A stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer is a chronic inflammation that occurs with periodic relapses. Initially, an ulcerative defect is formed, and then a scar appears in its place. Often this disease develops in the presence of chronic inflammation of the mucosa. It is characterized by alternating periods of exacerbation and remission.
Increased secretion of hydrochloric acid or the penetration of pathogens are equally aggressive for the mucosa. According to statistics, the disease is much more common in men. This is due to the consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking and nervous tension. Sometimes the pathological process is observed in childhood.
Features of the disease
A stomach and duodenal ulcer is characterized by the formation of a deep defect in the mucosa. Basically, it occurs due to the penetration of pathogens. The disease has a relapsing chronic course. On the mucous membraneform one or more ulcerative defects.
Basically, people aged 25-50 get sick. This is probably due to the fact that during this period a person is most susceptible to significant emotional overstrain, often leads an unhe althy lifestyle, and also eats improperly.
What are the forms
Stomach and duodenal ulcers can bleed. A very dangerous condition is an ulcerative lesion with perforation, as there is a complete destruction of the intestinal wall. If at the same time there is duodenitis and damage to the gastric mucosa, then this combination may indicate the course of a peptic ulcer.
Causes of occurrence
Doctors have identified several different causes of gastric and duodenal ulcers, and bacterial entry is considered among the most significant factors. This pathogen is found quite often, however, not everyone develops an ulcerative lesion. The bacterium Helicobacter pylori produces certain enzymes that disrupt mucus production, leading to ulceration on the mucosal surface. In addition, factors such as:
- stress and psychological strain;
- malnutrition;
- alcohol abuse;
- tobacco smoking;
- hereditary factor;
- taking certain medications.
Stress and neurosesprovoke the occurrence of hypertonicity of nerve endings. As a result of this, a spasm of blood vessels enveloping the stomach occurs, resulting in a violation of the normal nutrition of tissues. Under the influence of hydrochloric acid and the consumption of aggressive food, sores and foci of inflammation appear on the surface.
Sweet carbonated drinks, as well as foods that provoke acidity, have a negative effect on the mucous membrane. Improper nutrition leads to the formation of gastritis and duodenitis. Peptic ulcer often refers to a hereditary disease. The combination of several provoking factors almost always provokes the development of an ulcerative lesion.
Disease symptoms
A chronic, undulating course is characteristic of an ulcerative lesion. It should be noted that periods of remission are replaced by exacerbation, which mainly occurs in spring and autumn. Symptoms of gastric and duodenal ulcers are much more pronounced during the period of exacerbation, which lasts approximately 4-12 weeks, after which the severity of the symptoms decreases and they gradually disappear.
Various factors can provoke an exacerbation, which include:
- excessive exercise;
- infections;
- diet errors;
- stress;
- taking certain medications.
Often, the manifestations of the disease begin with the onset of intense pain in the stomach. The period of onset of painsensations largely depends on in which particular department the ulcer is localized. Among the main symptoms of gastric and duodenal ulcers are the following:
- pain;
- heartburn;
- burp;
- nausea;
- poor appetite;
- constipation.
Painful sensations often do not have a common localization, and they can be of a different nature. Since the acidity is generally slightly increased, and significant sensitivity is also released, patients very often complain of heartburn.
Among the signs of stomach and duodenal ulcers, belching can be distinguished. This symptom does not always occur and it happens as a result of weakness of the esophagus. Belching is mostly sour and is also accompanied by regurgitation and profuse salivation.
When an exacerbation of an ulcer occurs, nausea and vomiting are observed, moreover, they are mostly combined. Vomiting mainly occurs at the very peak of pain and brings significant relief to the patient.
Appetite is often slightly increased, and with intense pain, it may be completely absent. Often, the patient has a fear of eating food because of the expected occurrence of painful sensations. All this can lead to weight loss in the patient. Many complain about the violation of bowel movements, namely, constipation.
Period of exacerbation
Outwardly, the ulcerative lesion has a round shape and an inflamed red mucosa around the wound. Exacerbation of gastric and duodenal ulcers is characterized byaggravation of the course of the pathological process. As a result, the wound becomes much deeper and affects the muscle tissue of the stomach, affecting it with hydrochloric acid.
The patient experiences very strong pain. Broken and damaged capillaries begin to bleed heavily. Damage to the walls of large vessels provokes significant blood loss. Doctors distinguish three main forms of acute lesion, in particular, such as:
- stressful;
- drug;
- Cushing's ulcer.
In all these cases, favorable conditions are created for the activation of pathogens that are able to live even in the aggressive environment of gastric juice. It is she who leads to the defeat of the protective layer of the mucous membrane.
Uncontrolled intake of medications provokes a change in the normal functioning of the mucosa and corrodes it. Cushing's ulcer occurs as an exacerbation of injury to the central nervous system.
Diagnostics
Before you start treating gastric and duodenal ulcers, you need to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis to make the correct diagnosis. Initially, the doctor begins to collect an anamnesis. In particular, you need to define:
- character of pain;
- localization;
- presence of chronic diseases in anamnesis;
- hereditary predisposition.
Examination is done by palpation of the abdomen to confirm leakagepathological process. Accurate confirmation of the diagnosis is carried out using instrumental research methods, in particular, such as:
- determination of antibodies in the patient's blood to Helicobacter pylori;
- determination of stomach acidity;
- radiological examination;
- microscopic examination.
Often an endoscopic examination is required, which involves an examination of the mucosa using a fibrogastroduodenoscope. This technique allows you to determine the localization of the ulcerative lesion, its exact size, as well as the presence of complications.
Features of treatment
Treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers requires very strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations. Complex therapy implies carrying out activities such as:
- exclusion of the impact of negative factors;
- medication use;
- observance of the correct diet;
- quitting alcohol and smoking.
To restore the normal balance between ongoing protective processes, it is necessary to exclude provoking factors. In addition, it requires taking medications that are aimed at eliminating pathogens, as well as lowering the level of acidity.
It is important to follow the rules of nutrition, designed specifically for the treatment of ulcers. It implies the consumption of food in small portions. It is important to exclude foods that irritate from the usual diet.gastric mucosa. It is best to give preference to boiled and stewed food, as well as steamed dishes.
Doctors recommend observing the daily regimen, as well as, if possible, eliminating stress and hypothermia. If necessary, the doctor prescribes sedatives. A good effect is provided by folk remedies and techniques that can significantly extend the period of remission. In some cases, surgery is indicated to treat the ulcer.
Drug therapy
When the first symptoms of stomach and duodenal ulcers occur, treatment is prescribed immediately to prevent complications. For therapy, special 3 or 4 component schemes have been developed, which will prevent the progression of the disease. The doctor selects a treatment regimen for gastric and duodenal ulcers with medications individually, depending on the provoking factor and the results of the study. The drugs can be taken in tablet form or in the form of injections. Basically, the course of therapy lasts for 2 weeks. For complex therapy, such medicines for gastric and duodenal ulcers are prescribed, such as:
- antibacterials;
- histamine receptor blockers;
- antispasmodics;
- antacids;
- prokinetics.
Antibiotics are prescribed, to which pathogens are sensitive. Often, a combination of drugs from different groups is used. Such a combination has positively proven itself, since, if necessary, one of the drugs can be replaced. In particular, such antibacterial agents as Amoxicillin and Metronidazole are prescribed. Histamine receptor blockers are aimed at reducing the production of hydrochloric acid and lowering acidity. As painkillers, "Controllock", "Sanpraz", "Gastrozol" are prescribed.
Antacids are used symptomatically if necessary and help to neutralize the effect on the mucous membrane of hydrochloric acid already present in the body. Prokinetics promote faster movement of food through the intestines, and also help prevent nausea and vomiting. Antispasmodics help relieve spasms and also provide pain relief when needed.
Such preparations as "Maalox" and "Almagel" contribute to the formation of a protective film on the mucous membrane. Depending on the symptoms of gastric and duodenal ulcers, treatment can last from 2 weeks to 1.5 months.
Surgery
Surgery is required if other types of therapy have not brought the desired result, as well as in the presence of complications, in particular, such as perforation of the walls of the stomach or severe bleeding.
This method of treatment is considered radical and consists in excising the affected area of the digestive tract along with part of the tissues that produce hydrochloric acid. It should be noted that after the implementation of surgical intervention, a variety of complications may occur.in the form of inflammation, bleeding, and metabolic disorders.
Application of folk methods
In combination with drug therapy, folk remedies are used for gastric and duodenal ulcers, which help to reduce existing symptoms and normalize well-being. Chamomile decoction provides a good effect.
One of the popular remedies for eliminating existing symptoms is potato juice. To do this, grate the fresh vegetable on a fine grater, and then squeeze the resulting juice from the pulp and take 0.5 tbsp. 3 times a day. The course of therapy is 20-30 days. In addition, you can also take beetroot juice.
Flax seeds have proven themselves well in the fight against signs of bowel disease. To prepare a healing agent, pour flax with boiled water and leave to infuse for 10-12 hours, then boil and take on an empty stomach.
If there is no allergic reaction to bee products, then you can use a tincture prepared on the basis of aloe juice and honey. The course of therapy is no more than 5 weeks. A good remedy for bowel disease is milk with honey. This remedy helps to reduce pain in the stomach, nausea, and also normalize well-being.
With low acidity, it is allowed to drink sauerkraut juice for treatment. It will help normalize the functioning of the intestines and increase appetite. If there is no exacerbation of peptic ulcer, you can consume healingpropolis-based product.
Before embarking on alternative treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, you need to consult with your doctor regarding the presence of contraindications, as well as the safety of their use.
Dieting
When acute symptoms of gastric and duodenal ulcers occur, diet is a prerequisite for therapy. All food consumed should be chopped and warm. It is forbidden to consume s alty, spicy and fatty foods. Meals should be fractional, therefore, the patient should eat 5-6 times a day.
Products for gastric and duodenal ulcers should be steamed or boiled. As drinks, you can take mineral water and soothing teas.
During an exacerbation of the course of the disease, the therapeutic diet should be as gentle and light as possible. During the period of remission, additional mechanical processing of products is not required. When compiling the menu, it is imperative to take into account all the needs of the body.
When treating gastric and duodenal ulcers, the diet helps to eliminate existing symptoms and speeds up the healing process of the ulcer.
Possible Complications
Complications of ulcerative lesions are very severe and life-threatening for the patient, which provokes the development of an acute abdomen, which is why they require urgent surgical intervention. Among the main types of violations are the following:
- perforated ulcer;
- bleeding;
- duodenal stenosis;
- penetration of the ulcer;
- malignancy;
- periduodenitis.
Perforation of an ulcerative lesion passes through all the walls of the intestine. Such a complication is accompanied by the development of peritonitis, the main manifestation of which is acute pain in the abdominal cavity.
Prophylaxis
Prevention of peptic ulcer involves preventing the release of hydrochloric acid and infection by pathogens. To do this, you need to give up the consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking. In addition, you need to eliminate emotional overstrain, ensure proper nutrition, exclude foods that increase acidity from your diet.
To prevent infection with pathogens, it is imperative to use clean dishes, since the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is transmitted through the saliva of an infected person. In the presence of chronic duodenitis or gastritis, timely medical treatment and strict adherence to the diet are required.
