A peptic ulcer is an open wound on the lining of the esophagus, stomach and the upper portion of small intestine (duodenal ulcer).There is usually much inflammation around the area.Stomach ulcer are caused when the lining that protects the stomach wall from stomach acid gets worn away or the membranes in stomach wall fail to secrete sufficient protective mucus. Duodenal ulcers occur when acid from the stomach gets into the small intestine. This may due to a fault in the valve that controls what passes from the stomach to the small intestine.
Symptoms
- Burning pain from navel to the breastbone
- Changes in appetite
- Nausea
- Bloody or dark stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
Causes
- Excess of stomach acid or insufficient production of the protective lining of the digestive tract can lead to ulcer formation.
- The presence of Helicobacter pylori bacterium in stomach.
- Regular use of certain pain relievers
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Skipping meals
- High meat diet
- Stress
Action plans
- Maintain a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains which will promote the healing of ulcers.
- Drink plenty of water which can quickly dilute the stomach acid that may cause pain and irritation. Drink water at 30 minutes before meals and an hour after.
- Switch pain reliever
- Control stress that may worsen the signs and symptoms of peptic ulcer.
- Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, salt, chocolate, spices, sugar, fatty foods, fizzy drinks, processed foods, dairy products, and red meat.
No comments:
Post a Comment