Peptic ulcer

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the inner lining of the stomach or upper small intestine

Ulcers form when the intestine or stomach's protective layer is broken down. When this happens, digestive juices—which contain hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin—can damage the intestine or stomach tissue.

               

Peptic ulcer is very painful , may force a patient to call even in very odd hours to doctor , and a doctor does not  feel pain only , but can feel the fear of the persistence of that pain . 

This pain is often described as burning or gnawing and may extend to your back. If you have a stomach ulcer, the pain usually comes on about 15 to 20 minutes after eating. If you have a duodenal ulcer, the pain will usually come on one to three hours after a meal. The pain may also wake you at night.Different people have different symptoms, and some people have no symptoms at all.

Common Symptoms

• A burning, aching, or gnawing pain between the belly button (navel) and the breastbone. Some people also have back pain. The pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours and may come and go for weeks.
• Pain that usually goes away for a while after you take an antacid or acid reducer.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss.
• Bloating or nausea after eating.
• Vomiting.
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
• Passing black stools that look like tar, or stools that contain dark red blood. 

The two most common causes of peptic ulcers are:

• Infection with Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
• Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as  aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Certain lifestyle changes can lessen your risk of developing peptic ulcers. These include:

• Quitting smoking and other tobacco use
• Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Not drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day
• Not mixing alcohol with medication
• Washing your hands frequently to avoid infections
• Limiting your use of ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

• Foods containing flavonoids, like apples, celery, cranberries (including cranberry juice), onions, garlic, and tea may inhibit the growth of H. pylori.
• Eat antioxidant rich foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables .
• Eat foods high in B vitamins and calcium, such as almonds, beans, whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables.
• Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
• Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.
• Use healthy oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
• Avoid beverages that may irritate the stomach lining or increase acid production including coffee (with or without caffeine), alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
• Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.

These supplements may also help:

• Probiotic supplement ,  Probiotics or “friendly” bacteria may help maintain a balance in the digestive system between good and harmful bacteria such as H. pylori. Probiotics may help suppress H. pylori infection and may also help reduce side effects from taking antibiotics, the treatment for an H. pylori infection. Some probiotic supplements may need to be refrigerated for best results.
• Vitamin C, 500 - 1,000 mg 1 - 3 times daily -- One study found that taking vitamin C along with triple therapy allowed the dose of one antibiotic to be lower. Vitamin C may also be helpful in treating bleeding stomach ulcers.