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Peptic Ulcer Disease and Gastritis - Risk Facotor and Complication
Peptic ulcer disease refers to circular erosions, or ulcers, in the inner lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the intestine that receives the contents of the stomach). Gastritis, refers to a diffuse mucosal inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining that causes many of the same symptoms as peptic ulcer disease. Gastritis may cause bleeding, but usually not to the degree found in peptic ulcer disease. Peptic ulcer disease is thought to be a chronic disease with a remitting and relapsing course. In some cases, peptic ulcer disease may also have a very rapid and severe course. The bacteria Campylobacter pylori has been implicated as an etiologic agent in the development of peptic ulcer disease and gastritis. Several other factors however encourage the onset and development of peptic ulcer disease and gastritis.
RISK FACTORS FOR PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE AND GASTRITIS
1. SMOKING
2. CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
3. COFFEE DRINKING
4. ASPIRIN USE
5. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY USE (Ibuprofen and others)
6. CAFFEINATED COLAS
7. ZOLLINGER-ELLISON SYNDROME (a rare glandular abnormality that predisposes you to peptic ulcers)
8. ACUTE STRESS (physical or emotional) In addition to causing severe pain, ulcers (not gastritis) in the stomach and duodenum are subject to a number of more SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS.
COMPLICATIONS OF PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE
1. HEMORRHAGE: refers to slow bleeding which turns the stools black or more rapid bleeding resulting in vomiting blood. The vomit may appear to contain a dark, coffee ground type of material. Changes in stools may be investigated in the SYMPTOM FILE.
2. OBSTRUCTION: refers to a blockage which interferes with the passage of the contents of the stomach into the intestine. The obstruction is caused by scar formation that occurs as ulcers heal. Symptoms include increasing abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloating.
3. PERFORATION: refers to the deep and complete penetration of the ulcer through the stomach or duodenal wall. Perforation is a surgical EMERGENCY. Symptoms include a SUDDEN onset of SEVERE upper abdominal pain that increases with movement (patients typically lie very still). A rigid, board-like abdomen may be noted. Common symptoms of simple (uncomplicated) peptic ulcer disease and gastritis include a "burning," upper-central abdominal pain (just below the rib-cage). Patients complain of early satiety (feeling "full" at the beginning of a meal) and experience weight loss. The pain frequently is worse when the stomach is empty, at night, or between meals. The pain may also radiate to the back. Evaluation will include a history to elicit any risk factors and a physical examination. Stools will be checked for blood to rule out the complication of hemorrhage. X-rays of the abdomen can show characteristic changes associated with obstruction or perforation.
Definitive diagnosis may be made by a UGI series (barium x-ray) or UGI endoscopy (examination through a lighted fiberoptic scope). Blood tests ( blood count and coagulation profile) will also be performed. Treatment of simple (uncomplicated) peptic ulcer disease and gastritis involvescomplete avoidance of the ulcer causing stimuli mentioned above. Antacids used 3-4 times a day (after meals and bedtime) have been shown to be beneficial in healing ulcers. The use of medications (Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac,) which inhibit acid formation in the stomach have revolutionized the treatment and prevention of this disorder. Some medications (Prilosec) are very effective in the short-term management of a peptic ulcer. Patients with evidence of any of the above complications or with intractable pain may require admission to the hospital. Stool test kits for occult blood (blood you can't see with the naked eye) are now available at your pharmacy. These test kits allow for early detection of complications associated with bleeding. A Gastroenterologist is expert in the definitive diagnosis and management of peptic ulcer disease or gastritis.
SELF HELP:
1. Stop Smoking
2. Decrease stress
3. Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory agents
4. Avoid alcohol
5. Avoid caffeine
Hope this article will provde you information about peptic ulcer disease and gastritis.
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