Ulcer; It is the destruction of the stomach or duodenum by fluids such as stomach acid and pepsin, resulting in inflammation, scarring and tissue loss in the mucosa, which is the tissue lining the inner surface of the stomach or duodenum. These wounds, whose medical name is peptic ulcer, are seen in the duodenum rather than the stomach in our country. Ulcers are 3 times more common in men than in women and are especially common in the 30-50 age group, and are more common in women after the age of 60.
Ulcers occurring in the stomach are gastric ulcers, ulcers occurring in the duodenum are bulbar ulcers or duodenal ulcers. It is called ulcer. Ulcers can be from 3-5 mm to 5 cm wide.
Why does it happen?
The stomach protects itself while performing its own duties. While mucosal defense systems, regular movements of the stomach and cell renewal systems perform their functions, they also prevent damage to the stomach. These mechanisms work in harmony with other organs and systems while using extremely complex intracellular pathways, hormones and electrical stimuli at the cellular level. However, if an imbalance occurs between the protective mechanisms of the stomach and the mechanisms that will cause problems in the stomach, the person begins to have stomach complaints. Over time, this situation becomes not just a stomach problem, but a problem that affects the entire digestive system. All these imbalances manifest themselves in various stomach diseases that can range from reflux, gastritis, peptic ulcer and even stomach cancer.
There are some factors that facilitate the emergence of ulcers. A bacterium called "Helicobacter pylori", which has mechanical and physiological effects on the human body, smoking and alcohol consumption, and medications, especially painkillers, are the most important factors that cause ulcers. And also; An unbalanced and unhealthy diet, chewing food less, staying hungry for a long time, overfilling the stomach, insomnia, fatigue, not paying attention to food hygiene and stress are other factors that facilitate ulcers.
What are the symptoms?
Ulcer symptoms can be quite obvious and sometimes disturbing. The most common ulcer symptom is gnawing and burning pain in the upper abdomen. Especially between meals The ulcer, which is more visible, can wake up people with pain at any time of the night, especially those with duodenal ulcers. Generally speaking, ulcer symptoms include burning and pain in the stomach, temporary relief from eating, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating and indigestion.
How is it diagnosed?
The most accurate method of ulcer diagnosis is endoscopy, which allows the ulcer to be seen directly and tissue samples to be taken when necessary. Upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy (gastroscopy) is considered the gold standard in diagnosing ulcers. With gastroscopy, ulcers can be seen directly and a biopsy can be taken. When necessary, the gastroenterologist may take a biopsy from the edge of the ulcer or from the normal gastric mucosa to determine whether the ulcer-causing bacteria called Helicobacter pylori is present in the stomach. Especially since stomach ulcers can sometimes be the starting point of stomach cancer, it is important to take a biopsy from the edge of this ulcer at the time of initial diagnosis to show that there is no microscopic cancer in the tissue and to see that the ulcer detected in the stomach is completely healed by control endoscopy after appropriate medical treatment. In addition, bleeding ulcers can be stopped by applying endoscopic treatment methods during gastroscopy.
How is it treated?
Most ulcers heal with drug treatment that reduces acid production and heals the mucosa. . If Helicobacter pylori is detected in the biopsy results taken from the stomach, the gastroenterologist also plans an intensive but effective antibiotic treatment and provides ulcer treatment. Even drinking milk to prevent heartburn can worsen ulcer disease. For this reason, ulcer patients should definitely stay away from all kinds of foods and drinks that are not good for their stomach and increase gastric secretion. If sour, bitter and onion foods increase complaints, a nutrition routine should be created away from them. Smoking blocks ulcer treatment and delays ulcer healing. Alcohol intake also impairs the resistance of the superficial mucosa, making the treatment of diseases such as gastritis and ulcers difficult. Especially in acute ulcers, alcohol use should be avoided.
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