Present By: Adel Alohali

Peptic ulcer

PRESENT BY: ADEL ALOHALI

SUPERVISER BY:

DR. HISHAM ABU ODA

Peptic ulcer

Peptic ulcer refers to an area of the stomach or duodenal lining which becomes eroded by the stomach acid. These are known as stomach and duodenal ulcers, collectively known as peptic ulcers.

Symptoms

You may notice no symptoms although you have an ulcer, but frequently they are associated with indigestion or pain in the upper abdomen or even lower chest. This pain may be worse before or after eating and frequently wakes you in the early hours of the morning. The pain may go to the back or sometimes be perceived elsewhere.

Causes

Many factors make you more likely to have an ulcer.

·  It often seems to run in families.

·  Heavy drinking.

·  Certain drugs eg aspirin and other (NSAID) .

We now know that a large percentage of people who have ulcers have a germ (Helicobacter pylori) in their stomach which they probably picked up many years previously, which makes the ulcer more likely to occur and more difficult to heal.

Treatment and prevention

1.  If you smoke, stop. .

2.  Eat small meals regularly.

3.  Avoid any foods which seem to bring on pain.

4.  Try simple antacid mixtures or tablets to neutralise the acid. These will usually only ease the symptoms, although very high doses may eradicate an ulcer. NB high doses should not be used without due consultation with a doctor.

5.  Your doctor may prescribe a tablet which reduces the production of acid in the stomach. This is likely to cure an active ulcer.

6.  If you have Helicobacter pylori or your doctor has good grounds to think that you may have it, he may well prescribe a course of antibiotics (possibly two types) along with acid reducing tablets. This treatment is aimed at eradication of the bacteria, and as such is likely to cure the current ulcer and make it much less likely that further problems will occur.