as explained Doctors Carlos Martín de Argila de Prados and Daniel Boixeda de Miquelfrom the Gastroenterology Department of the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital in Madrid and a member of the Spanish Digestive System Foundation (FEAD).
Peptic ulcer disease “is a lesion in the form of a more or less deep wound in the most superficial layer covering the digestive tract (called the mucosa).”
We are talking about a “common” condition that affects about 5-10% of the population in Western Europe at some stage in their life.
Although until a few years ago it was thought that the cause of this annoying disease was Overproduction of hydrochloric acid (aids in digestion), today it is considered an important factor, “Research in this area of medicine provides very interesting and innovative data for the understanding of peptic ulcers.”
peptic ulcer symptoms
The most common symptoms of this disease are:
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nausea
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combustion
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Stinging pain in the upper abdomen, more or less below the sternum.
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swelling
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Stomach pain after meals
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I feel full after eating a few bites
As an ulcer worsens, you may experience:
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unexplained weight loss
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Vomiting blood
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Vomiting a substance that resembles coffee grounds
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The stool is black and tar-like.
In these cases, it is necessary to urgently see a doctor.
Peptic ulcers are common, but their symptoms are subtle.
Peptic ulcers are ulcers, usually superficial, that appear on or in the lining of the stomach. small intestine.We can develop this disease at any age, but This is more common in older people.
Of course, many patients have no symptoms at all and only discover they have the disease when they start bleeding.
Quite lucky, because peptic ulcer symptoms are painful and can affect Quality of Life In many cases, the patient’s strength is greatly diminished.
Helicobacter pyloriThe leading cause of peptic ulcers
The famous bacterium is called Helicobacter pylori is one of the main reason Peptic ulcer, as it damages the protective mucosa of the stomach and small intestine.
Due to this involvement, the likelihood of developing open sores (also called ulcers) is greatly increased.
But the reality is that only 10% of people Helicobacter pylori They end up with ulcers. Most will not show any signs of infection.
The reasons for this different response to this bacterium remain unclear.
Other causes of peptic ulcers
The second most common cause may be the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are commonly used to relieve joint pain and reduce fever, such as aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen.
And experts say that while occasional use does not appear to be a risk factor, the higher the dose and the closer it is to daily use, the greater the possibility.
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“If a patient reports consuming NSAIDs (such as aspirin) These drugs are likely the main cause of your illness.
Numerous studies have shown that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also cause ulcers.
diseases that cause very similar symptoms
Another thing is diseases that cause very similar symptoms to peptic ulcers, but they are not peptic ulcers. For example:
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Functional dyspepsia is medically known as unexplained stomach pain.
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Stomach cancer, although it accounts for less than one percent of cases.
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gastroesophageal reflux
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Gastritis or inflammation of the stomach wall
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pancreatic inflammation
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Gallstones…
How to treat peptic ulcer symptoms?
When faced with symptoms of peptic ulcer, the first thing experts usually do is order a screening test Helicobacter pylori.
If the result is positive, it is normal for the patient to be started on antibiotics.
Endoscopy is also one of the recommended tests for these symptoms, as it can locate the ulcer and understand its severity.
As experts stress, if it’s not due to any of these conditions, “you can and should live a normal life.”
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“Today, it is known that diet itself is neither a cause nor an aggravating factor of disease. Ulcer patients are simply advised not to eat foods that make them feel uncomfortable. It is recommended not to abuse coffee, not to smoke, not to eat alcoholic beverages“.
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“Except in very special circumstances, patients with ulcers should not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If they must be taken, it is recommended to use a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) during treatment to protect the gastric and duodenal mucosa. ) – for Helicobacter pylori -, like omeprazole and other similar ones.