A stomach and duodenal ulcer is an inflammation of a chronic nature that occurs with periodic relapses. Initially, a ulcerative defect forms, and then a scar appears in its place. Often this disease develops in the presence of chronic inflammation of the mucosa. It is characterized by alternating periods of exacerbation and remission.
The increased release of hydrochloric acid or the penetration of pathogens is equally aggressive for the mucosa. According to statistics, the disease is much more common in men. This is due to the consumption of alcohol, tobacco smoking and nervous strain. Sometimes the pathological process is observed in childhood.
Features of the disease
An ulcer of the stomach and duodenum is characterized by the formation of a deep defect in the mucosa. Basically, it occurs due to the penetration of pathogens. The disease has a recurring chronic course. One or more ulcerative defects may form on the mucosa.
Basically, people aged 25-50 are sick. This is probably due to the fact that during this period a person is subject to the greatest degree of significant emotional stress, often leads to an incorrect lifestyle, and also does not eat well.
What are the forms
A stomach and duodenal ulcer can bleed. A very dangerous condition is ulcerative lesion with perforation, since there is a complete destruction of the intestinal wall. If duodenitis and damage to the gastric mucosa occur simultaneously, then this combination can indicate the occurrence of peptic ulcer.
Causes of occurrence
Doctors distinguish several different causes of the formation of stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers, and among the most significant factors is the penetration of bacteria into the body. This pathogen is detected quite often, however, not everyone develops a ulcerative lesion. The bacterium Helicobacter pylori produces certain enzymes that provoke a malfunction in the production of mucus, which leads to the formation of ulcerations on the surface of the mucosa. In addition, factors such as:
- stress and psychological stress;
- malnutrition;
- alcohol abuse
- smoking;
- hereditary factor;
- taking certain medications.
Stress and neurosis provoke the appearance of hypertonicity of nerve endings. As a result of this, there is a spasm of the vessels enveloping the stomach, as a result of which there is a violation of the normal nutrition of tissues. Under the influence of hydrochloric acid and the consumption of aggressive food, sores and foci of inflammation occur on the surface.
Negatively affect the mucous membrane of sweet carbonated drinks, as well as products that provoke an increase in acidity. Improper nutrition leads to the formation of gastritis and duodenitis. Often, peptic ulcer disease is a hereditary disease. The combination of several provoking factors almost always provokes the development of ulcerative lesions.
Symptoms of the disease
For ulcerative lesions, a chronic, undulating course is characteristic. It is worth noting that periods of remission are replaced by exacerbation, which mainly occurs in spring and autumn. Symptoms of a stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer are much more clearly observed during an exacerbation, the duration of which is about 4-12 weeks, after which the severity of symptoms decreases, and gradually they disappear.
Various factors can provoke an exacerbation, which include:
- excessive physical activity;
- infections
- errors of diet;
- stress
- taking certain medications.
Often manifestations of the disease begin with the occurrence of intense pain in the stomach. The period of the onset of painful sensations largely depends on in which department the ulcer is located. Among the main symptoms of a stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer can be distinguished such as:
- pain;
- heartburn;
- belching;
- nausea;
- poor appetite;
- constipation.
Painful sensations often do not have a common localization, and they can be of a different nature. Since the acidity is mainly somewhat increased, and significant sensitivity is also released, patients often complain of heartburn.
Among the signs of a stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer, one can distinguish the presence of belching. This symptom does not always occur and it occurs as a result of the weakness of the esophagus. Belching is mainly acidic, and is also accompanied by regurgitation and profuse salivation.
When an exacerbation of a peptic ulcer occurs, nausea and vomiting are observed, moreover, they are mainly combined. Vomiting mainly manifests itself at the very peak of pain and brings significant relief to the patient.
The appetite often rises somewhat, and with intense pain it can be completely absent. Often, the patient has a fear of eating food due to the expected occurrence of pain. All this can lead to weight loss of the patient. Many complain of defecation, namely constipation.
Exacerbation period
Externally, the ulcerative lesion has a round shape and an inflamed red mucosa around the wound. An exacerbation of a stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer is characterized by an aggravation of the pathological process. As a result of this, the wound becomes much deeper and affects the muscle tissue of the stomach, affecting it with hydrochloric acid.
At the same time, the patient experiences very strong painful sensations. Destroyed and damaged capillaries begin to bleed heavily. Damage to the walls of large vessels provokes significant blood loss. Doctors distinguish three main forms of acute lesion, in particular, such as:
- stressful;
- medication;
- Cushing's ulcer.
In all these cases, favorable conditions are created for the activation of pathogens that are able to live even in an aggressive environment of gastric juice. It is she who leads to damage to the protective layer of the mucous membrane.
Uncontrolled intake of medications provokes a change in the normal functioning of the mucosa and corrodes it. Cushing's ulcer occurs as an exacerbation of trauma to the central nervous system.
Diagnostics
Before proceeding with the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis to make the correct diagnosis. Initially, the doctor begins to collect an anamnesis. In particular, you need to determine:
- nature of pain;
- localization
- history of chronic diseases;
- hereditary predisposition.
The study is carried out using abdominal palpation to confirm the course of the pathological process. Accurate confirmation of the diagnosis is carried out using instrumental research methods, in particular, such as:
- determination of antibodies in the blood of a patient against Helicobacter pylori;
- determination of stomach acidity;
- X-ray examination;
- microscopic examination.
Often, an endoscopic examination is required, which involves examining the mucosa with a fibrogastroduodenoscope. A similar technique allows you to determine the localization of a ulcerative lesion, its exact size, as well as the presence of complications.
Treatment features
Treatment of stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers requires very strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations. Combined therapy implies the conduct of activities such as:
- exclusion of exposure to negative factors;
- the use of medications;
- compliance with the correct diet;
- refusal to consume alcohol and tobacco.
To restore the normal balance between the ongoing protective processes, it is necessary to exclude provocative factors. In addition, taking medications that are aimed at eliminating pathogens, as well as lowering the level of acidity, is required.
It is important to follow a diet designed specifically for ulcer treatment. It implies the consumption of food in small portions. It is important to exclude from the usual diet foods that irritate the gastric mucosa. It is best to give preference to boiled and stewed food, as well as steamed dishes.
Doctors recommend observing the daily regimen, as well as eliminating stress and hypothermia whenever possible. If necessary, the doctor prescribes sedatives. A good effect is exerted by folk remedies and techniques that can significantly extend the period of remission. In some cases, surgery is indicated for the treatment of ulcers.
Drug therapy
When the first symptoms of stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers occur, treatment is prescribed immediately to prevent complications. For therapy, special 3 or 4 component schemes have been developed, which will prevent the progression of the disease. The doctor selects a treatment regimen for gastric and duodenal ulcers with medications purely individually, depending on the provoking factor and the results of the study. Drugs can be taken in tablet form or in the form of injections. Basically, the course of therapy lasts for 2 weeks. For complex therapy, such drugs are prescribed for stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers, such as:
- antibacterial agents;
- histamine receptor blockers;
- antispasmodics;
- antacids;
- prokinetics.
Antibiotics are prescribed, to which pathogens are sensitive. Often used a combination of drugs of different groups. Such a combination has positively proven itself, since if necessary, one of the drugs can be replaced. In particular, antibacterial agents such as Amoxicillin and Metronidazole are prescribed. Histamine receptor blockers are aimed at reducing the production of hydrochloric acid and lowering acidity. As a painkiller prescribed "Control", "Sanpraz", "Gastrozole".
Antacids are used symptomatically if necessary and help to neutralize the effect on the mucous membrane of the hydrochloric acid already existing in the body. Prokinetics contribute to the faster movement of food through the intestines, and also prevent the occurrence of nausea and vomiting. Antispasmodics help eliminate spasms, and also have an analgesic effect if necessary.
Such drugs as Maalox and Almagel contribute to the formation of a protective film on the mucous membrane. Depending on the symptoms of a stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer, treatment can last from 2 weeks to 1.5 months.
Surgical intervention
An operation is required if other types of therapy have not brought the desired result, as well as in the presence of complications, in particular, such as perforation of the walls of the stomach or severe bleeding.
A similar method of treatment is considered radical and consists in excising the affected area of the digestive tract along with part of the tissues that produce hydrochloric acid. It is worth noting that after surgery, a variety of complications can occur in the form of inflammation, the occurrence of bleeding, as well as metabolic disorders.
The use of folk techniques
In combination with drug therapy, folk remedies are used for stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers, which help reduce the symptoms and normalize well-being. A good effect provides a decoction of chamomile.
One of the popular remedies for eliminating the existing symptoms is potato juice. To do this, grate a fresh vegetable on a fine grater, and then squeeze the resulting juice from the pulp and take 0.5 tbsp. 3 times a day. The course of therapy is 20-30 days. In addition, beetroot juice can also be taken.
Flax seeds have proven themselves well in the fight against signs of bowel disease. To prepare a healing product, you need to pour the flax with boiled water and leave to infuse for 10-12 hours, then boil and take it on an empty stomach.
If there is no allergic reaction to bee products, then you can use tincture prepared on the basis of aloe juice and honey. The course of therapy is no more than 5 weeks. A good remedy against bowel disease is milk with honey. This tool helps to reduce pain in the stomach, nausea, as well as normalize well-being.
With low acidity, it is allowed to drink sauerkraut juice for treatment. It will help normalize bowel function and increase appetite. If there is no exacerbation of peptic ulcer, you can consume a medicinal product prepared on the basis of propolis.
Before proceeding to the alternative treatment of stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers, you need to consult your doctor about the presence of contraindications, as well as the safety of their use.
Dieting
When acute symptoms of stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers occur, a diet is a prerequisite for therapy. All food consumed must be chopped and warm. It is forbidden to consume salty, spicy and fatty foods. Food should be fractional, therefore, the patient should eat 5-6 times a day.
Products with stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers should be steamed or boiled. As drinks, you can take mineral water and soothing teas.
During an exacerbation of the course of the disease, a therapeutic diet should be as gentle and light as possible. During remission, additional mechanical processing of the products is not required. When compiling the menu, you must always take into account all the needs of the body.
When treating gastric and duodenal ulcers, the diet helps eliminate existing symptoms and speeds up the healing process of the ulcer.
Possible complications
Complications of ulcerative lesions are very serious and life-threatening for the patient, which provokes the development of an acute abdomen, which is why they require urgent surgical intervention. Among the main types of violations can be identified such as:
- perforation of an ulcer;
- bleeding;
- duodenal stenosis;
- penetration of ulcerative lesions;
- malignancy;
- periodoiditis.
Perforation of a ulcerative lesion passes through all the walls of the intestine. A similar complication is accompanied by the development of peritonitis, the main manifestation of which is acute pain in the abdominal cavity.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of peptic ulcer implies a prevention of the release of hydrochloric acid and infection by pathogens. To do this, abandon the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. In addition, you need to exclude emotional overstrain, ensure proper nutrition, and exclude foods that increase acidity from your diet.
In order to prevent infection by pathogens, it is necessary to use clean dishes, since the Helicobacter pylori bacterium is transmitted through the saliva of an infected person. In the presence of chronic duodenitis or gastritis, timely medical treatment and strict adherence to the diet are required.