Ulcer

An ulcer is the destruction of the stomach or duodenum by irritating body fluids such as digestive juices and stomach acid, resulting in tissue loss. Ulcer occurs as a result of the reduction of the mucus layer that protects the stomach and duodenum from digestive enzymes, and digestive acids damage these unprotected layers, causing bleeding, painful wounds, in other words ulcer formation.

Ulcer

With the effect of pepsin, which is one of the digestive fluids, tissue loss can spread to deeper points and cause the formation of wounds called inflammation. In our country, inflammations are more common in the duodenum than in the stomach.

Ulcers in the stomach are called  gastric ulcers , and ulcers in the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers or bulbar ulcers, and they can range in size from approximately 3 millimeters to 5 centimeters. Ulcers in the stomach and duodenum are generally called peptic ulcers.

The production and amount of stomach acid differs in each individual, but overproduction may occur in some people. Peptic ulcer is  the name given to open sores that develop for various reasons on the inner surface of the stomach and upper part of the small intestine. The most common symptom of an ulcer is constant stomach pain. Most common cause of ulcers It is a Helicobacter pylori bacterium infection. Long-term use of some drugs can also cause ulcers. A stressful life and spicy foods do not directly  cause ulcers  , but they can worsen an individual's symptoms

Who Gets Ulcer?

In our country, duodenal ulcer is more common than stomach ulcer. Ulcer is 3 times more common in men than in women.

While duodenal ulcer is more common in men between the ages of 30 and 50, stomach ulcers are more common in women around the age of 60.

What are the types of ulcers?

It can be divided into two general types, gastric ulcer if the ulcer occurs inside the stomach and duodenal ulcer if it occurs in the upper part of the small intestine.

Reasons

What are the Causes of Ulcer?

While the stomach fulfills its duties in digestion, it also protects itself through the mucosal defense systems and prevents it from being damaged. As a result of some imbalances  , reflux ,  gastritis, peptic ulcer  and even  stomach cancer  may occur. There are also some factors that cause ulcers to occur.

It is a bacterium called " helicobacter pylori " that causes mechanical and physiological effects in the human body . The presence of this bacterium in duodenal ulcers was found to be approximately 100%. However, since it is the case in people with Helicobacter pylori but no ulcer, it has been concluded that other factors cause ulcers.  It is known to cause ulcers  as well as  gastritis  and  stomach cancer .

In addition, smoking, alcohol consumption, some drugs used, unbalanced and unhealthy diet, excessive salt consumption, chewing foods less and for a short time, being hungry for a long time, overfilling the stomach, insomnia problem, fatigue due to intense tempo, not paying attention to hygiene in food Causes such as genetic factors, stress factor, cortisone-containing drugs, excessive caffeine consumption can be counted among the factors that cause ulcers.

Looking at the studies,   it has been observed that the frequency of peptic ulcer  and  gastric bleeding increases in individuals when natural disasters occur. It has been observed that the same problem was suffered during the years of economic depression.

What are the Complications that May Occur with Ulcer?

Peptic ulcer can lead to various medical complications if left untreated. These include primarily internal bleeding. Internal bleeding may present as slow blood loss leading to anemia or severe and rapid blood loss that may require hospitalization or blood transfusion. Signs of severe blood loss may include black or bloody vomit or black or bloody stools.

A hole, ie perforation, may occur in the stomach wall or the wall of the small intestine. This leads to the risk of serious and severe infection in the abdominal cavity of the individual.

The ulcer can prevent the passage of food from the digestive system, causing the individual to feel full, vomiting and swelling due to inflammation or indigestion due to the formation of scar tissue in the stomach, causing involuntary weight loss. In addition to all these, medical studies have shown an increased risk of stomach cancer in individuals who have developed ulcers, especially in individuals infected with H. pylori.

How to Prevent Ulcer?

It is possible to take a few steps to prevent the ulcer from developing. Accordingly, the individual's protection from bacterial infections, washing his hands frequently with soap and water, and consuming only fully cooked food can prevent H. pylori-induced ulcers. Individuals who regularly use pain relievers and medications that increase the risk of ulcers should take steps to reduce the risk of stomach problems, such as taking the medication with food.

The individual should consult their doctor or a medical professional to find the lowest dose possible to relieve the pain they are feeling and should avoid drinking alcohol at the same time as taking medication. The combination of medication and alcohol will increase the risk of stomach upset.

Symptoms

Ulcer Symptoms

Symptoms  of ulcer include heartburn, scraping, gnawing sensation and indigestion. Usually, the sensation increases between meals. In duodenal ulcer , it can be severe, sometimes waking the patient from night sleep.

Complaints of burning and pain in the stomach

Nausea

A state of relaxation with vomiting

Anorexia

weight loss

Bloating and gas

Frequent hunger

Stomach pain after eating

indigestion problem

When the ulcer shows mild symptoms  , if it is not treated, it brings serious symptoms and the patient continues to experience discomfort. Serious consequences such as bleeding, obstruction, perforation may occur, and in this case, immediate intervention may be required.

In addition, some ulcer patients may experience bleeding or perforation without any preliminary symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of ulcer is important for the quality of life of the person. It is important that you apply to a health care provider as soon as symptoms are noticed.

Diagnostic Methods

Ulcer Diagnosis

For the diagnosis of ulcer,  radiological examination of the upper digestive system or upper digestive system  endoscopy  (esophagogastroduedenoscopy) is required. The esophagus, stomach and duodenum are visualized by endoscopy. If necessary, biopsy can be applied. After the patient is diagnosed with ulcer, drug treatment is started, and it may be recommended that the patient stay away from certain foods, spices and stress.

Ulcer Diagnostic Methods

Gastric-Duodenum X-ray:  By drinking barium, the anatomical structure of the stomach and duodenum line is observed during the passage of barium through the stomach. Endoscopy:  It is called direct observation of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum through a tube. The details of the organs to be imaged can be examined by this means. During the procedure, the patient is given medication. During the procedure, a biopsy may be taken for some tests. A biopsy does not cause any discomfort or pain.

Early diagnosis with endoscopy is very important in order to prevent the ulcer from turning into stomach cancer.