Gastroduodenal Ulcer
What is an ulcer?
An ulcer is an injury to the lining (mucosa) of the stomach or duodenum (upper small intestine). The presence of a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, is clearly related to the occurrence of ulcers in the stomach or duodenum.
Why have an ulcer?
The most important is the infection caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The second most common is aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, diclofenac or naproxen) used in cases of arthritis, rheumatism, back pain, headaches and menstrual pain.
Ulcers can also occur in people weakened by severe illness (such as chronic respiratory disease or severe trauma). It is thought that this is the result of poor oxygenation of the mucosa of the stomach. Sometimes a stomach ulcer can actually be a cancer and, more rarely, other diseases such as:- Excessive production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach (Zollinger Ellison syndrome)
- Crohn’s disease (chronic inflammatory process affecting parts of the intestine)
Why note the ulcer?
The fact that an ulcer is noticed varies greatly from one person to another. Some people never realize they have an ulcer. Others, however, feel pain or burning in the upper abdomen. Symptoms are often described as dyspepsia (indigestion), burning or hunger pain. Some patients find that eating their discomfort is relieved momentarily, while others are food worsens symptoms. Citrus, spicy and smoked foods may intensify the pain.
Finally, we must emphasize that most people who have stomach pain no ulcer.
An ulcer may be potentially dangerous. The warning signs are:
- Difficulty swallowing or regurgitation
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Vomiting or vomiting fresh blood with a content similar to coffee grounds
- Black stools (melena calls, they are actually digested blood), similar to tar or grease car
- Sudden weight loss
- Anemia (fatigue and paleness)
- Sudden abdominal pain, severe and disabling.
Posted in 
Tags: