1 Etiology of the disease

An ulcer or peptic ulcer of the stomach is a local trophic disorder of the gastric mucosa. It develops under the influence of aggressive factors - hydrochloric acid, bile and pepsin. The ulcer looks like a wound or a shallow fovea in the wall of the stomach, different in color from the mucous membrane of the organ.

Hydrochloric acid and pepsin are products of the digestive system and are produced in the stomach. Pepsin is an enzyme that is produced by the cells of the mucous membrane of the body to break down the food proteins. Bile also takes part in the process of digestion of food. Normally it is excreted by the liver and will get out of it into the duodenum, bypassing the stomach. But because of some diseases, as a result of injuries and during pregnancy, bile can get into the stomach.

The mucous membrane of the stomach produces mucus, which protects it from the aggressive action of hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and from the bile penetrating into the stomach. If the protective layer of mucus is destroyed, aggressive substances affect the tissues of the organ.

In many cases, the protective layer of mucus in the stomach is destroyed by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is an aggressive factor, which most often causes a peptic ulcer. It lives in the acidic environment of the body and in its mucosa. Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori occurs when using a common dish with an infected person, due to non-compliance with hygiene rules. The bacterium can be transmitted by coughing and sneezing. Scientists believe that most of the population is infected with this bacterium. However, only a small part of infected people have ulcer disease.

An ulcer occurs when the negative influence of aggressive factors begins to predominate over the action of protective factors.

2 Acute and chronic peptic ulcer

When the acute ulcer is destroyed, the mucous and submucous layers of the stomach wall. The incidence of bleeding of different degrees in acute ulcers reaches 75%.It can provoke organ perforation. Perforation or perforated ulcer is a through hole in the wall of the stomach. Perforation represents a serious threat to human life. During perforation, the contents of the stomach are poured into the abdominal cavity. In such a situation, purulent peritonitis occurs.

Acute purulent peritonitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the peritoneum. It is accompanied by severe symptoms with violation of all vital systems of the human body. When purulent peritonitis needs immediate medical attention.

Acute ulcers have a rounded shape, can be either small in size or rather large. On the site of a protracted acute ulcer, there remains a soft pink epithelial scar.

Chronic form of the disease occurs with prolonged and gradual development of the disease, as well as in the case when an acute ulcer does not heal for a long time. The chronic ulcer is large. The zone of inflammation arising in its circumference is increased, in contrast to the acute form of the disease. In most cases, large single foci are diagnosed, but multiple manifestations of the chronic form are also observed. Multiple manifestations are diagnosed more often in old age.

Chronic ulcer gradually reduces the protective function of the organ and increases the threat of bleeding and perforation. The gradual development of a destructive process in the walls of the stomach can lead to the adhesion of neighboring organs to it. For example, the liver. And the process can spread to them. This condition is called a penetrating ulcer or penetrating.

3 Causes of development of

Peptic ulcer occurs for the following reasons:

1. Increased acidity of gastric juice. This phenomenon can be caused by violations of the body or infectious diseases. The acidity of the gastric juice increases the sharp, salty, acidic, fried, flour and sweet foods. Fans of too hot food are also at risk.
2. Chronic gastritis. These are inflammatory or inflammatory-dystrophic changes in the mucous membrane of the organ.
3. Acute and chronic forms of vascular diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus.
4. Constant stress, depressive and depressed state, psycho-emotional overstrain.
5. Violation of diet, abuse of fast food, convenience foods, snacks on the go, in a dry-sink.
6. Abuse of alcoholic beverages, smoking.
7. Prolonged use of certain medications, for example, acetylsalicylic acid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or iron preparations.
8. Closed trauma of the skull, which led to a violation of the hormonal regulation of the secretion of gastric juice.
9. Infection of the stomach with Campylobacteria and fungal microorganisms of the genus Candida.

People with blood group 0( I), with weathered heredity, with congenital increased number of cells producing hydrochloric acid, as well as with congenital insufficiency of organ protective factors are predisposed to the development of peptic ulcer of the stomach.

When stomach diseases develop, their symptoms are similar.

4 The main symptoms of

Symptoms of the disease can be pronounced or blurred.

But quite often the ulcer does not cause any pain. The course of the disease, its symptoms and signs, depend on the size and location of the ulcer, on the general condition of the patient, on his age, on the presence of other diseases and on his individual characteristics.

The first signs of a stomach ulcer are usually expressed in pain in the stomach after eating. Pain syndrome with ulcer disease is often irradiated. That is, the pain can irradiate( give) to other organs. For example, in the left side of the chest or in the lower back.

At the initial stage of the disease, the pain appears paroxysmal. The patient sharply and unexpectedly feels a painful syndrome, grasps for a sore spot. During an attack, he is bound and stiffens in a bent position, pressing his legs to his chest. The patient's face turns pale, and his lips turn blue, he throws him into a fever. When you try to click on a sore spot, the pain syndrome increases dramatically. Arterial pressure during an attack decreases, the pulse can remain within normal limits or slightly decrease. The first symptoms soon disappear, and for a while the illness may not remind of itself. More often seizures alternate in spring and autumn.

When the stomach ulcer develops, its symptoms can be confused with the manifestations of other diseases. Along with the pain in the person's stomach, heartburn, an acidic eructation with an unpleasant odor, nausea and vomiting are often troubled. He has problems with defecation or, conversely, the stool becomes liquid with blood. The behavior of the patient also changes. He becomes irritable and intolerant. Insomnia is a sign of an ulcer. At such symptoms it is necessary to go urgently to the doctor for examination. Treatment of stomach ulcers in the early stages helps to avoid serious complications that threaten not only health, but also human life.

In the second stage, the pain syndrome may not appear or manifest less so. But there are other symptoms of stomach ulcers. The patient's body temperature rises, the pulse increases, there is dryness in the mouth. It may increase gas formation, probably the occurrence of constipation.

The third stage is the most dangerous. At this stage, bleeding and perforations are possible. All signs of ulcers are pronounced. In this case, urgent hospitalization is needed.

5 Treatment of a disease

Stomach ulcer is categorically forbidden to treat yourself. At the initial stage, it is very important to correctly diagnose. Without medical assistance, this can not be done. Treatment of ulcers should be carried out only under the supervision of a physician.

The doctor will prescribe antibiotics to fight the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. In addition, it is necessary to take drugs that reduce the acidity of gastric juice. The doctor will recommend the medicinal products of the enveloping action to maintain the protective mechanism of the stomach. For this purpose, you can take decoctions of flax seed, which has enveloping, anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Vitamin preparations containing vitamin B5( pantothenic acid) and vitamin U( methylmethionine sulfonium chloride) are used to treat stomach ulcer. Pantothenic acid helps the mucosa to recover faster. Deficiency of vitamin B5 leads to an excess of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Increased portions of pantothenic acid, on the contrary, inhibit gastric secretion. Vitamin B5 improves intestinal motility.

Vitamin U also reduces the secretory function of the stomach and thus has an analgesic effect.

The dosage, the schedule of taking medications and the course of treatment is determined only by the attending physician.

If multiple, recurrent ulcers are observed, and if complications occur, surgical treatment - gastrectomy and vagotomy - can be prescribed.

Resection of the stomach is an operation to remove the affected part of the stomach. It is used quite rarely, when diagnosing very large foci or ulcers, complicated by severe cicatricial stenosis of the stomach.

Vagotomy is a surgical procedure, during which the nerves that stimulate the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach are cut.

With a timely call to the doctor, the prognosis of the disease is favorable.

6 Necessary Diet

When the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will appoint a sparing diet to the patient to reduce the mechanical load on the organ. It includes, mainly, vegetable food in the form of mucous porridges, rubbed soups, chicken broths, kissels. Useful white rice and sour-milk products.

The products are cooked to steam, during the process of extinguishing or cooking. Fried, smoked, salted, fatty and spicy is categorically excluded. In addition, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, coffee, canned food and fresh bakery products are prohibited. Food is often, in small portions, so as not to overload the stomach. The food should be warm.

A common folk remedy for a stomach ulcer is water with soda. Soda neutralizes hydrochloric acid and facilitates the patient's condition.

Cranberry juice has long been famous for its ability to treat peptic ulcer. In addition, effectively repairs the mucous membrane of the stomach, sea buckthorn oil, natural honey, aloe juice, white cabbage juice and carrot juice.

7 Preventative measures

In order to prevent disease, it is necessary to maintain the protection factors that ensure the balance of the digestive system.

To do this, minimize stressful conditions. If psychoemotional stress and stress are related to professional activity, it is recommended to change the place of work.

Soothing herbal teas are useful, relaxing treatments are a warm bath, massage, listening to quiet music and reading before bed. Quiet nerves help active walks in the fresh air, moderate exercise, swimming. We need positive emotions.

Active recovery of cells of the gastric mucosa occurs more quickly under the action of natural reparants - rosehip oil and sea buckthorn oil.

Should strive to increase the body's defenses. Strong immunity can protect against many diseases, including stomach ulcers. Effectively increase the immunity of moderate hardening procedures, contrast showers, air and sun baths. It is recommended to completely abandon bad habits.