Ulcer

ULSER

What is an ulcer?

When ulcer is mentioned, the first thing that comes to our mind is “duedonal ulcer” at the exit of the stomach, that is, at the beginning of the intestines, and this disease occurs with excess gastric acid secretion. This type of ulcer does not occur if there is no stomach acid. This type of ulcer is called “peptic ulcer”, that is, ulcer that develops with stomach acid. It is accompanied by pain in the upper part of the abdomen. If the stomach acid is removed, this ulcer will pass. There is no risk of cancer. There are also ulcers that form in the stomach itself, which can be dangerous and turn into cancer. These ulcers do not cause much pain and do not occur due to excess stomach acid, and their treatment requires close follow-up. They should be followed until they are completely cured. The effect of microbes called helicobacter has also been shown in ulcers.

Ulcer patients have characteristics. They can occur at any age. They are usually sensitive, touchy, fragile and stressed people. In the spring, ulcer pain increases.

Ulcer treatment depends on the location of the ulcer. The treatments for gastric ulcers and duedonal ulcers are different. The severity of the disease varies depending on whether there is a microbe, whether it bleeds, whether the pain goes away, and whether the pain hits the back.

Ulcers are clefts in the inner layer called mucosa along the digestive tract. Peptic ulcer is a chronic disease that occurs as a result of irritation of the stomach or duodenum (the first part after the stomach) with acidic secretions.

The incidence of ulcers is 2-6% of patients with existing ulcers (new or past) at any time in our society. Duedenal (duodenal) ulcer is much more common than gastric ulcer. Duedenal ulcer is more common between the ages of 30-50, and it is seen 2-4 times more often in men than in women. Gastric ulcer is more common after the age of 60 and is more common in women.

How does peptic ulcer occur?
There is a layer called mucosa in the inner part of the stomach. Acid and pepsin enzyme are secreted from this layer. When this secretion is excessive, protective factors are not sufficient to prevent it. It creates a wound in the stomach and duodenum. In this case, it causes ulcer formation.

Another reason is that the bacteria called Helicobacterpylori causes infection. This infection is present in 70-80 percent of patients with peptic ulcer. When this condition occurs, it can be lifelong if not treated with antibiotics. Because these bacteria dissolve the mucous barrier of the stomach with their digestive enzymes (a decomposing structure) and their physical abilities. As a result, the strong acidic digestive fluids in the stomach digest the cells of the covering layer under this mucous layer. In more severe cases, damage to the underlying tissues may also occur. The result is a peptic ulcer.

Apart from these, some reasons may also cause ulcer formation. Alcohol, smoking, drugs (aspirin, antirheumatic drugs, cortisone…), stress.

Symptoms of peptic ulcer
Burning and pain in the stomach. Pain usually occurs between meals. It can wake the patient from sleep at night (mostly in duodenal ulcer). Pain is relieved between a few minutes and a few hours with meals and chewable tablets and lozenges that neutralize stomach acid, which we call antacids. The frequency of pain increases in autumn and spring. Nausea and vomiting, weight loss, bloating and belching, and perforation may occur in a smaller number of patients.

The diagnosis of ulcer is made by radiological examination of the upper digestive system or, better, by upper digestive system endoscopy (esophagogastroduedenoscopy). Peptic ulcers are chronic and recurrent. Rather than shortening life, it reduces the quality of life. An incurable ulcer takes 10 to 15 years to heal.

To protect against peptic ulcer…
– Do not drink alcohol and do not smoke,

– Avoid caffeinated drinks that increase stomach acid and damage the stomach such as coffee and cola,

– Stress is a condition that leads to ulcers. Try to live a calm life away from stress

– Eating honey is very beneficial for ulcer healing. Provides great improvement. Eliminates pain and burning complaints. If you do not have a history of diabetes, you can consume a teaspoon of natural honey.

– Eat small but frequent meals.

– Since aspirin is acidic, it can cause discomfort in people with ulcers,

– When you suddenly have a stomachache, drink a glass of warm water and sit comfortably,

– Especially raw foods that are difficult to digest must stay away. Especially onions and garlic are harmful to the stomach and therefore are not recommended for ulcer patients.

– Correct treatment requires the right approach…