Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) – Treat it before it eats into you!

The incidence of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and its complications varies across the world and has fluctuated considerably with the discovery of H. pylori as a major Etiological factor in the disease pathogenesis, as well as the increasing use of NSAIDs.

There is a rapid increase in its prevalence at the turn of the 20th century. About 10% of the population suffers from Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD).

What is Peptic Ulcer?

Peptic Ulcer is an open sore or a break with a burning sensation. The origin of the word “peptic” has its root cause in acid. It means that the problems arise due to acid. It develops on the inner lining of the stomach or upper portions of the small intestine. These are serious lesions of the stomach or intestines.

Duodenal ulcer and gastric ulcer are the two most common types of peptic ulcers. Depending on the locations where these ulcers are found, the ulcers are named accordingly. 

Gastric Ulcer: Occurs in the inner wall of the stomach.

Duodenal Ulcer: Occurs inside duodenum which is the first part of the small intestine.

 It may be noted that a person can experience both gastric and duodenal ulcers at the same time.

Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer

It is surprising to learn that many people with ulcers exhibit no symptoms at all. But on the other hand some people with an ulcer may show following:

The most common symptom of Peptic Ulcer Disease is burning pain in the abdomen that extends from the belly button to the chest bone. The pain can be mild in the case of small peptic ulcers. But, at times, it can be severe and intolerable leading to sleepless nights.

                  Commonly encountered signs of PUD are listed:

o  Epigastric Pain: It is the pain that evolves in the upper abdomen region of the body. The epigastric region is an area where the abdominal muscle and the diaphragm produce an outward bulging of the abdominal wall.

o  Belching: Commonly known as burping is the release of gas from the upper digestive tract i.e. stomach through the mouth. Feeling of fullness or bloating occurs.

o  Fatty food intolerance

o  Poor Appetite

o  Unexplained weight loss

o  Nausea

o  Vomiting

o  Bloody or dark stools

Causes of Peptic Ulcer

 There are multiple factors responsible for the breakdown of the inner stomach lining or duodenum. These include:

§  Helicobacter Pylori (H.pylori): It is a kind of bacterial infection that causes stomach pain and inflammation.

§  Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): A category of drugs for pain relief, blood clot prevention, and fever reduction. Regular intake of these can lead to gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds.

§  Tobacco Smoking

§  Crohn's Disease: It is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that affects any portion of the gastrointestinal tract that starts from mouth to anus. Symptoms consist of abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and weight loss.

§  Excess consumption of spicy food.

Besides, eating disorders like anorexia nervosa also cause peptic ulcers

Diagnosis/ Treatment

Every problem has an existing solution.

The typical way to diagnose ulcers is through endoscopy. Besides, other ways in which ulcers can be diagnosed are with the barium swallow or upper GI series.

Treatment of peptic ulcers is often successful which leads to healing.

Prevention

By quitting tobacco products, and saying no to smoking cigarettes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a proper balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains will help in preventing the development of peptic ulcer. Moreover, avoiding alcohol and limiting the use of pain killers, coupled with meditation and exercising will keep peptic ulcer at bay!

Of-course, you can always consult a doctor online in the event of any necessity and have get yourself treated!

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