Gastric ulcer disease has a chronic course and is characterized by the formation of erosion on the intestinal mucosa or stomach. This defect can form on the walls, as well as penetrate deep into. Symptoms are able to recur periodically, thereby causing bleeding.
Men with bad habits, such as smoking and frequent alcohol consumption, are most at risk of such a disorder. In some cases, various kinds of complications can be observed, in particular, such as bleeding, rupture of an ulcer, peritonitis, which requires surgical intervention.
Disease feature
Gastric ulcer - damage to the mucosa, which occurs mainly in the upper part of the stomach and penetrates deep into its wall. This is the most common gastrointestinal disease . If the wall bursts, then the contents of the stomach enter the abdominal cavity, which will provoke inflammation. In addition, an ulcer can cause rupture of blood vessels. In this case, an operation cannot be dispensed with.
In advanced cases, this disease can become chronic with periods of exacerbation and remission. An ulcer can be single or multiple. The main reason is the violation of protective mechanisms from negative factors. Gastric mucus can not normally cope with hydrochloric acid and enzymes.
Basically, the symptoms of a stomach ulcer are quite pronounced, but in some cases there may be an asymptomatic course. All signs can vary among themselves in intensity, as well as other characteristics. This largely depends on the degree of development and neglect of the disease, as well as the localization of inflammation. It is very important to recognize the course of the disease in a timely manner, conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Classification
Defects differ among themselves in the area of localization, which is why they distinguish:
- duodenal ulcer;
- the stomach;
- combined type.
Erosions can be small in size, about 2 cm, or cover a wide area. The disease proceeds in stages, namely:
- stage of exacerbation;
- attenuation phase;
- remission.
The type of course of the disease and its phase can only be recognized by a qualified specialist after a comprehensive examination.
Causes of occurrence
Among the main causes of stomach ulcers, doctors distinguish the presence of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, and the disease can also provoke gastritis. Pathogens are transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through close contact, namely:
- through saliva;
- when consuming food from one dish;
- with insufficient compliance with hygiene rules.
However, the presence of infection does not always provoke the formation of ulcers or gastritis. These diseases develop under the influence of certain provoking factors, in particular, such as:
- frequent stress;
- malnutrition;
- prolonged use of certain medications;
- increased acidity of the stomach.
Many experts believe that the main cause of stomach ulcers is an imbalance in the intestinal microflora. Significantly increases the risk of developing this disease, frequent use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. They negatively affect the gastric mucosa, weakening its protective functions, and also negatively affect the state of immunity.
Now doctors distinguish symptomatic ulcers. They are formed as a result of certain diseases. Often this happens with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine and cardiovascular systems.
The main symptoms
Other organs and digestive systems may be involved in the course of the pathological process, which poses a very serious threat to the patient's life. That is why it is important to recognize the course of the disease as soon as possible and consult a doctor for an examination and subsequent comprehensive treatment. Among the main symptoms of a stomach ulcer, the following can be distinguished:
- pain in the abdomen after eating;
- heartburn and belching;
- nausea and vomiting;
- frequent constipation;
- feeling of heaviness and fullness of the stomach;
- pain at night.
During an exacerbation, hunger pains are observed, which stop about 30 minutes after eating food. Basically, the symptoms of a stomach ulcer are quite acute, however, in the past few years, doctors have distinguished the asymptomatic and atypical course of the disease. Basically, this is typical for older people, in the presence of an ulcer, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as alcohol abuse. In such cases, the diagnosis is not carried out for a long time, which leads to untimely treatment and the occurrence of various complications.
Basically, the ulcer has a chronic course, and periods of exacerbation are accompanied by periods of remission. During the latter, scar formation is noted at the site of erosion. Symptoms of stomach ulcers are exacerbated mainly in spring or autumn. Many doctors believe that this disease is mostly found in men. The first manifestations are observed at a young age.
Many patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders are interested in how a stomach ulcer hurts so that its course can be recognized in a timely manner. Painful sensations are localized mainly in the center of the abdomen, and can also periodically shift to the left or right and give to the lumbar region.
In this case, often the patient can feel a burning type of pain, which decreases immediately after taking anti-burn remedies. That is why many often confuse it with heartburn. It is imperative to understand exactly how a stomach ulcer hurts, since the sensations differ somewhat from pain with ulcerative lesions of the intestine. With an erosive lesion of the gastric mucosa, pain occurs mainly after eating and lasts for 2-3 hours.
Relapse always occurs abruptly and unexpectedly. Its duration can be 1-6 months. Among the first signs of a stomach ulcer, severe weight loss, general weakness, pain, and nervousness can be noted. To avoid this, you need to pay attention to the available symptoms in a timely manner.
In people who often take steroid hormones, perforation of the walls of the stomach may occur. The main symptom of perforated gastric ulcer is the occurrence of intense cutting pain. Painful sensations spread very quickly throughout the abdomen. The victim may experience a shock condition, nausea and vomiting, along with blood clots.
A characteristic feature is black feces, which indicates bleeding that has opened. The patient feels severe weakness, dizziness and chills, which can even lead to loss of consciousness. Among the symptoms of a perforated gastric ulcer, you also need to highlight an increase in temperature, dry mouth, a strong heartbeat. Signs of the course of the disease are so characteristic that the diagnosis does not cause absolutely any difficulties. However, it is worth noting that a small through hole in the wall of the stomach can hide behind itself, and the flow of gastric juice into the abdominal cavity stops. In this case, the clinical picture is not sufficiently pronounced. If the first signs of a stomach ulcer occur, you should immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnostics
In some cases, a diagnosis can be made according to available signs and after a thorough examination of the patient. However, treatment can be prescribed only after gastroscopy. Thanks to this research method, the doctor can examine the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, as well as determine the type of ulcerative lesion.
In addition, urine and blood tests are prescribed. To determine possible internal bleeding, a doctor may order a stool test. If an ulcer is detected during the tests, then tests for the presence of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria are required. In some cases, additional tomography and x-ray examination of the stomach can be prescribed. If the analysis for the bacterium is confirmed, then the doctor selects the appropriate drugs to eliminate it.
Treatment features
Many patients are wondering how to cure a stomach ulcer, since it not only causes a lot of inconvenience, but can also lead to various complications. In treatment, diet is very important. Nutrition should be as gentle as possible in order to prevent even more irritation of the affected mucosa. A prerequisite for successful therapy is the abandonment of alcohol and tobacco.
The doctor prescribes drug therapy, which includes several groups of drugs, in particular, such as:
- antibiotics
- histamine receptor blockers;
- antacids;
- gastroprotectors;
- reparants.
In case of multiple ulcers that often recur, as well as in the event of complications, surgical intervention is indicated, in particular, resection of the stomach and cutting of nerves that provoke acid production.
Drug treatment
How to cure a stomach ulcer can only be determined by a doctor who, according to the results of the study, selects the appropriate drugs. The therapy is carried out until a sustainable result is achieved. First of all, you need to eliminate the pathogenic bacteria Helicobacter pylori. For this, antibiotics are selected, but this must be done very carefully.
In particular, macrolides (Erythromycin, Clarithromycin), penicillins (Amoxicillin), nitroimidazoles (Metronidazole) are prescribed. If the disease did not arise as a result of bacteria entering the stomach, then the amount of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice should be reduced, which will help to improve well-being and get rid of pain. For this, inhibitors and antacids are prescribed.
Inhibitors include drugs such as Omeprazole, Ranitidine. Antacids, such as Almagel and Maalox, are also required. Of particular importance is the drug "De-nol", as it has an astringent effect on the gastric mucosa, and also helps to eliminate Helicobacter bacterium.
3-4 drugs can be prescribed immediately for treatment, it all depends on the severity of the course of the disease, which is determined by the doctor after examination and research. When the pain is very strong, then a pain medication is prescribed for a stomach ulcer. Basically, drugs are injected, as this allows you to quickly stop attacks.
The duration of complex therapy is approximately 10-14 days, however, this time can be increased at the discretion of the attending doctor. To speed up the recovery process, vitamin complexes are additionally prescribed.
The use of folk techniques
Effective treatment of gastric ulcers can be carried out with the help of folk remedies, however, it is best to combine them with medications. Before using them, you must always consult with your doctor so as not to harm your health. Among the good folk remedies for stomach ulcers, pig fat can be distinguished. Every day you need to consume about 20 g of natural pork fat right before breakfast. The course of therapy is approximately 2 months.
Well proven potato juice. To do this, thoroughly wash the raw potato, peel it, and then grate it on a fine grater. Then squeeze the juice and mix it with water in a ratio of 1: 1. Drink 30 minutes before eating. The course of therapy is 4 months.
Among the folk remedies for stomach ulcers, which have proven themselves well, we can distinguish a mummy that needs to be diluted in water. This tool promotes the healing of the mucous membrane of the affected organ. In case of an ulcer, it is forbidden to use drugs that contain alcohol. Many doctors recommend the use of sea buckthorn oil for gastric ulcers, since the phytosterols included in it have bactericidal properties and help cleanse the mucosa of pathogens. In addition, the product has immunostimulating qualities, due to which the patient's well-being is normalized and recovery is much faster.
It is necessary to take sea buckthorn oil with a stomach ulcer - 1 tsp. 30 minutes before eating food. The course of therapy is approximately 1 month. With normal tolerance, the dosage can be increased.
Various medicinal herbal remedies have proven themselves that help:
- normalize stool;
- protect the mucosa from aggressive factors;
- contribute to wound healing;
- eliminate pain;
- reduce inflammation.
From herbal preparations, you can prepare decoctions, infusions, medicinal baths, applications. However, it is worth remembering that herbal medicine is strictly prohibited if the patient has a fever, bleeding or cancer.
Dieting
What you can eat with a stomach ulcer - it is very important to know exactly so as not to provoke a relapse. The dietary menu should be developed by a specialist. If there is an ulcer, it is forbidden to eat salted and smoked dishes, spices, spices, as well as citrus fruits. Dietary meals should include cereals made with milk or water, stewed vegetables, steamed fish, dairy products, and sweet fruits. It is also important to ensure an adequate drinking regimen. It is best to consume mineral water.
Proper nutrition will significantly reduce the time of therapy. Without a diet, there is a very high probability of a relapse of the disease.
Surgical intervention
If conservative methods do not bring the desired result, then surgical intervention is prescribed. In addition, surgery may be required in case of complications.
If bleeding occurs, the surgeon flashes the damaged vessel or resects the defective area. In the case of the development of perforation, several methods of conducting the operation are allowed, namely, resection, vagotomy, suturing. In the presence of stenosis on the stomach, the doctor imposes a gastrojejunanastomosis.
Possible complications
If you do not treat the ulcer in a timely manner, then it can provoke many different complications, which include such as:
- perforation;
- abscess;
- pyloric stenosis;
- bleeding;
- penetration.
With an abscess, an inflammatory process begins to develop in the peritoneal organs. It is often purulent in nature. If treatment is not done in a timely manner, the tissues of this organ will practically melt, and a cavity filled with pus will form. An abscess is very dangerous, as sepsis develops quickly and pus flows. Abscesses can be single or multiple.
With penetration, the spread of ulcerative lesions to neighboring tissues and organs is observed. Among the main symptoms of this condition, it is necessary to highlight the presence of constant, increasing pain in the abdomen.
Stenosis is characterized by a narrowing of the lower part of the stomach, resulting in a feeling of heaviness immediately after eating food. In addition, among the main manifestations, belching and vomiting should be distinguished. With a mild form, conservative treatment is performed, and with complicated forms, surgical intervention is indicated.
Malignancy is one of the most dangerous complications of an ulcer. It is characterized by the formation of a malignant tumor. An ulcer can develop into cancer with a genetic predisposition. In addition, people who abuse alcohol, as well as heavy smokers, are at risk.
Prophylaxis
Be sure to carry out the prophylaxis of stomach ulcers in order to prevent the formation of erosion on the mucous membrane. If the patient is diagnosed with gastritis, then during the period of exacerbation, a special diet must be observed. In addition, the prevention of gastric ulcers implies:
- full sleep;
- organization of proper nutrition;
- stress elimination.
It is very important to get rid of other diseases in a timely manner, which in a certain way affect the speed of digestion and assimilation of food.