Peptic Ulcers

See also :

• Melena (Blood in Stool)
• Ulcers

Classification

By Region :

• Duodenum : called Duodenal Ulcer
• Esophagus : called Esophageal Ulcer
• Stomach : Gastric Ulcer
• Meckel's Diverticulum (called Meckel's diverticulum ulcer; is very tender with palpation)
  
  

Modified Johnson Classification of peptic ulcers:

• Type I: Ulcer along the body of the stomach, most often along the lesser curve at incisura angularis along the locus minoris resistantiae.
• Type II: Ulcer in the body in combination with duodenal ulcers. Associated with acid oversecretion.
• Type III: In the pyloric channel within 3 cm of pylorus. Associated with acid oversecretion.
• Type IV: Proximal gastroesophageal ulcer
• Type V: Can occur throughout the stomach. Associated with chronic NSAID use (such as aspirin).

Symptoms

• abdominal pain, classically epigastric strongly correlated to mealtimes. In case of duodenal ulcers the pain appears about three hours after taking a meal;
• bloating and abdominal fullness;
• waterbrash (rush of saliva after an episode of regurgitation to dilute the acid in esophagus - although this is more associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease);
• nausea, and copious vomiting;
• loss of appetite and weight loss;
• hematemesis (vomiting of blood); this can occur due to bleeding directly from a gastric ulcer, or from damage to the esophagus from severe/continuing vomiting.
• melena (tarry, foul-smelling feces due to oxidized iron from hemoglobin);
• rarely, an ulcer can lead to a gastric or duodenal perforation, which leads to acute peritonitis, extreme, stabbing pain,[3] and requires immediate surgery.

Home remedies

• Manuka Honey : it'antibacterial nature appears to have effects on internal problems such as: Acid reflux, Infections in the stomach and digestive tract, Ulcers (both in the stomach and peptic), Diarrhea.
• Meadowsweet seems to be an effective stomachic, which is used in the treatment of gastritis, heartburn, hyperacidity, and Peptic Ulcers.
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is used in many traditional medicines to treat a variety of ailments including ulcers.
• Zinc Carnosine : A preliminary research on gastritis, peptic ulcer and gastric cancer patients found that the lower the zinc level in the blood, the more severe the damage to the gastric membrane, suggesting a possible link between serum zinc level and the integrity of the gut lining.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.