A General Reading about Ulcers

An ulcer is a sudden discontinuation or break in the bodily membrane of any organ which leads to disruption in its functions. The bacteria which is responsible for this problem is Helicobacter Pylor, through it all infections related spread and damage the body to quite and extent. It was discovered by Dr Barry Marshall and Dr Robin Warren in 1982, for which they even won a noble Prize. It’s a belief among all doctors that most patients who suffer from ulcers are infected with this bacterium but strangely that never happens. Having an H.pylori bacteria in many cases never leads to developing ulcers. Peptic ulcers can perhaps have some relation to the amount of acid proportion which may lead to the development of an ulcer.

There are many types of ulcers which occur in patients. Peptic ulcer, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, venous ulcer, ulcerative sarcoidosis, ulcerative lichen planus, ulcerative colitis, bleeding ulcer and stomach ulcer are some of the types of ulcers which patients suffer through. The formations of ulcers happen due to the weakening of the protective coating of the stomach and upper small intestine. Afterwards the acid reaches to the sensitive tissue lining and gets into the digestive system. Acid and bacteria together create an irritation which results in formation of sores in the lining. Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs and smoking are related to peptic ulcer.

Severe emotional and physical stress can also lead to catching an ulcer. It usually occurs due to the uncontrolled production of acid which leads to severe burning sensations at end. Similarly there are various other symptoms for other types of ulcers. Gastric ulcer can cause an aching pain, often after eating anything. Ingestion, heartburn, acid reflux, nagging pain in the breastbone and upper abdomen, nausea, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss are some of its symptoms. In duodenal ulcers heart burn is common, burning sensations in stomach also occur, pain will be felt while drinking water or any liquid. Anta acids generally reduce pain and burning sensations in the case of duodenal ulcer. In case of bleeding ulcer vomiting of fresh blood occurs, dark red blood comes in stools, unexplained weight loss, intense pain the back, faintness and dizziness also happens.

The diagnosis of ulcer starts with a doctor trying to know any patient’s medical history. Any doctor would like to know each and every problem or issues related to health before starting with the cure. Upper Gastrointestinal series (GI) is conducted; long with it several other tests like x-ray of the stomach, duodenum and esophagus is also done. Another test is endoscopy in which a patient is given anesthesia and a light tube is inserted in the throat to take pictures of the inner body organs as per the requirement. Even blood tests are prescribed in order to know if any complications may be developing. Treatment of ulcers is usually done through antibiotics and antacids which help in healing faster. Therefore, it is advised to all to keep themselves healthy by maintaining a sound and fit body.