Peptic ulcer disease treatment guidelines

 Overview

One or more sores or ulcers form on the stomach lining, the duodenum, or the lower part of the food pipe in peptic ulcer disease (PUD).  The digestive tract is protected from acid erosion by a thick layer of mucus.  Many factors can decrease or destroy this protective barrier, allowing stomach acid to dissolve it and cause ulcers.

Most PUD instances are caused by H. pylori or excessive NSAID use that damages the digestive tract.  Peptic ulcer treatment involves reducing stomach acid to cure the ulcer or eliminate H. pylori.

 Peptic ulcers are prevalent.  It is believed that 10% of adults worldwide may experience it. 

 Key Info

•  Usually in 30–50-year-olds.  Men and women, mostly ladies
•  Involved body parts: Stomach, Intestine

 Mirroring Conditions

•  GERD 
•  Acidity
•  Achalasia
•  Gastritis can cause dyspepsia.
•  Gastroparesis
•  Gastric tumors
•  Disease: gallstones
•  Chronic pancreatitis

Treatment options include the following: - Antibiotics: Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin, Metronidazole, Tetracycline; - PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors): Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole; - H2-receptor antagonists: Famotidine, Nizatidine. It differs from man to man.  Antacids, Vagotomy, Antrectomy, Pyloroplasty Surgery

 Specialists to consult

•  Gastroenterologist
•  Gastrointestinal surgeon
•  General practitioner
•  Pediatrician

 PUD symptoms

• The symptoms of peptic ulcer disease vary depending on the patient's age and the location of the ulcer.
•  An ulcer in the stomach is called a gastric ulcer.
• Duodenal ulcers occur in the duodenum, which is part of the small intestine.
•  Gnawing abdominal discomfort is a typical symptom of peptic ulcer illness. 
•  Gastric ulcers cause pain immediately after meals, but duodenal ulcers cause pain 90–180 minutes later.
• People with duodenal ulcers often experience nighttime agony.

 The following are peptic ulcer disease symptoms:

•  Bloating
•  Bloody vomit
•  Blood in stool, Abdominal fullness
•  Vomiting, nausea
•  Weight loss

 Urgent medical symptoms include:

•  Unexpected weight reduction
•  Iron deficiency
•  GI bleeding
•  Swallowing problems
•  A lot of vomiting

 Ulcer Disease Causes

•  Peptic ulcers are often caused by Helicobacter pylori and NSAID overuse.
•  Pylori infection
•  NSAIDs
•  Lifestyle factors:  Spicy food, drinks, and  Stress
•  Harvey Cushing's gastrointestinal ulcer is linked to brain trauma from such accidents, surgeries, and strokes.

 GERD Risk Factors

•  H. pylori
•  Advanced age
•  An excessive use of NSAIDs
•  Extended glucocorticoid and anticoagulation usage
•  Medical problems like lung, renal, or liver disease
•  Smoking
•  High alcohol consumption
•  Family peptic ulcer history
•  African American or Hispanic

 Diagnose peptic ulcer disease

•  If your doctor suspects H. pylori, they will recommend this testing.
•  The urea breath test:
•  Antigen stool test
•  Helicobacter Pylori, IgG test

Also, read https://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/gastroenterology-colorectal-surgery/peptic-ulcer-disease.

 Gastroscopy

Your doctor uses a flexible, thin endoscope with a camera for this treatment.  To observe your stomach and intestines, they will give you a light sedative and spray a topical anesthetic before inserting the tube into your mouth.  The surgery test is normally performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to go home the same day.

Endoscopy lets doctors see the inside of your stomach, take pictures of any problems, and collect tissue samples to check for cancer or H. pylori infection.

 Preventing PUDD

•  Avoid irritants
•  Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake.
•  Restrict painkiller use.
•  Manage stress

Lifestyle changes, including eating the appropriate meal at the right time, being hydrated, and getting enough sleep, can also help avoid peptic ulcers.

 You should see these specialists:

•  General practitioner
•  Gastroenterologist
•  Gastrointestinal surgeon
•  Children's pediatrician

 PUD Treatment

Your doctor will treat peptic ulcer illness based on its cause.  The condition may improve in a month or two with proper therapy.

 Medicines: 

•  Antibiotics
•  Proton pump inhibitor
•  Antagonists of H2
•  Antacids

 Surgery

If you do not respond to or comply with the preceding treatments, your doctor may recommend peptic ulcer surgery.  Surgical procedures:

•  Vagotomy
•  Antrectomy
•  Pyloroplasty
•  Tie-off artery:

 In-home PUD care

 Diet and eating habits are key to home peptic ulcer care.  There are certain dos and don'ts for patients with peptic ulcers.

•  Don't forget to eat regularly.  For instance, you should, eat tiny meals every three hours.
•  Eat 2–3 hours before bed.
•  Chew your liquids gently and properly.
•  Fruits and veggies are fresh.
•  Hydrate often.
•  Avoid excessive consumption of sour, fried, and spicy foods.
•  It is important to avoid drinking too much tea or coffee.
•  Don't drink, smoke, or chew tobacco.
•  Never self-medicate.
•  NSAIDs should be avoided.

 PUD complications

 Internal bleeding

•  The patient may experience slow, long-term bleeding. These medications can cause symptoms such as anemia, pale skin, dyspnea, rapid pulse, and weariness.
•  Bloody vomiting and dark stools may indicate rapid bleeding.

 Perforation

The protective lining of the stomach can crack, which allows germs to reside in the stomach and potentially infect the peritoneum.

•  Obstructed gastric outlet
•  Constantly feeling full
•  Vomiting contains undigested food. 
•  Unexpected weight reduction

 Cancer

• The cause, Helicobacter pylori, raises ulcer-related stomach cancer risks.

Alternatives to PUD Treatment

 Quick home cures for peptic ulcers:

•  Antioxidant-rich fenugreek (Methi) seeds reduce stomach ulcer severity.  Boil fenugreek leaves in water.  Salt to taste.  Drink this concoction twice daily.  Some additional fenugreek seed health advantages.
•  Cabbage (Bandha gobi) juice strengthens stomach lining and heals.  One can drink fresh cabbage juice before sleeping. the 
•  Bananas (Kela) have antibacterial properties that slow the progression of peptic ulcer disease (PUD).  Always eat a banana after breakfast.   
•  Honey (Shehed/Madhu): Antimicrobial and natural healer.  It maintains the health of your stomach and lessens any inflammation. Taking one spoonful of honey before breakfast or adding it to your food can yield miraculous benefits.
•  Garlic (Lehsun): Antibacterial and antimicrobial garlic fights infections.  The use of 2–3 cloves of garlic in the morning yields the most advantages.
•  Slippery elm (Indian elm) bark calms stomach and duodenal mucous membranes.  Grind slippery elm bark into powder.  Mix one cup of warm water with the powder and drink itk three times a day.

 Peptic ulcer yoga

Yoga improves digestive organ blood circulation.  These aid in stomach ulcer healing.  Common yoga positions for peptic ulcers are

•  Mandukasana
•  Sasakasana
•  Yoga Mudrasana
•  Ardhamatyendrasana
•  Vakrasana
•  Pawan Muktasan
•  Gomukhasana

Living With Peptic Ulcer Disease

• Determine your tolerance.
• Look after your mental health. 
• Modify your nutrition.

 Conclusion

If you suspect you have an ulcer, avoid self-medicating and consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. PUD typically affects older adults more than younger ones.