Stomach ulcer treatment
What is a stomach ulcer?
A stomach ulcer is a lesion of the stomach mucosa down to the muscle layer. This condition disrupts the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal system. Depending on the course, a stomach ulcer can be both acute and chronic. The most common are gastric and duodenal ulcers, and less often esophageal ulcers.
A stomach ulcer is sometimes asymptomatic, but often causes symptoms such as:
- Epigastric pain, which worsens on an empty stomach or after eating;
- Heartburn, nausea, or vomiting;
- Loss of appetite and weight loss;
- In severe cases, bloody vomiting or melena (black, tarry, bloody stools).
Timely consultation with a doctor is necessary for a correct diagnosis and to prevent complications.
What causes a stomach ulcer?
The most common cause of a stomach ulcer is Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is very common and damages the protective mechanisms of the stomach and contributes to the development of pathology. More than half of all cases of stomach ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori.
Causes of stomach ulcers can also be:
- Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption;
- Genetic predisposition.
How is a stomach ulcer diagnosed?
When diagnosing a stomach ulcer, a doctor may prescribe various tests to assess the patient's condition and determine the causes of the disease.
The main diagnostic method is esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which is the most accurate and informative study. During esophagogastroduodenoscopy, an endoscopist examines and assesses the condition of the stomach, duodenum, and esophagus. During the examination, it is possible to take a biopsy sample and examine it morphologically to determine the cause of the disease and assess the pathological process.
During the diagnostic process, the doctor may also prescribe a rapid urease breath test for Helicobacter pylori, a blood test for antibodies, or a stool test for antigen, which confirms or excludes the presence of the bacteria.
All of the above research and diagnostic methods have been implemented and successfully performed at New Hospitals.
How is a stomach ulcer treated?
A stomach ulcer can be treated according to various schemes, which the doctor selects based on the individual condition of the patient. Self-treatment by the patient prolongs the process in time.
Effective treatment of a stomach ulcer requires adherence to a healthy lifestyle, a special diet, and taking medications. Depending on the patient's needs, the doctor may prescribe:
Acid-reducing medications (proton pump inhibitors) - medications that reduce the production of gastric juice in order to restore the damaged mucosa and prevent complications.
Antibiotics - if the ulcer is caused by Helicobacter pylori, eradication therapy against the bacteria is prescribed.
H2 histamine receptor blockers - this type of medication reduces basilar and stimulated secretion of acid.
Antacids - used to neutralize stomach acid.
What is the diet in the treatment of stomach ulcers?
Diet plays a very important role in the treatment of stomach ulcers, because improperly selected foods irritate the gastric mucosa, prevent healing and increase burning and pain.
During a stomach ulcer, the following are prohibited:
- All types of acidic foods - such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, soursop;
- Spicy and fatty foods - the patient should give up spicy spices, fried and fatty foods, fast food;
- Alcohol and caffeine;
- High-fat dairy products - such as butter, sour cream;
- Processed meat products - such as sausage, sausage, etc.
- Canned products;
- Meat and fish stews;
- Various types of sweets;
- Legumes, such as lentils and beans.
Food consumed during stomach ulcers should be light, easily digestible. During treatment, the following products are allowed:
- Cereals;
- Boiled meat and eggs;
- Vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, beets, zucchini;
- Vegetable fat;
- Fruits;
- Vegetable soups;
- Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cottage cheese.
Bread and pastries made from white flour.
Why is timely treatment of stomach ulcers important?
Timely diagnosis and treatment of stomach ulcers is important to prevent complications. When a stomach ulcer becomes complicated, it can lead to very dangerous health conditions.
Complications of a stomach ulcer can include:
- Bleeding;
- Perforation (rupture of the stomach or intestine);
- Penetration (growth of the ulcer into a neighboring organ);
- Stricture (when a scar develops in the stomach or duodenum).
Timely treatment is necessary to prevent these complications. Therefore, the patient should consult a doctor as soon as the symptoms of a stomach ulcer appear.
Is it possible to prevent a stomach ulcer?
There are recommendations that reduce the risk of stomach ulcers
Reduces the risk of developing ulcers and promotes digestive health.
In order to prevent the disease, it is recommended to:
- Eat a regular, healthy diet;
- Limit alcohol and tobacco use;
- Use medications as prescribed by your doctor, especially painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications;
- Physical activity;
- Avoid self-medication and have regular medical checkups.
