Peptic Ulcers

Peptic Ulcers:

Not too long ago, Peptic Ulcers were thought to be caused by stress, spicy foods, plus other risk factors that caused or helped contribute to the condition. For instance, too much coffee, tea, chocolate, smoking and alcohol. Thanks to some Australian Researchers we now know that most Peptic Ulcers are actually caused by a bacterial infection. Please be aware that this is relatively new, and some misleading and simply out dated pamphlets that are still in circulation (Save-On Drugs /1992). This bacterial infection is called H. pylori- (Helicobacter pylori) that infects the stomach. This infection is common throughout the world, and Its been suggested that it could of even been acquired as far back as your childhood. Usually, people infected have no symptoms, and develop no problems as a result. However, about 10 to 15 percent of the people infected with H. pylori will eventually develop a peptic ulcer.

There are two types of peptic ulcers: Gastric Ulcers: Occurs in the stomach. This type affects people of all ages, but most frequently affects people our age (55 to 65). Duodenal Ulcers:

Occurs in the upper part of the small intestine. This variety is more common for men and most frequently affects people between the ages of 45 to 55.

Signs and Symptoms:

People who have experienced Duodenal Ulcers typically describe the pain as being “dull”, “ burning” “gnawing” or “aching” and located in the upper

abdomen (near the middle of the stomach). It is often mistaken for indigestion, heartburn or even hunger. The pain usually occurs within 1 or 2 hours of eating. They also report the tendency of waking up in the middle of the night with a burning sensation in the stomach. Another symptom is a bloated feeling after eating. Loss of appetite, and weight loss, anemia, vomiting and nausea are common symptoms. Other risk factors that you need to be aware of are smoking, excessive intake of coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate, and the consumption of alcohol. The use of aspirin and ibuprofen are also risk factors.

A Peptic Ulcer is basically a sore spot, an open sore in the gastrointestinal tract. When our digestive juices come in contact with this sore spot, the stomach acid causes the burning sensation. It’s like rubbing salt in a wound. This peptic ulcer is a hole in the protective lining of the stomach, or the esophagus. Left untreated, the ulcers can cause bleeding or holes in the digestive tract, stomach, or small intestine. Most Peptic ulcers are actually caused by a bacterial infection (H.pylori). Your primary care provider can order a blood test to check for the presence of H. pylori. In most cases the infection can be cleared up within a few weeks. Your Doctor may treat you with antibiotics and medications to help protect the lining of the stomach, to decrease the secretion of digestive juices. Your Doctor may recommend the use of antacids to reduce the stomach’s production of hydrochloric acid in your stomach. Its function is to neutralize the acid, while the antibiotics work on curing the ulcer. Don’t think that using antacids is going to be the remedy. Its not! You need to treat kill the H. pylori bacteria colony (the sore spot infection) in your G.I. Tract. The antacids don’t cure anything. This material is given only as timely information, and should not be considered medical advice. Should you experience any of the signs or symptoms, we highly recommend that you see your Doctor as soon as possible.

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