“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Gastric ulcer, also known as peptic ulcer disease, is a condition that occurs when there is a break or erosion in the lining of the stomach. It is caused by a disruption in the balance between the acids and enzymes in the stomach that are responsible for digesting food and the protective mechanisms that help to prevent damage to the lining of the stomach. Gastric ulcers can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.
The most common cause of gastric ulcer is infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is responsible for up to 80% of cases. Other risk factors for gastric ulcer include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. In rare cases, gastric ulcers can be caused by a tumor in the stomach.
Diagnosis of gastric ulcer involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, such as endoscopy, a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth into the stomach to examine the lining of the stomach.
Treatment of gastric ulcer typically involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Medications may include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and antibiotics to treat H. pylori infection. Lifestyle changes may include avoiding alcohol, stopping smoking, and avoiding NSAIDs.
If left untreated, gastric ulcer can lead to serious complications, such as internal bleeding, perforation of the stomach lining, and obstruction of the stomach. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage to the stomach lining or remove a tumor.
Prevention of gastric ulcer involves avoiding the use of NSAIDs unless they are absolutely necessary, quitting smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and practicing good hygiene to reduce the risk of H. pylori infection.