General Advice about Ulcers

General Characteristics

Ulcers–small, open breaks or craters in the lining in the upper intestinal tract–usually develop in one of two sites. The most prevalent form in the upper section of the small intestine and they are known as duodenal ulcers; less frequent are those within the stomach itself, that are gastric ulcers. Surprisingly, fifteen to twenty % of bleeding ulcers occur initially without any pain.

Origins

On the whole, ulcers are due to an imbalance in the stomach, either excessive stomach acid or pepsin, the key digestive enzyme, or insufficient protective mucous and protein secretions. This particular imbalance allows the stomach acids and enzymes to, in essence, turn on the digestive tract itself, producing little ulcers. But there is not, as is commonly thought, an immediate relationship between excessive acid secretion and ulcers. Many people with duodenal ulcers, for instance, secrete large volumes of acid, but others do not. This has led many experts to suspect that poor tissue resistance together with other factors, particularly smoking cigarettes, that hinder the flow of neutralizing secretions may contribute to ulcer development. Stress and emotional pressure are usually frequently cited as factors behind duodenal ulcers.

When it comes to gastric ulcers, excessive acid secretion seems to be even less of a factor than in other forms of ulcer, because so many patients have normal and even low levels of stomach acid. Again, external factors or substances have been implicated in the origin of gastric ulcers, the two major ones being alcoholic beverages and apsirin. Both are proven to injure the stomach lining, plus its thought they enhance the stomach’s vulnerability to the acid that’s present.

Symptoms

Pain–centered in the pit of the stomach, just beneath the rib cage–is by far the most characteristic ulcer symptom, also it usually follows a distinct pattern. It normally begins a few hours after eating or during the night time, developing once the stomach is empty. The pain can manifest itself as a chronic gnawing or aching; it may grow worse during or just after meals; or there could be no pain at all, just belching–any ongoing stomach discomfort needs to be called to a doctor’s attention.

Complications

Gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the most common complications of ulcers. This can manifest itself as vomiting fresh, bright red blood or passing bloody or tarry stools. Weakness, fatigue or, in the case of severe hemorrhage, loss of consciousness and shock also may originate from bleeding ulcers. Ulcers always should be suspected when gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, even if there is no pain or other symptoms.

One serious complication is often a perforated ulcer, which develops as acid deepens the ulcer and passes through the intestinal wall, spilling acid and bacteria within the abdominal cavity. It is always a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment, usually surgical. The pain is sudden, intense and steady, and even the slightest movement may seem to increase it. The actual main danger is peritonitis, a serious infection within the abdominal cavity. A second danger is caused by excessive scarring or adhesions. Usually, however, this only occurs in more mature ulcers where several layers of scar tissue have had an opportunity to accumulate. Piled on one another, these may also block the digestive tract.

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