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Ulcer - Ulcer symptom, treatment, causes


Ulcer is a medical term for the loss of tissue from the surface of the skin or the lining membrane of any body cavity. resulting in an open sore. Ulcers are painful because exposed nerves are irritated and the tissue that has lost its surface protection usually becomes inflamed, ulcers may result from injury. infection, cancer, or inadequate blood supply in the surface layers; or they may arise from conditions beneath (for , example inflammation or cancer) that extend to and destroy the surface. Because an intact surface and lining membranes are the first line of defence against invading micro-organisms, ulcers provide a site of entry for infection.

The body has a strong tendency to repair any broken surface. so as soon as the cause of an ulcer is overcome, it heals quickly from its edges to its centre. If the cause persist, ulcers are likely to enlarge and become chronic. Ulcers are described according to their cause or site: examples include BED SORES, PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE, varicose ulcers, rodent ulcers and MOUTH ULCERS.

A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is the beginning of the small intestine. If peptic ulcers are found in the stomach, they're called gastric ulcers. An ulcer occurs when the lining of these organs is corroded by the acidic digestive juices which are secreted by the stomach cells. Peptic ulcer disease is common, affecting millions of Americans yearly. People of any age can get an ulcer and women are affected just as often as men. The medical cost of treating peptic ulcer and its complications runs in the billions of dollars annually. Recent medical advances have increased our understanding of ulcer formation. Improved and expanded treatment options are now available.

An ulcer is a sore, which means it's an open, painful wound. Most ulcers are located in the duodenum. he names given to specific ulcers identify their anatomic locations or the circumstances under which they developed. Duodenal ulcers, the most common type of peptic ulcer, occur in the first few inches of the duodenum. Gastric ulcers, which are less common, usually occur along the upper curve of the stomach. Marginal ulcers can develop when part of the stomach has been removed surgically, at the point where the remaining stomach has been reconnected to the intestine. Stress ulcers, like acute stress gastritis, can occur as a result of the stress of severe illness, skin burns, or trauma. Stress ulcers occur in the stomach and the duodenum.

Causes of Ulcer

The commnon Causes of Ulcer :

  • Food poisoning.
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Smoking.
  • Stress.
  • Hyperacidity.
  • Bacterial infection.
  • Alcoholism.

Symptoms of Ulcer

Some common Symptoms of Ulcer :

  • Discomfort in upper abdomen.
  • Severe pain in the upper abdomen.
  • The lymph nodes will get swell.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Blood discharge in stool .
  • Round, white sores with a red edge can also be seen in the patient of ulcer.
  • Fever may also be developed in ulcer.

Treatment of Ulcer

  • Avoid any foods which seem to bring on pain.
  • Your doctor may prescribe a tablet which reduces the production of acid in the stomach. This is likely to cure an active ulcer.
  • If you smoke, stop .
  • If you have Helicobacter pylori or your doctor has good grounds to think that you may have it, they may well prescribe a course of antibiotics (possibly two types) along with acid reducing tablets. This treatment is aimed at eradication of the bacteria, and as such is likely to cure the current ulcer and make it much less likely that further problems will occur.
  • Eat small meals regularly.
  • Try simple antacid mixtures or tablets to neutralise the acid. These will usually only ease the symptoms, although very high doses may eradicate an ulcer. NB high doses should not be used without due consultation with a doctor.

Ulcer - Ulcer symptom, treatment, causes

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