Peptic ulcer: ICD-10, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Peptic ulcer (according to ICD-10 is designated K25) is one of the common diseases. It proceeds in a chronic form with alternating periods of remission and exacerbation. A characteristic manifestation of peptic ulcer is the presence on the wall of the stomach of an ulcer (defect) that occurs for several reasons.

Why does pathology arise?

To understand the causes of ulcers, you should first understand the functioning of the mucous membrane lining the stomach. It always has a destructive effect - these are normal phenomena. The role of protection is a layer of mucus. It covers the walls of the stomach. The destructive effect is produced by the juice produced by it. It contains pepsin and hydrochloric acid. Also, the microbe Helicobacter pylori (with infection) can have a destructive effect.

When aggressive factors have a strong effect or the defense weakens for natural reasons, one or more ulcerative lesions occur on the wall of the stomach. The quality of human life is deteriorating, as symptoms of gastric ulcer begin to manifest (according to ICD-10 - K25).

Factors that increase the likelihood of developing an ulcer

There are specific factors due to the effect of which a person increases the likelihood of peptic ulcer affecting the stomach. A common cause of defects in the internal organ is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medicines disrupt the production of mucus and prostaglandins (hormone-like substances that can reduce the secretion of gastric juice and its acidity).

Bad habits (smoking, alcohol), unhealthy diet (for example, too hot, cold, spicy food, dry food) - this is what leads to a person with peptic ulcer (according to ICD-10 - K25). It can also appear due to stress, psychological stress, diabetes.

Symptoms of the disease

During an exacerbation of gastric ulcer (according to ICD-10 - K25), the leading symptom is pain localized in the epigastric region. They are observed in approximately 95% of patients. Pain can occur at different times. They are determined by the localization of ulcers:

• immediately after eating food, pain occurs in the presence of ulcers of the subcardial and cardiac sections of the stomach;
• with defects localized in the body of the organ, pain occurs 30-60 minutes after eating;
• with ulcerative lesions present in the pyloric canal and onion of the duodenum, night and late pains (2-3 hours after breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks) and “hungry” unpleasant sensations (appear on an empty stomach and disappear after eating).

With gastric ulcer, other symptoms can be observed. These include heartburn, sour belching, nausea after eating, vomiting, weight loss.

Codes of gastric ulcer according to ICD-10

The disease can proceed in different ways. The international classification includes several types of this ailment. Their codes are presented in the table below.

Diagnosis of stomach ulcers

At the first stage, an anamnesis is collected. The specialist clarifies the presence of hereditary diseases, background diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, establishes risk factors, asks the patient about the symptoms. Next, a physical examination is performed. During exacerbation, palpation reveals pain in the epigastric region, muscle tension (due to severe pain).

The doctor receives the basic diagnostic information thanks to instrumental research methods:

1. If you suspect K25 and K26 according to ICD-10 (for peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum), fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy (FEGDS) is performed - examination of the mucous membrane from the inside. The study allows you to detect and characterize existing ulcerative defects, take biopsy samples for histological examination.
2. In addition, an ultrasound examination of the internal organs located in the abdominal cavity is prescribed. The purpose of its implementation is the exclusion of concomitant pathologies.
3. X-ray examination is not applied now, but it can be prescribed. This method is recommended when endoscopy is not possible.

Disease treatment

Therapy is always prescribed comprehensive when K25 is diagnosed according to ICD-10. With gastric ulcer during an exacerbation, it is important to change your lifestyle. It is recommended that the patient eat right: six times a day in small portions. It is important to follow a diet, refusing fried, spicy food, seasonings, spices, meat and fish concentrated broth, carbonated and alcoholic drinks. During the treatment period, boiled or steamed dishes, eggs, milk and dairy products are preferred.

Another element of treatment is medication. With a positive test for the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection, eradication therapy is performed. First-line treatment can be carried out in a three-component scheme:

1. Proton pump inhibitor (for example, Lansoprazole or Rabeprazole).
2. Amoxicillin (antibiotic).
3. Clarithromycin.

If the combination of prescribed drugs does not give the desired effect, second-line eradication therapy is prescribed. One of her options:

1. Proton pump inhibitor.
2. Bismuth tripotassium dicitrate.
3. "Metronidazole".
4. Tetracycline.

In complex therapy, antacids (for example, "Rutacid") are used to eliminate symptoms.

If it is impossible to conduct adequate eradication therapy of Helicobacter pylori or if the prescribed treatment is ineffective, the doctor selects antisecretory therapy. It includes:

• proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole);
• blockers of H ₂ histamine receptors ("Ranitidine", "Famotidine").

Treatment of gastric ulcer (K25 according to ICD-10) is a rather complicated process. When the first signs of this ailment appear, you should definitely consult a doctor. The specialist will diagnose and prescribe the appropriate treatment. In some cases, surgery is required.