ULCER TREATMENT
Overview
Ulcer is an open sore which is formed externally or internally due to the scarring of the skin or mucous membrane. This type of injury to the cells fails to heal. Ulcers have been broadly classified into different categories based on their location and causes, but the most common ones are peptic ulcers.
Gastric ulcer or stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer are two major types of peptic ulcers depending upon which organ has developed sores or ulcers.
Stomach ulcers (gastric ulcer) are sores that form in the inner lining of the stomach or the small intestine. The stomach houses hydrochloric acid which helps in digestion of food. A mucus membrane is present in the stomach to guard the organ from the harmful effects of the acid. Ulcers are formed when the mucus layer becomes ineffective towards the acid; HCl scarrs the walls of the stomach and sores are formed.
Similarly, if the mucus lining in the small intestine is destroyed, the condition is referred to as duodenal ulcer. The bacteria H.pylori has been found to be the causing agent that destroy the mucus lining of the organs. A person can have either out both of the conditions. Certain medicines like NSAIDs or other painkillers can also cause ulcers. Old age, smoking, alcoholism, trauma or physical injury are the other contributing factors.
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Symptoms
Ulcers usually do not show any symptoms until the severity increases. Most ulcers are associated with bleeding. Other stomach ulcer symptoms are:
- burning pain
- bloating
- heartburn
- vomiting
- chest pain
- unexplained weight loss and nausea
- vomiting blood
- bloating
- difficulty breathing
- fainting
If the symptoms are accompanied by fevers and persistent diarrhoea, it could also be ulcerative colitis, it is an inflammatory bowel disease. This can be a serious issue and requires prompt medical attention. Most common cause for this may be an autoimmune disease. If diagnosed, it can be treated with ulcerative colitis treatment. Anti inflammatory medicines, immunosuppressants and antibiotics are provided to relieve the condition.
Diagnosis of Ulcer
Diagnosis is done on the basis of blood test, stool antigen test and a urea breath test. Depending upon the reports, an EGD test may of may not be performed. During an EGD test, a thin, tubular, flexible scope is inserted through your mouth and passes through your esophagus to your stomach and this enables the doctor to inside your organs and take sample for biopsy.
Treatment
Stomach ulcer treatment depends upon the cause and severity of each case. In mild cases and if caused due to medicines, then the doctor advises to reduce or eliminate them; antibiotics are provided if the causing agent is an infection due to the bacteria H.pylori.
If you have a bleeding ulcer, then you need to be immediately hospitalized. Stomach ulcer treatment is done by endoscopy and IV medications. In very severe cases, blood transfusions may be required.
If the ulcers do not respond to medications or endoscopy, surgery needs to be carried out.
Surgery or best ulcer treatment may include:
- Removal of the ulcer
- A tissue can be cut from a different region and patched over the ulcer (in case of duodenal ulcer)
- Production of HCl in the stomach is controlled by cutting of the nerve supply.
- fainting
Treatment at home
Firstly, ulcers can be prevented by reducing your uptake of painkillers, eliminating smoking and alcoholism. Include yogurt, fermented foods and probiotics in your diet.
Stomach ulcer treatment at home by :
- Consuming ginger or cabbage juice or honey also heals ulcers.
- Eat flavonoid rich fruits : apples, blueberries, cherries, lemons and oranges