Gastric Ulcer Treatment
Peptic ulcers are areas of erosion in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, upper intestine. They develop when the mucosa, inner lining, becomes eroded creating a sore, or ulcer. The erosion of the mucosal lining permits gastric juices to damage the inner portions of the digestive tract.
Those ulcers that appear in the stomach are gastric ulcers. They usually produce abdominal pain and discomfort, but they may have no symptoms. They may also produce gastrointestinal bleeding. Heartburn, nausea and vomiting are also symptoms of peptic ulcers.
Peptic ulcers are caused by an infection with H pylori, a bacteria, and medications like non steroidal analgesics or excessive acid production.
Gastric Ulcer Treatment
The history of the symptomatology may be sufficient for a physician to make the diagnosis but, imaging studies may be required to confirm the diagnosis. Upper gastrointestinal series, a series of x rays that using a contrast media can help identify the mucosal defects caused by the peptic ulcers.
Endoscopy, the use of a flexible tube with a camera and light source, can be used for direct visualization of the inner stomach. It helps identify the ulcers and take tissue samples, biopsy. A sample of gastric fluids will also be done to identify the presence of the H pilory bacteria. The H pilory bacteria can also be detected using blood samples or breath analysis.
Gastric Ulcer Treatment
If symptoms are not severe and there is no evidence of bleeding treatment for peptic ulcers may begin at home. Quitting smoking and alcohol avoid using analgesics or aspirin and over the counter antacids may help control the symptoms caused by pectic ulcers.
In addition to the above mentioned remedies medical treatment may be indicated. Medications that protect the lining of the stomach, acid reducers or acid blockers may be prescribed. In addition treatment to eradicate the H pilory bacteria. Used for this is a combination of bismuth subsalicylatie, pepto bismol, and tetracycline and metronidazole, which are antibiotics to which the bacteria is susceptible.
Another medical combination frequently prescribed is using two antibiotics, metronidazole and amoxicillin three times daily. Which regimen to use will depend on the patient’s preference.
If the peptic ulcers are actively bleeding restoration of fluids with intravenous solutions may be necessary. A period of a clear liquid diet with no solid food may be advisable. In some patients the bleeding is severe and will require the placement of a nasogastric, a tube inserted to the stomach through the nose, catheter to decompress the stomach to help the healing process. Using endoscopic visualization to cauterize bleeding vessels may be considered. In extreme cases surgery may be indicated.
Gastric Ulcer Treatment
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