What are Gastric Ulcers?

 

Gastric ulcers are also called peptic ulcer disease (PUD), which forms in the first part of the small intestine, breaking the lining of the stomach. It occasionally occurs in the lower oesophagus and is predominantly known as gastric ulcer due to its development in the stomach. Epigastric pain is one of the most common symptoms that are noted. A burning sensation after meals is also a sign of the presence of a gastric ulcer. Mucosal injury occurs when the balance between the gastroduodenal mucosal defense and the secretion of gastric acid balance is disrupted thus causing peptic ulcer disease. 

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What are the causes of Gastric Ulcers?

 

     Diet and lifestyle – excessive consumption of spicy food, intake of caffeine, alcohol consumption are known to cause gastric ulcers

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      H.Pylori infection – chronic inflammation is noticed due to colonization if the H.Pylori in the antral mucosa

 

      Drugs – use of pain killers (NSAIDs) is one of the most common causes of gastric ulcers

 

      Physiological stress – stressful conditions such as CNS trauma, severe medical illness, surgery, respiratory failure, hypotension, traumatic injuries

 

      Genetic factors – patients with a family history of gastric ulcers are prone to PUD

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What are the Signs and Symptoms?

 

      Epigastric pain with burn sensations after a meal

 

      Dyspepsia – bloating, belching, intolerance to fatty food

 

      Heartburn and chest discomfort

 

      Hematemesis or melena

 

      Hematochezia due to a brisk, bleeding ulcer

 

      Fatigue and dyspnea due to consistent anaemia

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How to manage Gastric Ulcer?

Lifestyle modifications play a major role in prevention and progressive worsening of gastric ulcer.

After a detailed history taking and examination, we shall provide you with drugs and life style changes for faster recovery. Follow up visits might be needed as this condition resolves slowly and is more prone for recurrence.