A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the upper digestive tract. There are two types of peptic ulcers; a gastric ulcer which forms in the lining of the stomach and a duodenal ulcer which forms in the upper part of the small intestine. The formation of these ulcers in these respective parts causes disease that is commonly known as Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
When you eat, your stomach produces hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin to digest the food. The food is partially digested in the stomach and continues to the duodenum for more digestion to take place there. Peptic ulcers occur when the acid and enzyme overcome the defence mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract and erode the gastric (stomach) and duodenal mucosal wall.
The following factors can weaken the protective mucosal barrier of the stomach and duodenum increasing the chances of getting ulcers and delaying the healing of existing ulcers:-
- The bacterium named Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori),
- Prolonged use of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen.
- Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption
- Physical stress (severe injuries of burns or major surgery) or emotional stress
- Smoking
- Caffeine consumption or radiation therapy.
The common symptoms of peptic ulcers include; burning and gnawing sensation in the abdomen that usually gets worse several hours after meals when the stomach is empty; loss of appetite; weight loss; vomiting of blood or dark material; and bleeding in the stomach or duodenum with blood present in stool or black, tarry sticky-looking stools.
Treatment of peptic ulcers may differ among patients depending on the cause of the ulcers. Treatment may include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking; avoiding alcohol, NSAIDs; acid-blocking medications; medications that protect the lining of the stomach and duodenum; and triple-therapy regimens for ulcers caused by the bacterium, H. pylori.
Some home-made remedies have shown a remarkable role in minimizing symptoms of peptic ulcer disease and these include:- Probiotics which are living organisms that help to balance bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract(these can be obtained in yoghurts, fermented foods and probiotic supplements); Cabbage juice which is rich in vitamin c, that has shown to help in prevention and treatment of H. pylori infections; Ginger which is thought to have gastro-protective effects; unripe plantain bananas that contain flavonoids which help to increase mucous in the stomach; honey which is thought to speed up wound healing; and turmeric which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties
References:
Newsletter: 9 science-backed home remedies for ulcers, August 16, 2017, by Alina petre.
Newsletter: Epidemiology and etiology of peptic ulcer disease, Sept 2017.