Mays, Spencer

Khadija

Per. 1, Bio

Ulcers

Ulcer are shallow sore produced by the destruction of a mucous membrane. You can also get ulcers on your skin too. Skin ulcers may occur because of a number of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, kidney and heart ailments among others. Gastrointestinal ulcers occur with chronic gastritis, ulcerative colitis, and typhoid fever.

 

The other kinds of ulcers, peptic ulcers, are ulcers of the stomach (known as gastric) or small intestine (known as duodenal). Because peptic ulcers can cause such complications as hemorrhage from the erosion of a major blood vessel or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract because of spasm or swelling in the area of the ulcer, there is usually more pain than just from the ulcer itself.

The direct cause of peptic ulcers is the destruction of the gastric or intestinal mucus lining by hydrochloric acid, an acid normally present in the digestive juices of the stomach. Infection with the bacterium called Helicobacter pylori is thought to be an major role in causing both gastric and duodenal ulcers. Injury of the gastric mucus lining, and weakening of the mucous defenses such as by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are also responsible for gastric ulcer formation. Secreting too much hydrochloric acid, genetic predisposition, cigarette smoking, and psychological stress are important contributing factors in duodenal ulcer formation and exacerbation.

           Antacids may be ingested to neutralize the hydrochloric acid secretions. Drugs such as cimetidine and ranitidine block the action of histamine, the body chemical that triggers acid secretion, and have been shown to induce healing of ulcers in many patients. Omeprazole inhibits acid secretion by disabling the cellular pumps that pump acid into the stomach. Compounds containing bismuth and antibiotics may be used to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection, accelerating healing and reducing the rate of ulcer recurrence. Sucralfate forms a protective layer that enhances the mucosal lining of the stomach and intestines. Misoprostol is effective against gastric ulcers caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Quitting smoking can also accelerate the healing process. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided, although in general a bland diet is of no benefit. In extreme cases surgery may be required.
             Peptic ulcer is a serious medical condition, but with proper treatment it can be controlled and, in most cases, healed.  Remember, even if the symptoms of your ulcer disappear, do not stop taking your medication without the consent of your physician. Also, do not become discouraged if you do not see immediate changes in your condition; it often takes time.  Although the role of stress and anxiety is not perfectly clear, try to relax, get enough sleep, avoid irritating situations, and work off tensions by exercising, if your doctor feels you may.

Bibliography

 

1.      http://www.digestivedisorders.org.uk/leaflets/ulcers.html

 

2.      http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/health-info/dis-cond/misc/pepticul.html

 

3.      http://cogsci.uwaterloo.ca/Articles/Pages/Ulcers.one.html

 

4.      http://familydoctor.org/handouts/271.html