Peptic ulcers are acute or chronic ulcers in any part of the gastro intestinal tract caused by combined action of hydrochloric acid and pepsin.
Acute peptic ulcer (Cushing's ulcer): these are acute ulcers, which are multiple and superficial. They are located in the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum. They are caused by septicemia, drugs, burns, physical or mental trauma, operations of brain, CVA, anoxia, stressful condition, etc.
GASTRIC AND DUODENAL ULCERS
The main cause of the gastric ulcer (70%) and duodenal ulcer (90%) is due to the H pylori infection. And 30% of the gastric ulcers are due to non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
H pylori are gram-negative motile bacteria. It is found in the duodenum in association with patches of gastric metaplasia.
Other causes include-
Ò Smoking
Ò Spicy and pungent foods
Ò Emotional stress
Ò Alcohol
Ò Heredity
Clinical features
Ò Ulcer can be moderate, very mild or severe. It can be located over an area about one inch in diameter between xiphoid and umbilicus.
Ò Pain in upper part of the abdomen - (in the pit of stomach or epigastrium)
Ò Hunger pain-pain becomes worse when the stomach is empty.
Ò Water brash
Ò Heart burn
Ò Nausea vomiting
Ò Night pain causes the patient to wake up from sleep.
Signs:1) Deep tenderness over the epigastrium (stomach pit).
2) Muscle guarding or rigidity may be present with active ulcer or deeply penetrating ulcer.
3) Peristaltic waves may be observed in presence of obstruction.
4) Occult blood in stools.
Chronic peptic ulcer: these are chronic ulcers in the GI tract bathed in peptic juice. The site may be on lower end of the oesophagus, lesser curvature of the stomach, duodenum, or in the Meckels diverticulum.
Complications
1-Perforation-if it occurs the contents of the stomach leaks to peritoneum causing peritonitis.
In perforation the patient experiences sudden, severe pain usually in upper abdomen and then it spread to the whole abdomen. Due to irritation of the diaphragm, the pain radiated to the tip of the shoulder (referred pain). Pain is accompanied by shallow respiration and shock. Abdomen become rigid and is ‘board like’
Diagnosis- in 50% of cases erect chest x ray show air under the diaphragm.
2-gastric outlet obstruction-nausea vomiting and abdominal distention are the main features. Food eaten 24 hours before or more is vomited out. Visible gastric peristalsis is diagnostic.
3-bleeding.
Investigations of peptic ulcer-
Complete blood count.
Plain x ray abdomen.
Endoscopic examination.
Biopsy.
Barium meal.
Stool examination for occult blood.
Differences between gastric and duodenal ulcer.
Chance of malignancy is more common in gastric ulcer than duodenal ulcer.
There may be vomiting of blood in gastric ulcer, but in duodenal ulcer black stool due to presence of blood.
In gastric ulcer since pain become worse after eating .Due to this patient refuses to eat, so weight loss. But in duodenal ulcer, eating relieves the pain; so patient eats frequently so weight gain.
In gastric ulcer, pain is felt over the umbilicus and left of the mid line, but in duodenal ulcer, pain felt above the umbilicus and right to midline.
In gastric ulcer, there is no radiation of pain, but duodenal ulcer pain radiates to back.
Treatment
Stop smoking, and alcohol
Avoid Spicy food and pungent food
Eat at frequent intervals
Homeopathic treatment
Out of my years of experience, it is clearly evident that homeopathic medicines are far superior to than any other system of treatment. It, being a constitutional disorder, a treatment through constitutional approach as homeopathy implies gives a permanent cure. It not only prevents the recurrence but also prevents any chance of complication.
Usual homeopathic medicines are.
Nux vom, Ars alb, Phosphorus, Lycopodium, Robenia, etc.;
For treatment-related matters, please log on to www.onlinehomeocure.com
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