The prevalence of diseases of the digestive tract today is very high, and there are still many problems with their prevention and treatment. The frequency of occurrence of peptic ulcer is in second place among all pathologies of the digestive system. And although similar symptoms may be characteristic of people of all ages, a duodenal ulcer is more often diagnosed in patients aged 35-50. According to statistics, mostly men are ill.
Peptic ulcer disease is a disease of the digestive system that has a chronic course that occurs due to dysregulation of secretion, a genetic predisposition, local dysfunctions of the trophism of the intestinal mucosa, and a decrease in the protective functions of the body. As a result of these processes, a defect (ulcer) is formed on the intestinal mucosa. An important role in the formation of ulcers is played by a malfunction in the nervous and humoral regulation, which ensure normal blood supply to the mucous membrane.
Causes of the disease
Predisposing factors contributing to the development of ulcers include: prolonged emotional overstrain, frequent stressful situations, concomitant diseases of internal organs, chronic infections, alcohol, nutritional errors, hormonal disruptions. Violation of the pituitary gland, an imbalance in the production of sex and digestive hormones (gastrin, cholecystokinin, secretin), leads to a sharp increase in the level of acidity.
The appearance of ulcers occurs due to a violation of the constancy and balance of the "protective" and "aggressive" factors. Protective factors are: intestinal mucus, normal blood circulation and metabolic processes in the intestinal mucosa, the protective effect of digestive hormones. Harmful factors: hydrochloric acid, increased acid factor, mucosal injuries, decreased bowel motility. Imbalance in favor of the latter provokes characteristic symptoms. A duodenal ulcer, in addition, is often genetically determined. Hereditary factor occurs in 50-60% of patients.
Symptoms: duodenal ulcer
Many are familiar with the clinic of the disease and its characteristic symptoms. A duodenal ulcer is manifested by tenderness in epigastrium that occurs on an empty stomach. After eating, the pain, as a rule, disappears due to the neutralizing effect of food on hydrochloric acid. Pain sensations resume some time after eating, as well as at night. The patient may be disturbed by heaviness in the abdomen, nausea. This disease is characterized by constipation.
Diagnosis of the disease
Symptoms are important in the diagnosis. A duodenal ulcer is manifested, as a rule, by the above complaints. The correct questioning and examination of the patient is also important. Soreness in the upper third of the abdomen is determined, possibly muscle tension in the abdomen. The most informative method of examination is gastroduodenoscopy, which allows not only to detect the ulcer and its location, but also to perform targeted biopsy of the intestinal wall and the edges of the ulcer defect. A biopsy is performed for the purpose of differential diagnosis with other diseases (cancer, tuberculous ulcer, amyloidosis, etc.). In order to detect hidden bleeding, a coprological study is performed.
Course of the disease
Peptic ulcer of the duodenum is characterized by a prolonged course, with alternating periods of relative lull (remission) and exacerbations. An exacerbation of a duodenal ulcer usually occurs in autumn and spring, when exposed to adverse factors.
Treatment is prescribed exclusively by a doctor. During an exacerbation, therapy is carried out in stationary conditions. Enveloping bismuth preparations, drugs that suppress the production of hydrochloric acid, proton pump blockers, antibiotics are prescribed to eradicate Helicobacter pylori.
Prevention of duodenal ulcers is reduced to following a proper diet, eliminating bad habits, and preventive treatment in spring and autumn.