An ulcer is a small sore or break in the lining of the stomach or just beyond the stomach in the first part of the intestine, called the duodenum. Once the break occurs it is gradually eroded and deepened by the corrosive effect of acidic gastric juices to form an ulcer. An ulcerous condition may develop quickly or over a long period of time. An estimated 5-10 percent of people suffer from an ulcer at some point in their lives. Ulcers affect people of all ages and are equally common in men and women.

Factors that can make it more likely for you to get an ulcer, including:

1.Using anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

2.Drinking alcohol excessively.

3.Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco.

4.Family history of ulcers.

5.A rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in which a tumor in the pancreas secretes a substance that causes ulcers throughout the stomach and duodenum.

Most ulcers that plague people are called "gastric" ulcers which are internal in nature. However, there are several kinds of ulcers and they include: decubitus ulcer, peptic ulcer, serpent ulcer, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis, bed sore, and canker sore (herpes).

Peptic ulcer is very common, millions of Americans being diagnosed with different forms of the disorder each year. Peptic ulcers can sometimes develop into more serious disorders. As a result of complications, peptic ulcer may lead to perforate or bleeding ulcer. These two forms of ulcer are considered to be very dangerous, research results indicating a high probability of death due to such complications. Perforate ulcer involves severe tearing of the mucosal membrane, causing acute pain and sourness at the abdominal level. Bleeding ulcer involves internal hemorrhages and it needs immediate medical intervention.

Symptoms

Pain--centered in the pit of the stomach, just below the rib cage--is the most characteristic ulcer symptom, and it usually follows a distinct pattern. It normally begins several hours after eating or during the night, developing when the stomach is empty. The pain can manifest itself as a chronic gnawing or aching; it may grow worse during or immediately after meals; or there may be no pain at all, just belching--any ongoing stomach discomfort should be called to a doctor's attention.If a peptic ulcer bleeds, an Endoscopy may be needed and a procedure carried out to stop the bleeding. If bleeding cannot be stopped in this way or if the ulcer has caused a perforation then surgery will be required.

Nowadays, there are two types of therapy against an ulcer: the triple and dual therapy. The first ulcer therapy includes: metronidazole, four times every day, tetracycline, also four time each day and pepto-bysmol. This ulcer treatment lasts for two weeks. It has a rate of almost 90 percent effectiveness in destroying the bacteria that caused the ulcer. This ulcer therapy is also very effective because it reduce the risk of ulcer reoccurrence. The second ulcer therapy means that only two medicines are taken: amoxcillin and prolosec. This ulcer therapy also lasts for two weeks, but it has only an 80 percent effectiveness.

However, even after the improvement of the disorder, specific treatment needs to be administered until the complete remission of ulcer. Gastric ulcer is more problematic, as it tends to recidivate after certain periods of time. Gastric ulcer has a pronounced chronic character and it is more difficult to overcome the disorder. Regardless of the form of the ulcer, it is vital to diagnose the disorder quickly, in order to prevent further complications.

Continuing to follow these guidelines once the signs and symptoms clear can help prevent further outbreaks and minimise the need for medical intervention.

Read about natural remedies Also read about home remedies for asthma and how to prevent bad breath .

To add a comment please login by clicking here