The disease of the stomach ulcer has a chronic course and is characterized by the formation of erosions on the intestinal mucosa or stomach. This defect can form on the walls, as well as penetrate deep into. Symptoms can recur periodically, thereby provoking bleeding.
The most at risk of this disorder are men who have bad habits, such as smoking and frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages. In some cases, various complications may occur, in particular, such as bleeding, ulcer rupture, peritonitis, which require surgical intervention.
Feature of the disease
A stomach ulcer is a mucosal injury that occurs mainly in the upper part of the stomach and penetrates deeply 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 is indispensable.
In advanced cases, this disease can become chronic withperiods 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 cannot handle hydrochloric acid and enzymes properly.
Basically, the symptoms of stomach ulcers are quite pronounced, but in some cases there may be an asymptomatic course. All signs can differ 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 are distinguished:
- duodenal ulcer;
- stomach;
- combined type.
Erosions can be small, about 2 cm, or cover a wide area. The disease proceeds in stages, namely:
- exacerbation stage;
- decay 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 single out the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, and the disease can also provoke gastritis. Pathogenic microorganisms are transmitted from a sick person to a he althy person through close contact, namely:
- through saliva;
- when consumedfood from one dish;
- with insufficient hygiene.
However, the presence of an infection does not always provoke the formation of an ulcer or gastritis. These diseases develop under the influence of certain provoking factors, in particular, such as:
- frequent stress;
- malnutrition;
- long-term use of certain medications;
- increased stomach acidity.
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, the 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 are isolating ulcers of the symptomatic type. They are formed as a result of the course of certain diseases. Often this occurs with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine and cardiovascular systems.
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 life of the patient. 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 are the following:
- 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 approximately 30 minutes after eating. Basically, the symptoms of stomach ulcers are quite acute, but in the past few years, doctors have identified an asymptomatic and atypical course of the disease. Basically, this is typical for the elderly, in the presence of ulcers, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as the abuse of alcohol. In such cases, diagnosis is not carried out for a long time, which leads to delayed treatment and various complications.
In general, an ulcer has a chronic course, and periods of exacerbation are followed by periods of remission. During the last erosion, scar formation is noted at the site of erosion. The symptoms of gastric ulcers are aggravated 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 it 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 radiate to the lumbar region.
In this case, often the patient may feel pain of a burning type, which decreases immediately after taking anti-heartburn drugs. That is why many often confuse it with heartburn. Definitely neededto understand exactly how a stomach ulcer hurts, since the sensations are somewhat different from the pain with an ulcerative lesion 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 are severe weight loss, general weakness, pain, and nervousness. To avoid this, you need to pay attention to the existing symptoms in a timely manner.
People who frequently take steroid hormones may experience perforation of the stomach wall. The main symptom of a perforated gastric ulcer is the occurrence of intense cutting pain. Painful sensations spread very quickly throughout the abdomen. The victim may experience shock, nausea and vomiting along with blood clots.
A characteristic feature is black feces, which indicates bleeding. The patient feels severe weakness, dizziness and chills, which can even lead to loss of consciousness. Among the symptoms of a perforated stomach ulcer, it is also necessary to highlight fever, dry mouth, and palpitations. The signs of the course of the disease are so characteristic that the diagnosis does not cause any difficulties at all. However, it is worth noting that a small through hole in the wall of the stomach can cover itself, and the flow of gastric juice into the abdominal cavity stops. In this case, the clinic althe picture is not clear enough. If the first signs of a stomach ulcer occur, you should immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnostics
In some cases, the diagnosis can be made on the basis of the 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.
Additionally, urine and blood tests are prescribed. To determine possible internal bleeding, the doctor may order a stool test. If an ulcer is found during the research, then tests for the presence of the Helicobacter pylori bacterium are required. In some cases, tomography and X-ray examination of the stomach may be additionally prescribed. If the analysis for a bacterium is confirmed, then the doctor selects the appropriate drugs to eliminate it.
Features of treatment
Many patients wonder how to cure a stomach ulcer, as it not only causes a lot of inconvenience, but can also lead to various complications. Diet plays an important role in treatment. Nutrition should be as sparing as possible in order to prevent even greater irritation of the affected mucosa. A prerequisite for successful therapy is the rejection of alcoholic beverages and smoking.
The doctor prescribes drug therapy, which includes several groups of drugs, in particular,such as:
- antibiotics;
- histamine receptor blockers;
- antacids;
- gastroprotectors;
- reparants.
For multiple ulcers that often recur, as well as for complications, surgical intervention is indicated, in particular, resection of the stomach and cutting of the nerves that provoke the production of acid.
Medicated treatment
How to cure a stomach ulcer can only be determined by a doctor who, based on the results of the study, selects the appropriate drugs. Therapy is carried out until a stable result is achieved. First of all, you need to eliminate the pathogenic bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Antibiotics are selected for this, 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 the penetration of bacteria into the stomach, then it is necessary to reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice, which will help improve well-being and get rid of pain. To do this, prescribe inhibitors and antacids.
Inhibitors include drugs such as Omeprazole, Ranitidine. Antacids are also required, for example, Almagel and Maalox. Of particular importance is the drug "De-nol", as it has an astringent effect on the gastric mucosa, and also helps to eliminate the Helicobacter bacterium.
May be prescribed 3-4 drugs at once fortreatment, it all depends on the severity of the course of the disease, which is determined by the doctor after the examination and research. When the pain is very strong, then an anesthetic is prescribed for a stomach ulcer. Basically, the drugs come in injections, as this allows you to quickly stop the attacks.
The duration of complex therapy is approximately 10-14 days, but this time can be increased at the discretion of the treating doctor. To speed up the recovery process, vitamin complexes are additionally prescribed.
Application of folk methods
Effective treatment of stomach ulcers can be carried out with the help of folk remedies, but it is best to combine them together with medications. Before using them, be sure to consult with your doctor so as not to harm your he alth. Among the good folk remedies for stomach ulcers, pork fat can be distinguished. Daily you need to consume about 20 g of natural pork fat right before breakfast. The course of therapy is approximately 2 months.
Potato juice has proven itself well. To do this, you need to 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 meals. The course of therapy is 4 months.
Among the folk remedies for stomach ulcers, which have proven themselves well, one can single out the mummy, which must be diluted in water. This tool helpshealing of the mucous membrane of the affected organ. With an ulcer, it is forbidden to use medicines that contain alcohol. Many doctors recommend the use of sea buckthorn oil for stomach ulcers, since the phytosterols it contains have bactericidal properties and help cleanse the mucosa from pathogens. In addition, the product has immunostimulating properties, which normalizes the patient's well-being and recovery is much faster.
You need to take sea buckthorn oil for stomach ulcers - 1 tsp. 30 minutes before eating. The course of therapy is approximately 1 month. With normal tolerance, the dosage can be increased.
Various healing herbal preparations that help have proven themselves well:
- normalize chair;
- protect the mucosa from aggressive factors;
- promote wound healing;
- eliminate pain;
- reduce inflammation.
From herbal teas you can prepare decoctions, infusions, therapeutic 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. In the presence of an ulcer, it is forbidden to eat s alty and smoked dishes, spices, spices, and citrus fruits. Diet food should include cereals cooked in milk or water,stewed vegetables, steamed fish, dairy products, sweet fruits. It is also important to ensure sufficient drinking regimen. It is best to consume mineral water.
Proper nutrition will significantly reduce the time of therapy. Without dieting, there is a very high chance of a recurrence of the disease.
Surgery
If conservative methods do not bring the desired result, then surgical intervention is prescribed. In addition, surgery may be required if there are complications.
When bleeding occurs, the surgeon stitches the damaged vessel or resects the area with the defect. In case of development of perforation, it is allowed to use several methods of carrying out the operation, namely, resection, vagotomy, suturing. In the presence of stenosis on the stomach, the doctor imposes a gastrojejunostomy.
Possible Complications
If an ulcer is not treated in a timely manner, it can provoke many different complications, which include:
- perforation;
- abscess;
- pyloric stenosis;
- bleeding;
- penetration.
With an abscess, an inflammatory process begins to develop in the organs of the peritoneum. It often has a purulent character. If timely treatment is not carried out, then the tissues of this organ practically melt, and a cavity filled with pus forms. An abscess is very dangerous, as sepsis develops rapidly andpus flows. Pustules can be single or multiple.
During 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 narrowing of the lower part of the stomach, resulting in a feeling of heaviness immediately after eating. In addition, among the main manifestations, belching and vomiting should be distinguished. With a mild form, conservative treatment is carried out, and with complicated ones, 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 turn into cancer if there is a genetic predisposition. In addition, people who abuse alcohol, as well as heavy smokers, are at risk.
Prophylaxis
Be sure to carry out the prevention of stomach ulcers to prevent the formation of erosion on the mucosa. If the patient is diagnosed with gastritis, then during the period of exacerbation, you need to follow a special diet. In addition, the prevention of stomach ulcers implies:
- good sleep;
- organization of proper nutrition;
- exclusion of stress.
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.
