Ulcer is a sore that affects the lining of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum - where ulcer occurs most frequently, and intestines. Opinions, that stress is the main cause of ulcer in the digestive tract, are wrong. In fact, ulcer is a consequence of action of bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori. Everything else, such as increased gastric acid, stress, excessive use of spicy and acidic foods, long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, naproxen, ketoprofen, medicines for arthritis) can only aggravate an ulcer, which is already present in the digestive tract.
Ulcers are usually manifested by mild abdominal pain or not feeling it at all. But it may be a cause of serious health conditions such as bleeding, perforation and bowel obstruction. In the last case appears nausea, vomiting and weight loss due to blockade of food that passes through the stomach.
Since the ulcer diagnosis requires complex and unpleasant examinations, it is most treatable before their application by using certain drugs. If symptoms are mild the patient should be feeling better after one week. However, if the condition does not improve, it is necessary to do a special x-ray and endoscopic examination of the digestive tract. Also, takes a sample of the gastric mucosa and determines the existence of Helicobacter pylori by biopsy test.
Ulcer treatment primarily involves the destruction of Helicobacter pylori with triple therapy that usually consists of using two antibiotics and Bismuth salicylate. This therapy is mainly focused on reduction of stomach acid in order to protect affected area and allow healing ulcers. Given that smoking and alcohol greatly harms the digestive system it is necessary to quit with their use in case of ulcers. In addition to these drugs, there are some that also have shown efficacy in the treatment of ulcers. They include misoprostol, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors and antacids that work on the principle of reducing gastric acid or neutralize it to protect the gastric mucosa.
Treatment of ulcers usually lasts 2-3 weeks, but it can take 8 weeks using drugs to ease the stomach acid and prevent the return of ulcers. If the drugs do not work, it is necessary to consult a physician to prescribe other therapy.
There are certain foods that can aggravate the symptoms caused by ulcer. They mostly include nutmeg, coffee, tea, alcohol, black pepper, chocolate, meat, chili, mustard and so on. If you notice that some foods worsen symptoms you should exclude it from your diet that must be balanced and divided into small and frequent meals.
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