Bruce Springsteen Announced last Wednesday that they were forced to postpone all concerts planned for the month of September peptic ulcer,
Connected
as mentioned Dr. Carlos Martín de Argila de Prados and Daniel Boixeda de MiquelFrom the Gastroenterology Service of the Ramon y Cajal University Hospital in Madrid and members of the Spanish Digestive System Foundation (FEAD).
Peptic ulcer disease is “a lesion in the form of a more or less deep ulcer in the most superficial layer (called the mucosa) covering the digestive tract.”
We are talking about a “common” pathology, which affects about 5-10% of the population in Western Europe at some time in their lives.
However, till a few years ago it was believed that the cause of this troublesome disease was excessive production of hydrochloric acid (which helps digestion), and is considered an important factor today, “Research in this area of medicine has provided very interesting and innovative data in the understanding of peptic ulcers.”
Symptoms of peptic ulcer
The most common symptoms of this disease are:
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nausea
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On fire
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More or less stabbing pain in the upper part of the abdomen, just below the breast bone.
- Swelling
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stomach pain after meals
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Feeling full after just a few bites
And as the ulcer worsens you may experience:
- unexplained weight loss
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vomiting blood
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vomiting a substance that looks like coffee grounds
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Black, tarry stools.
In these cases it is important to see a doctor immediately.
Peptic ulcer is very common, but it does not cause symptoms
Peptic ulcers are sores, usually superficial, that appear in the lining of the stomach. small intestine. We can suffer from this disease at any age, but It is more common in older people.
Of course, many patients are completely asymptomatic and only become aware of it when they start bleeding.
are quite fortunate, because peptic ulcer symptoms are painful, they affect Quality of life The patient’s and in many cases his strength becomes very weak.
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Helicobacter pyloriFirst cause of peptic ulcer
famous bacteria called Helicobacter pylori is one of the main Reason Peptic ulcer, as it damages the protective mucosa of the stomach and small intestine.
As a result of this involvement, the chance of developing open wounds, also called ulcers, is greatly increased.
But the reality is that only 10% of people are with it Helicobacter pylori Eventually they develop ulcers. And most will not show any symptoms of infection.
The reason for this different response to this bacteria is still unknown.
Other causes of peptic ulcer
Perhaps the second most common cause is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are drugs commonly used to relieve joint pain and reduce fever, such as aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen.
And according to experts, although occasional use does not seem to be a risk factor, the higher the dose and the closer to daily use, the greater the chance.
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“If the patient reports consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Like aspirin) It is very possible that these medications were the main cause of your illness.
As several studies show, tobacco smoking and excessive drinking can also cause ulcers.
diseases that cause exactly the same symptoms
Another thing are diseases that have the same symptoms as peptic ulcer, without one. For example:
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Functional dyspepsia, which is medically referred to as stomach pain without any apparent cause.
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Gastric cancer, although only in less than 1 percent of cases.
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gastroesophageal reflux
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Gastritis or inflammation of the stomach lining
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inflammation of pancreas
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Gallbladder stones…
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How are peptic ulcer symptoms treated?
The first thing a specialist usually does when faced with symptoms of peptic ulcer is to run a screening test. Helicobacter pylori,
If the result is positive, it is normal for the patient to start treatment with antibiotics.
Endoscopy is also one of the recommended tests for these symptoms, as it allows detecting the ulcer and knowing its severity.
If it’s not caused by any of these issues, as experts explain, “you can and should live a normal life.”
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“Today it is known that diet is neither the cause of disease nor an aggravator of it. The only thing that is advised is that ulcer patients should not eat foods that make them feel bad. It is advisable not to abuse coffee, not smoke and consume alcoholic beverages,
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“Except in very special cases, ulcer patients should not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If they are necessary, it is recommended to protect the gastric and duodenal mucosa while treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs ) – for Helicobacter pylori -, like omeprazole and others similar.