Untreated Peptic Ulcer can Lead to
Serious Complications
by Groshan Fabiola
Peptic ulcer is a common disorder of the digestive
system that causes inflammation, irritation and lesions to internal
tissues and organs. Peptic ulcers generally occur on the premises of
infection with Helicobacter pylori (bacteria that often populate the
interior of the stomach), triggered by an overproduction of gastric acids
and pepsin. Helicobacter pylori weaken the internal organs’ mucus-covered
protective walls, enabling digestive fluids to cause ulcerations and
lesions.
The natural physiologic factors that can prevent the occurrence of
peptic ulcer are: appropriate production of mucus, good mucosal blood
circulation, appropriate production of bicarbonate, alkaline tide and a
thick hydrophobic layer. If the balance of these natural defenses is
perturbed, the risks of developing peptic ulcer are considerably
increased.
Peptic ulcers can be developed either at the level of the duodenum or
at the level of the stomach. Duodenal peptic ulcers are generally less
serious, while stomach peptic ulcers can lead to serious complications. In
the absence of an appropriate medical treatment, stomach peptic ulcer can
lead to perforated ulcer or bleeding ulcer, disorders that require
immediate medical intervention.
Peptic ulcer occurs in people of all ages and it affects both sexes
equally. Although at first the disorder may be mild, peptic ulcer can
progress over the years, sometimes even becoming life-threatening.
However, nowadays peptic ulcer can be effectively overcome with medication
treatments, rarely requiring surgical intervention. When it is timely
diagnosed, peptic ulcer is highly curable.
Peptic ulcer usually generates symptoms such as abdominal discomfort
and soreness, which usually intensify after meals or during the night. It
is important to note that antacids can only provide temporary symptomatic
relief, being unable to prevent the progression of peptic ulcer. Peptic
ulcer can only be overcome with the means of an appropriate diet and
specific medical treatment. When suffering from peptic ulcer, it is very
important to pay regular visits to your doctor in order to receive medical
examinations and a correct treatment.
The best means of preventing the progression of peptic ulcer are a
healthy lifestyle and an appropriate diet. A good ulcer diet can ease the
symptoms of peptic ulcer and can also keep the disorder under control.
Ulcer diets should only contain non-acidic foods and beverages. When
suffering from peptic ulcer, you should limit the intake of citrus fruits,
processed foods and some dairy products. Although milk is known to provide
relief for peptic ulcer, it can actually aggravate the disorder.
Avoid smoking, alcohol and coffee when suffering from peptic ulcer.
Smoking affects the blood circulation at the level of the stomach and it
also slows down the process of healing, while coffee and alcoholic
beverages stimulate an overproduction of pepsin and gastric acids. In
order to minimize the risk of complications, it is best to abstain from
smoking, alcoholic and caffeine beverages when suffering from peptic
ulcer.
