A Gastric ulcer A.K.A peptic ulcer is a fairly common disease causing upper abdominal pain. It is basically a minute erosions or break in the stomach inner lining(mucosa)
Excess of acid in the stomach causing the degradation or destruction of the intestinal mucosal lining is the basic underlying principle in majority of the cases. The condition leading to this are as listed below
Treatment is generally started on the basis of the classical history and the clinical findings. To further confirm the diagnosis and to know the severity an endoscopy can be performed.
Majority of patients get immediate relief with acid suppressing medications. Anti H.Pylori
treatment includes a 14 day course if antibiotics is given in a subset of population.
In a very small subset of patients where medical management fails or in patients with
complications of stomach ulcer surgery is considered. Surgical options include Truncal vagotomy
and Gastro jejunostomy (TVGJ) or similar procedure which can be done Laparoscopically (Key-Hole
surgery) with minimal pain and complications
Yes, Although not linked directly a long standing ulcers in the back ground of H. Pylori infection may lead to Cancers
Yes, Spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes and caffeinated drinks can onmcerease the acid production in stomac and can worsen the symptoms. Alcohol and smoking can also slow down the healing process.