Eat on time, fight ulcers
Common, persistent, painful and discomforting. Ulcers are wounds in the lining of the intestines. They occur in a specific area: the lower end of the stomach and upper small intestine.
By Paul Semugoma
Common, persistent, painful and discomforting. Ulcers are wounds in the lining of the intestines. They occur in a specific area: the lower end of the stomach and upper small intestine.
Causes
The stomach produces a very strong acid to digest the food we eat. The stomach has an in-built protection; a mucus coat that protects it against the acid. But sometimes this protection breaks down and peptic ulcers form. This is caused by
Bacteria called H. pylori, which can live in the stomach acid
Aspirin and aspirin-like drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like brufen or diclofenac
Diseases which cause excessive acid production
Associated factors that make ulcer healing difficult include caffeine in coffee, smoking cigarettes, heavy alcohol drinking and physical or emotional stress. Matooke, seem to increase the pain for some, but spicy foods have not been proven to cause ulcers.
Symptoms
Pain characterises ulcers. A gnawing or burning pain, which is associated with meals, is in the upper abdomen above the umbilicus. It may be on and off on the same day, or last days on end. There may be weeks of pain with pain-free periods. Anti-acids and milk quickly stop or decrease it.
There may be nausea and vomiting, gas, a decreased appetite, heartburn, weight loss and black stool. Yet ulcers can also be silent and symptom free until bleeding starts.
Complications
Ulcers can have life threatening complications. Bleeding into the gut occurs when the wound gets to a blood vessel and erodes it.
The person starts vomiting blood or passing blood in stool. It can lead to anaemia or collapse, unconsciousness and death.
When the ulcer erodes the whole wall of the intestine, forming a hole, death occurs very quickly if the hole is not repaired by emergency surgery.Long-standing ulcers can cause a build-up of scar tissue that blocks the intestines, and some ulcers can become cancerous.
Management
Ulcers can be healed, which is important to prevent complications. Drug treatment includes anti-acids, which neutralise the acid and relieve pain. But do not take them for more than two weeks. Consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnostic tests include special X-rays called contrast studies, and endoscopy (a tube into the stomach to see the ulcer itself). Tests for H. pylori confirm whether one has the bacteria.
A course of acid-decreasing drugs for a few weeks allows the ulcer to heal. In addition, patients with H. pylori receive antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Surgery may be necessary for life-threatening complications and ulcers that fail to heal with drugs.
Prevention
Stopping smoking, and moderation in drinking of alcohol and coffee can help healing of an ulcer. Stress management is important. Aspirin-like drugs (NSAID), commonly taken as painkillers and for heart disease, should not be taken unnecessarily or if you have ulcers. Always take these drugs with food.
Iron given for anaemia should be taken in moderation. Milk gives quick pain relief, but it stimulates acid production, causing more damage.
Ulcers need you and your doctor’s cooperation for good healing.
The writer is a medical doctor
Common, persistent, painful and discomforting. Ulcers are wounds in the lining of the intestines. They occur in a specific area: the lower end of the stomach and upper small intestine.
Causes
The stomach produces a very strong acid to digest the food we eat. The stomach has an in-built protection; a mucus coat that protects it against the acid. But sometimes this protection breaks down and peptic ulcers form. This is caused by
Bacteria called H. pylori, which can live in the stomach acid
Aspirin and aspirin-like drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like brufen or diclofenac
Diseases which cause excessive acid production
Associated factors that make ulcer healing difficult include caffeine in coffee, smoking cigarettes, heavy alcohol drinking and physical or emotional stress. Matooke, seem to increase the pain for some, but spicy foods have not been proven to cause ulcers.
Symptoms
Pain characterises ulcers. A gnawing or burning pain, which is associated with meals, is in the upper abdomen above the umbilicus. It may be on and off on the same day, or last days on end. There may be weeks of pain with pain-free periods. Anti-acids and milk quickly stop or decrease it.
There may be nausea and vomiting, gas, a decreased appetite, heartburn, weight loss and black stool. Yet ulcers can also be silent and symptom free until bleeding starts.
Complications
Ulcers can have life threatening complications. Bleeding into the gut occurs when the wound gets to a blood vessel and erodes it.
The person starts vomiting blood or passing blood in stool. It can lead to anaemia or collapse, unconsciousness and death.
When the ulcer erodes the whole wall of the intestine, forming a hole, death occurs very quickly if the hole is not repaired by emergency surgery.Long-standing ulcers can cause a build-up of scar tissue that blocks the intestines, and some ulcers can become cancerous.
Management
Ulcers can be healed, which is important to prevent complications. Drug treatment includes anti-acids, which neutralise the acid and relieve pain. But do not take them for more than two weeks. Consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Diagnostic tests include special X-rays called contrast studies, and endoscopy (a tube into the stomach to see the ulcer itself). Tests for H. pylori confirm whether one has the bacteria.
A course of acid-decreasing drugs for a few weeks allows the ulcer to heal. In addition, patients with H. pylori receive antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Surgery may be necessary for life-threatening complications and ulcers that fail to heal with drugs.
Prevention
Stopping smoking, and moderation in drinking of alcohol and coffee can help healing of an ulcer. Stress management is important. Aspirin-like drugs (NSAID), commonly taken as painkillers and for heart disease, should not be taken unnecessarily or if you have ulcers. Always take these drugs with food.
Iron given for anaemia should be taken in moderation. Milk gives quick pain relief, but it stimulates acid production, causing more damage.
Ulcers need you and your doctor’s cooperation for good healing.
The writer is a medical doctor