in the stomach or inner layer of the small intestine. A stomach ulcer is the most visible sign of peptic an ulcer disease.

People with an ulcer may have a really hard time dealing with it. It is an open wound on the outer or internal surface of the body, which causes excessive pain. It is due to a breakdown in the mucous membrane or skin which fails to recover.

Causes of peptic ulcer:
Several reasons can cause stomach, esophagus, and small intestine to break. Contains:

1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a type of bacteria that can cause stomach infections and swelling
2. Continuous use of Aspirin (Bayer), Ibuprofen (Advil), and other anti-inflammatory drugs (the risks linked with this behavior among women and people over 60 years of age)
3. Smoking
4. Alcohol drinking
5. radiation therapy
6. stomach cancer

Symptoms of peptic ulcer:
The most common symptom of peptic ulcer is burning abdominal pain, which spread from navel to chest, which can range from light to severe. In a few circumstances, the pain can get you up at night. Small peptic ulcers cannot develop any symptoms in the initial stages.

1. A burning, grinding pain in the upper middle part of the stomach and is comforted just by eating or taking antacids.
2. Change in taste
3. Sickness
4. Bloody or dark stool
5. Ambiguous weight loss
6. Indigestion
7. Vomit
8. Pain in chest

Below are the ways of avoiding it

Stomach ulcer pain is not a joke: it can leave you weak. Fortunately, following these steps are ways to reduce your risk of getting an ulcer.

1. Avoid some foods such as spicy, lemon, fatty, etc., because they can be burdens your stomach. Specifically, if you have seen that particular types of food disturb your stomach, keep away from it.
2. Improve the quality of your life by including exercise, stress-free activities, yoga etc. in your daily routine.
3. The heavy consumption of alcohol can cause ulcers. They have been contributing to the development of ulcers, so it is good to reduce the consumption of alcohol.
4. Taking no steroid anti-inflammatory medicines can reduce the risk of disturbing your stomach lining and thus avoiding the growth of ulcers.
5. Management of anxiety level avoids the expansion of ulcers. Do yoga and other comforting arts that help prevent the ulcer.

Some lifestyle choices and habits can reduce your risk of developing the peptic ulcer.

What is a peptic ulcer?

Digestive juices help in digestion of food but when these digestive juices damage the membrane of the digestive tract then sore areas develop which are called as peptic ulcers. A peptic ulcer may develop inlining of the lower oesophagus, stomach or duodenum. Thus called oesophageal, gastric and duodenal ulcer respectively.

Risk factors

• NSAIDs- repeated use of NSAIDs irritate the wall of the stomach thus increase the acid secretion.
• Stress although is not the direct cause for the peptic ulcer but obviously makes the condition worse in patients with ulcers.
• Smoking may increase the risk of ulcer formation and cases which already have the erosion then smoking aggravates the condition further.
• Alcohol can irritate and erode the mucous lining of your stomach by increasing acid production.
• Eating spicy food also makes the ulcers worse although does not cause ulcer formation directly.

Complications

• Perforation: the ulcer if left untreated then may grow to the deeper layers of the stomach and would ultimately perforate the wall of the stomach.
• The perforation would further cause inflammation of the surrounding structures causing peritonitis.
• Internal bleeding from the ulcer.
• Slow longstanding bleeding from the ulcer would cause anaemia.
• Due to repeated inflammation and scarring at the site of ulcer; blockage may occur thus obstructing food passage and regurgitation of food eaten.

Symptoms and causes
Symptoms

• Although its not uncommon for people having ulcers to stay without any symptoms but following are the indicative symptoms of peptic ulcer:
• The most common symptoms of the peptic ulcer are pain which is localized to the upper abdomen from the belly button to the chest bone.
• The pain is a burning type of pain which is worse at night and in between meals.
• Regurgitation of the food eaten.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Easy satiety with small amounts of food.
• Blood in vomiting or in the stool.

Causes

• H pylori infection is usually the most important cause of the ulcer formation as the bacteria lives in the mucous membrane of the stomach wall of the infected person thus causing inflammation of the stomach wall. This causes ulcer formation.
• Pain killers if taken for long irritate the wall of the stomach promoting ulcer formation.
• Smoking, alcohol, stress and spicy food although don't cause ulcer formation but make the condition worse.

Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis

• Symptomatical presentation of the case helps in indications towards peptic ulcer. To further diagnose the condition:
• Ammonia breath test for h pylori would confirm the presence of the bacteria in the body. Blood or stool test can be done for ammonia but the breath test is more reliable.
• Endoscopy would help in visualisation of the wall of the stomach thus confirming the diagnosis.
• Barium swallow followed by x-ray would also diagnose the peptic ulcer. 

Treatment

• Conventional treatment includes eradication of h pylori by several antibiotics. Antacids are given to neutralise the acid produced in the stomach.
• Further treatment includes inhibiting acid production by blocking the receptors for acid production. But these treatments are not permanent and peptic ulcer relapses so homeopathic treatment is far superior for the treatment of the ulcer which is permanent too.

Management

• Dietary management: increasing probiotics in the diet like yogurt, coconut water would help in keeping the environment in the stomach favourable. Further adding vitamin a and c would also help.
   
• Eating habits: should be improved. Split the meals in small regular meals rather than eating at long intervals and a lot at once. Don't stay empty stomach for long as acid secretion empty stomach would make the condition worse.
  • Drink enough water but not excess also.
  • Limit milk in the diet as it would increase acid production.
  • Limit pain killers as it would further complicate the situation.
     
• Sleep schedule: should be maintained, sleep on time and get up on time as this would regulate the body functions and ultimately maintain acid production.
   
• Quit smoking: as it would help in improving the symptoms.
   
• Limit or stop alcohol: intake as well so that the wall of the stomach can be protected from irritation.
   
• Maintain stress: do yoga and meditation.
   
• Don't wear tight belt around the waist.
  ​
• Keep the head end of your bed high while sleeping.
   
• Homeopathy would help a lot in managing a case of peptic ulcer.

Homeopathic management
Homoeopathic medicines like Argentum nitricum, nux vomica, kali bichromicum, lycopodium, carbo veg, Hydrastis Canadensis, graphities, phosphorus etc have wondrous results in the treatment of peptic ulcers but the constitutional approach should be sought for choosing the medicine by the doctor for permanent relief.

Do’s and don’ts
Do’s

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Keep yourself hydrated.
• Add vitamin a & c to the diet
• Limit milk in the diet
• Add probiotics to your diet
• Have enough sleep and keep the sleep schedule on time.
• Do meditation to manage stress.

Don’ts

• Don't smoke
• Don't take alcohol or carbonated drinks
• Don't wear tight clothes around the waist
• Don't stay up till late at night.
   

Ulcer pain can be uneasy and unbearable at times. It is caused by a bacterium known as the H. Pylori. Pain medication, lifestyle changes, and healthy eating habits can ensure pain relief from this condition. Here is a list of 4 best ways to get instant pain relief from an ulcer:

1. Medication - H. Pylori is often found in the digestive tract. Doctors suggest various combinations of antibiotics kill this bacterium. Some of those include tetracycline, levofloxacin, metronidazole, and tinidazole. These are prescribed as per the resistance rate of the bacteria. There are other sets of medication that blocks acid production in the body. These drugs which commonly go by the name of PPIs include esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole. The third set of medications reduces acidity in the stomach and gives instant relief. They are readily available over the counter and goes by the name antacid. The final line of medicines that are often prescribed by doctors includes Cytotec and Carafate. They protect the tissue lining of the intestine and the stomach.
2. Consumption of cranberry - Cranberry has multiple health benefits. One of those includes the ability to fight against bacteria of the urinary tract. They also do not allow the bacteria to settle on the surface of the bladder. Cranberry in the form of juice, supplement and as a whole can be consumed daily to get relief from the stomach ulcer. It should be taken in a specific quantity as too much of cranberry consumption can upset the stomach. Packaged cranberry juice from the market can be avoided as they contain a high level of fructose which can unsettle the stomach.
3. Flavonoids - A compound known as bioflavonoids are known to be extremely helpful for pain relief from an ulcer. These compounds naturally occur in many vegetables and fruits such as soybeans, berries, apples, legumes, green tea, broccoli and berries. Bioflavonoids available in red wine and citrus food should be strictly avoided as they can trigger ulcer pain. Bioflavonoids should be taken in measured quantities as too much consumption of it can cause harm in blood clotting. It can be consumed in the form of supplements if the body doesn’t receive the same from the daily diet.
4. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice - This compound is nothing but liquorice with the sweet flavour pulled out of it. A study showed that they are capable of completing curing the ulcer containing bacteria by inhibiting their growth. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice is available in the form of candy and can be consumed once the pain starts. Supplements too are available in the market. Not more than 2 ounces of Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice should be consumed in a day as they can cause fluctuation in blood pressure and lead to heart diseases.

Many times we forget about the importance of our health in the race to pursue our careers and goals. We take our bodies for granted and keep working them without stopping for a breath. While some may have mastered this art, there are many who may not be able to cope with such a lifestyle and may end up falling ill. The most common problem that most people suffer from is stomach upset, gas, or stomach pain, and all of this may be because of not eating right or having irregular eating habits.

It is due to such problems that people fall ill and then go to the doctor with a problem that may take much longer to treat. However, if the patient starts to check in with the doctor before the stomach pain worsens, it may be easier to treat because very often the pain arises from stomach ulcers. Ulcers are sores that are caused on the lining of the stomach or the oesophagus or even on the intestines. In serious cases, the sores may cause great damage to the stomach and may lead to much worse issues. However, with the right intake of food, the damage may be controlled in combination with medicines and treatment from experts.

Foods to avoid
In controlling the spread of stomach ulcers or peptic ulcers, it may be important to know the food that should be avoided so that the medicines and treatments taken for controlling the problem may work better. Here is a list of foods that you should avoid:

1. Hot beverages such as tea, coffee, cocoa and milk should be avoided because they cause an acid imbalance in the stomach.
2. Anything that may contain caffeine should also be avoided.
3. Alcohol should be completely avoided by those suffering from peptic ulcers.
4. Citric or sour drinks such as grape or orange drinks should also be avoided for remaining at ease.
5. Any spicy powders or seasonings, such as pepper, chilli powder and garlic should be excluded from the diet.
6. Anything that is made from milk or cream and is extremely fatty in nature should not be consumed.
7. Flavoured cheese that is strong and spicy should not be eaten.
8. Meats that include high levels of fat or those that are highly seasoned should be completely avoided.
9. Chillies or peppers in any form should be kept away from your diet.
10. Anything that is made from tomato should also be avoided, such as gravy, sauces or raw tomatoes.

When you start to keep your diet clean and healthy, it may be much easier for your doctor to cure you of stomach ulcers.
 

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian life science that requires you to make various lifestyle changes along with the use of medication that is based on herbs and condiments with massages and Yogic postures. This field of medicine believes in getting to the root of the problem so as to cure it and prevent it in the future as well. Gastritis is no different and enjoys the same kind of attention when it comes to Ayurveda. Here is everything you need to know about the Ayurvedic perspective of gastritis.

Definition: As per Ayurveda, gastritis is known as Urdhva Amlapitta, which can lead to the occurrence of stomach ulcers when the inflammation of the stomach lining goes untreated for a prolonged period of time. This inflammation is the basic outcome of the condition.

Causes: Problems in the Vata Dosha, one of the four Doshas in the body, can cause this condition. Also, a build up of Ama or toxins due to poor digestive health, can lead to the occurrence of this disease. As per Ayurveda, there are many reasons that may cause this toxin build up and the imbalance in the Vata Dosha. This includes eating spicy food on a regular or frequent basis and taking too many drugs like pain killers and analgesics which can lead to this condition. Also, too much of alcohol consumption and greasy food can cause gastritis. Further, one of the main causes of gastritis as per Ayurveda, is the presence of too much stress and worry, and the lack of a proper routine when it comes to eating, sleeping and exercising.

Symptoms: The main symptoms include appetite loss and nausea, as well as discomfort and pain in the abdomen. Gastrointestinal bleeding and blood discharge may also occur for patients suffering from this condition. Headaches and vomiting are also common symptoms of this condition.

Medication: There are various Ayurvedic medicines that can help in treating this condition. Sukumara Ghrita are ghee based preparations that can be taken every morning with a glass of warm milk in order to activate the digestive fires and improve the digestive powers. The difference can usually be seen in a matter of days. Dhatri Lauha includes amla juice which should be taken twice a day. Lemon juice, ajwain, amla and ginger are also helpful in such situations.

Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding spicy and greasy food as well as stopping alcohol abuse and smoking can help in curing this condition. One should also stay away from excessively stressful mental and physical tasks.

Taking the right steps at the right time for a proper routine with good habits can help in treating this condition as per Ayurveda.

A peptic ulcer is usually found in the duodenum or the first part of the small intestine. These ulcers can also be found in the delicate stomach lining near this region. These are usually painful sores that are caused due to too much acid production in the stomach, as well as excessive smoking and alcohol consumption. The symptoms generally include heartburn, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and even blood discharge in stool and vomiting. So how can you treat these ulcers? Here's a short list of ways to do so.

- Medication: The most common way of treating peptic ulcers is to ingest proton pump inhibitors which can be prescribed by a general physician. These medicines will effectively stop the production of acid and reflux in the gastroesophageal band, so as to prevent the growth and production of such ulcers. Antibiotics can also help, especially in severe cases where there is a risk of infection due to the presence of these ulcers.

- Upper Endoscopy and Surgery: For severe cases where there is bleeding in the peptic ulcers, an upper endoscopy may also be conducted. This quick procedure can give relief from the bleeding. Also, many specialists might recommend surgery so as to treat an ulcer that has punched a hole in the stomach's wall, in which case the persistent bleeding cannot be stemmed even with an upper endoscopy.

- Lifestyle Choices: The presence of a peptic ulcer usually points to tobacco and alcohol abuse. If you happen to be over 50 years of age and are busy drinking copious amounts of alcohol every day and even chain smoking, then you may be at risk. It is best to stop such abuse by giving up smoking and drinking so as to ensure that the peptic ulcer can be treated and does not become a fatality. Also, drinking plenty of water and eating a proper balanced diet along with exercise are some of the best ways of treating these ulcers.

- Side Effects: Peptic ulcers may also arise as a side effect of having pain killers too frequently. So it is important to stay away from medication that gives rise to this kind of reaction in the body.

Managing and treating peptic ulcers is a matter of getting the right tests done for diagnosis before discussing further medication or surgery based treatment for the ulcer so that it does not pose any grave danger to the patient's body.

Peptic ulcer, often referred to as stomach ulcer, is usually a misunderstood disease. Most people are unaware of the reasons why the ulcer is caused and are also unaware of the early symptoms of the disorder.

Here is a look at some of the strange facts about peptic ulcers that you may not know.

1. Stress does not cause ulcers: The myth that stress causes ulcers is just that- a myth. Ulcers are not caused by stress and tension. However, if you are already affected by an ulcer, stress can alleviate the symptoms and make matter worse. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can result in ulcers. So, if you have already been diagnosed with peptide ulcer, try not to stress too much.
2. Ulcer pain is not caused due to food: Contrary to popular belief, ulcer pain is not alleviated when you eat something. In fact, the pain increases if your stomach remains empty for a long period of time. So, if you are an ulcer patient, make a point of eating at regular intervals. In fact, the American College of Gastroenterology claims that people with ulcers do not need to follow a bland diet in order to recover from the condition.
3. Heartburn medication is effective against ulcer: Stomach acid is the common link between heartburn and ulcer, as both of these disorders are caused as a result of excess acid formation in the stomach. This is why physicians often prescribe antacids to ulcer patients.
4. Untreated ulcers can be problematic: Ulcers are easy to cure and can be completely treated with proper medication and adherence to restrictions. However, you should seek treatment for ulcers as soon as it is diagnosed. If left untreated, this ulcer may go on to cause severe issues for the patient. For instance, untreated ulcers may lead to internal bleeding and scar tissue. The same also impede the digestive process. So, do not leave ulcers untreated and think that they will be repaired automatically over time.
5. Endoscopy is the best way to diagnose ulcers: Even though X-rays may often reveal ulcers, a normal X-ray cannot detect certain smaller ulcers. Endoscopy is the best way to detect the disorder. In this process, a small tube, containing a light and a camera, is inserted inside the patient’s esophagus. The camera reveals any abnormal growth or infection inside the stomach. If you suspect an ulcer, book an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible.