Gastric and duodenal ulcers: Gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers are two different types of ulcers. A peptic ulcer is a sore occurred on or inside of the stomach lining is called a gastric ulcer.
On the other hand, when the ulcer is on the upper part of the small intestine is called a duodenal ulcer.
What are the symptoms of both types of ulcers?
Gastric and duodenal ulcers, First of all, we must see where and when the pain occurs. Whether it occurs on empty stomach or after eating a meal. The exact location of the pain does not always match with the location of the ulcer. Sometimes the pain may have away from the exact location of the ulcer. In addition to the above, the patient may feel nausea, vomiting, bloating. According to gastroenterologists in most cases of ulcer symptoms are bleeding. But in most cases, all the above symptoms do not occur.
In severe cases of ulcer symptoms are
- Blood in stool or the color of stool black or shiny
- Patient feels difficulty in breathing
- Patient losses consciousness
- Blood in vomiting
- Fatigue
What causes ulcers?
Gastric and duodenal ulcers, Helicobacter pylori bacteria are the most common cause of gastric or duodenal ulcers. First of all these bacteria affects the mucus lining of the stomach or duodenum. By doing so it allows the stomach acid to damage the Mucous lining.
It is not clear how this bacteria spread. But it might be due to intake of unclean water, food, or unclean utensils. The person who is suffering from H Pylori can also spread it through direct contact with saliva. Many people get this bacterial infection in childhood but it rarely develops in peptic ulcers.
Certain medications induce ulcers
Some NSAID medicines, such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen, and some other drugs that fall under this category are responsible for H pylori infection. We should avoid the unnecessary intake of these medicines.
Other conditions responsible for ulcers
In rare cases, Zollinger –Ellison syndrome is responsible for the development of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors. These tumors release certain hormones that increase the high level of stomach acid and leads to gastric and duodenal ulcer. These types of tumors mostly develop in the pancreas or duodenum. However, this type of tumor can occur in any part of our body.
Who is more likely to develop ulcers?
Doctors mostly recommend NSAIDs to patients with arthritis or joint inflammation which can increase the risk of peptic ulcer. Some other medicines are also responsible for peptic or duodenum ulcers and bleeding ulcers, such as
- Osteoporosis treatment such as alendronate and risedronate
- Anticoagulants medicines , clopidgrel
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- Certain chemotherapy medicines
- In the age of 70 years old or older people
- Who consumes alcohol
- Patient with Peptic ulcer
- Smoking also causes an ulcer
- Severe injury also causes an ulcer
- Intake of spicy and fast food.
- Citric food also increase peptic ulcer
How to diagnose ulcers?
Gastric and duodenal ulcers, A doctor will ask you any question related to your medical history, and conduct many tests to diagnose further,
- Blood test
- Stool for chemically and microscopic tests
- Urea breath test
- Endoscopy of the stomach
- Barium meal x-ray
After a physical examination and on seeing the report of the above tests, necessary medication will be prescribed by a specialist doctor.
Medication of ulcer
Gastric and duodenal ulcers, Treatment is started as per the medical report and condition of the patient.
To reduce the amount of acid and protect the stomach lining proton pump inhibitor or histamine receptor blocker.
In the case of H pylori, infection the doctor will prescribe antibiotics and other medicines to fight the bacteria. These medications are called mucosal protective agents that protect the mucosal lining of the stomach and duodenum.
In the case where NSAIDs are responsible for ulcers advise how to reduce the use of NSAIDs.
In the case of bleeding, the procedure to stop bleeding must be taken during the endoscopy procedure.
Where endoscopy and medication fail to give proper results, your doctor may recommend surgery. If a deep hole has been created by the ulcer in the stomach or duodenum, surgery is the only way to treat it.
Food and general habit
Gastric and duodenal ulcers, A patient who is suffering from an ulcer must take nonspicy food, leafy and green vegetable, intake non-citric food, remain tension-free, do daily morning walks, do yoga, and exercise. Take proper sleep of 7 to 8 hours daily. Take dinner between 7 to 8 PM daily. In addition to proper medication, it is also necessary.
What is the outlook of untreated ulcers?
In the case of untreated ulcers, the causes are very serious. An untreated ulcer may create serious problems, which are as under,
1. Bleeding
ulcer breaks the blood vessels of your stomach or duodenum, which causes bleeding.
2. Perforation
The ulcer break through the lining, and stomach wall, which causes leakage of food, acid, and bacteria resulting in a perforation.
3. Peritonitis
Due to perforation, infection, and inflammation of the abdominal cavity occur.
4. Blockage
Some food remains in the stomach or duodenum in the scar tissue of ulcers which causes blockage.
So it is necessary to get proper treatment of ulcer after properly diagnosed. An untreated case of ulcer can cause the growth of cancerous tumors.
Frequently Asked Question About gastric and duodenal ulcers
Q. What is the difference between gastric ulcer and duodenum ulcer”?
Ans. Gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers are two different types of ulcers. A peptic ulcer is a sore occurred on or inside of the stomach lining is called a gastric ulcer.
On the other hand, when the ulcer is on the upper part of the small intestine is called a duodenal ulcer.
Q. What is the major difference between gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer?
Ans. A peptic ulcer is sure on the lining of the stomach or in the first part of your small intestine (Duodenum). If the ulcer is in the stomach it is called a gastric ulcer and if it is in the duodenum it is called a duodenal ulcer.
Q. What causes gastric ulcers?
Ans. NSAIDs medicines and the bacteria H.pylori caused the gastric ulcer. Both break down the mucous lining of the stomach and form ulcers.