Ulcer: drugs, symptoms, causes, prevention, etc. & bull; hello healthy

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Ulcer definition

Ulcer is a term that covers a variety of uncomfortable symptoms or complaints of pain due to disorders of the digestive system (indigestion).

Most people describe heartburn with complaints of abdominal pain, flatulence or gas, nausea and vomiting, and heartburn (heartburn). There are also complaints of sour taste in the throat and mouth to excess belching.

In other words, ulcer is not a special disease that stands alone, but a group of symptoms that indicate the presence of a particular disease.

In the official medical dictionary, a collection of symptoms due to digestive problems is called dyspepsia.

Even though it is not a specific disease, you should not underestimate the presence of this group of indigestion symptoms. Do not rule out, this condition can be a sign as well as a risk of developing more severe health problems.

How common is this condition?

Ulcer is a collection of symptoms of digestive disorders that are quite common. Anyone can experience heartburn.

However, only people who have certain diseases such as gastric acid reflux (GERD) and stomach ulcers are at a higher risk and will develop ulcer symptoms.

The symptoms that appear in everyone are not always the same. In addition, the frequency of ulcer appearance experienced by each person can also be different. There are those who experience it quite often, but some are very rare.

Even so, you don't have to worry. Ulcer is a condition that can be prevented by reducing the risk factors that you have. Consult with your doctor to find out more information.

Signs and symptoms

Everyone experiences different symptoms of an ulcer. Below are the most common symptoms of ulcers.

• Stomach ache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• The stomach feels hot.
• Flatulence due to a buildup of the amount of gas.
• There is discomfort in the upper abdomen.
• Experiencing a burning sensation in the gut that can flow up to the chest (heartburn).
• Easy to burp.
• It's easy to feel full even though you've only eaten a few bites or after eating normal portions of food.
• Feel very full after eating, which usually can last quite a while.
• There is a sour taste in the mouth.

Sometimes, ulcers or digestive problems that indicate a certain disease can cause you to experience it heartburn aka the emergence of a burning feeling or sensation in the center of the chest.

Sensation heartburn can spread to the neck and back. This condition, which certainly makes the body uncomfortable, usually begins when you are eating or after you finish eating.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, you should immediately consult your doctor.

When to see a doctor?

Ulcer can be a symptom of another underlying disease. So, don't delay to check with your doctor if you experience the following conditions.

• Vomiting is frequent and severe, or there is blood in the vomit.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Difficulty swallowing food or drinks.
• Chest pain.
• Yellow eyes and skin.
• Difficulty breathing.
• The chest feels hot.
• The body feels weak.

Complaints due to heartburn can sometimes get worse at any time, depending on its severity. Therefore, you must immediately get medical help if ulcer disease gets worse. Here are the signs.

• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sweating profusely, to chest pain that radiates to the jaw, neck, or arms.
• Chest pain when you are on the move or when you are under stress.

If you have signs and symptoms above or other questions, consult your doctor. Each person's health condition is different. Consultation can help your doctor determine the best treatment for your health condition.

Causes and risk factors

What causes heartburn?

Ulcer is basically not a disease, but a collection of various symptoms for another disease. Therefore, the cause of ulcers has many possibilities. Here are the various causes of ulcers.

1. Lifestyle

First of all, try to review the lifestyle you have been doing so far. The reason is, it is possible that the emergence of digestive disorders is indeed caused by an unhealthy and irregular lifestyle.

The following are various causes and triggers for heartburn related to lifestyle.

• Too much food portions.
• Eat foods that cause ulcers.
• Eating too fast.
• Drink lots of caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and chocolate.
• Loves to drink other fizzy or carbonated drinks.
• Smoke.
• Poorly managed anxiety and stress.
• The habit of eating close to bedtime.

2. Indigestion

On the other hand, heartburn can also be caused by various diseases that are triggered by diseases of the digestive system. Here are some diseases that can cause this condition.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or stomach acid reflux. A condition when stomach acid flows up into the esophagus so that it is at risk of irritating and even damaging the esophagus,
• Gastritis, which is inflammation or swelling of the inner lining of the stomach wall.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is intestinal irritation accompanied by irregular contractions in the large intestine.
• Stomach infection, which is usually caused by bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
• Gastric ulcers, which are thin sores or holes that appear in the wall of your stomach.
• Gastric cancer.
• Celiac disease.
• Gallstones.
• Constipation or constipation.
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
• Obesity, which is at risk increases your chances of experiencing indigestion.

3. Consumption of drugs

In addition to lifestyle and diseases of the digestive system, it turns out that certain types of drugs can also cause stomach ulcers. Here are among them.

• Aspirin and other types of painkillers or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
• Medicines that contain nitrates in them, usually to treat hypertension.
• Estrogens and birth control pills.
• Steroid drugs.
• Several types of antibiotics.
• Medication for thyroid disease.

What increases the risk of developing stomach ulcers?

Heartburn is a common condition. This condition can be experienced by anyone, regardless of age and gender.

Ulcer is generally triggered by a disturbance in the production of gastric acid. When too much stomach acid is produced, it can cause symptoms known as heartburn.

Everyone has stomach acid just as everyone has sugar levels in their blood. However, stomach acid will not become ulcer disease if it is not triggered by risk factors.

Apart from some of the diseases and potential causes mentioned above, the most common risk factors for heartburn are daily habits such as:

• smoke,
• drinking alcoholic beverages,
• eating too much or too fast,
• stress and fatigue, as well
• other problems with the digestive system.

Complications

Basically, ulcers do not always cause severe complications. It's just that, the pain and complaints caused by ulcers can affect daily activities because they make it uncomfortable to feel lazy to eat.

Even so, it does not rule out that this condition can cause complications. This usually occurs because heartburn is caused by other diseases such as GERD, stomach ulcers, and so on.

Some of the complications that may arise due to other diseases that cause ulcers are as follows.

Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture)

Narrowing of the esophagus is characterized by the appearance of a sore or inflammation in the lower part of the esophagus due to an increase in stomach acid. Apart from the esophagus, the sensitive lining of the stomach, aka the mucosa, is also irritated.

The irritation can affect the condition of the esophagus and result in the formation of scar tissue. The presence of scar tissue eventually narrows the food entry pathway.

It's hard to swallow food

People who experience a narrowing of the esophagus usually experience difficulty swallowing food. As a result, food actually gets stuck in the esophagus, which often causes chest pain.

Open sores on the esophagus

Open sores that appear on the esophagus are caused by increased stomach acid which is already classified as severe. As a result, the esophagus can bleed, hurt, and cause difficulty or discomfort when swallowing.

In fact, the severity of stomach acid that rises into the esophagus can also result in changes to the tissue that lines the esophagus. These changes can lead to an increased risk of esophageal (esophageal) cancer.

Pyloric stenosis

Pyloric stenosis occurs when acid reflux results in long-term irritation of the digestive lining. The pylorus is the lower part of the stomach bordering the small intestine.

Pyloric stenosis will make the pyloric area in the stomach narrow. Finally, food cannot be digested properly.

Diagnosis

What tests are done to diagnose an ulcer?

At first, the doctor will usually ask a few questions about symptoms, diet, and medical history first. In order to ascertain what condition you are actually experiencing, the doctor can perform a physical examination.

If necessary, several tests may be needed to better confirm your condition and find out what other diseases are causing heartburn. The following are the screening options to confirm heartburn:

1. Imaging test

Imaging tests include X-rays (X-rays), ultrasound of the abdomen, or CT scan. The goal is to check for possible blockages and other digestive problems.

2. Bacterial test

This examination is done to check for the presence of bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Depending on the severity of your symptoms and other factors, tests will be done.

However, this one test may be preferable if the doctor suspects a stomach ulcer. Screening tests include a stool antigen test, breath test, or blood test.

3. Endoscopy

This test is done to check for problems with the upper gastrointestinal tract, especially in patients who do not respond to treatment normally. You do this by inserting a long thin tube with a camera into the digestive tract.

4. Liver function tests

Liver function tests are used to check the liver, which produces bile. This fluid is used to break down fat. Having a problem with the liver can reduce bile production, leading to indigestion.

What are the treatment options for heartburn relief?

The treatment given by the doctor aims to reduce the symptoms of ulcers and at the same time help improve your health condition. Thus, the administration of a doctor's prescription medication usually depends on the underlying digestive problem.

The following are various options for ulcer medication to help restore this disease.

1. Antacids

Antacids work by fighting the ill effects of acid reflux. Antacids are usually recommended as one of the earliest treatments to treat stomach ulcers or indigestion.

2.Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs can decrease the amount of stomach acid. Therefore, PPI drugs are usually recommended for ulcer patients who experience gastric acid reflux (GERD).

Pump inhibitor inhibitor drugs can be purchased over the counter or obtained by prescription, according to the complaint you are experiencing. Examples of PPI drugs include esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, and dexlansoprazole.

3. H-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs)

Drug H-2 receptor antagonists works by lowering stomach acid levels and can last longer than antacid drugs. However, when compared to antacids, the action of these H2RAs tends to be slower.

4. Prokinetic

Prokinetic is a type of medicine that works by speeding up emptying of the stomach and helping to strengthen the muscles of the lower part of the esophagus. This medicine can usually be obtained on the advice of a doctor.

5. Antibiotics

Antibiotic drugs will only be given if heartburn is triggered by a disease originating from bacteria H. pylori. Antibiotics will help fight the bacteria that cause digestive disorders.

Home remedies

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with various symptoms of ulcers.

• Eat food only in appropriate portions.
• Try to always eat on time.
• Pay attention to the food menu eaten. Limit foods that are too spicy, salty, and fatty.
• Trying to eat slowly.
• Trying to reduce or quit smoking.
• Maintain body weight to stay healthy.
• Reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
• Consult a doctor to replace drugs that irritate the stomach lining, such as NSAIDs and aspirin.
• Manage stress and anxiety as best you can.

Prevention

Here are some things you can do to prevent ulcers.

• Avoid eating late at night or not on time.
• Eat in moderation and not too much.
• Eat a reasonable amount of spicy and fatty foods.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Pay attention to the number of caffeinated drinks you consume so that you don't consume too much.
• Do not force exercise immediately in a full stomach after eating.
• Do not lie down or sleep immediately after eating. We recommend that you give a break of about 2 - 3 hours.

You can also prevent ulcers by following a healthy diet. If you have concerns about ulcers, consult your doctor to get the right treatment.