What Does Ulcer Mean?

What Does Ulcer Mean?

Table of Contents

• What Does Ulcer Mean?
• Why Does Ulcer Occur?
• What is Peptic Ulcer?
• What are the Symptoms of Stomach Ulcer?
• What are the Ulcer Diagnosis Methods?
• How is Ulcer Treatment Performed?
• What is Good for Ulcers?
• How Should Ulcer Patients Eat?
• What is the Difference Between Ulcer and Gastritis?
• Which Doctor to See for Ulcers?

What Does Ulcer Mean?

An ulcer is a type of tissue loss that occurs in the protective lining of the stomach. The stomach or duodenum may be irritated by body fluids such as stomach acid and digestive fluids. The continuation of this irritation may cause tissue loss after a certain period of time. In ulcers, which are more common in men than in women, pain and burning in the upper part of the stomach are among the symptoms that are frequently strained. Although different treatment methods are used depending on the severity of the ulcer, drug treatment is usually applied. Surgical intervention may also be needed in ulcers that do not heal.

Why Does Ulcer Occur?

Ulcers can occur for different reasons. Ulcers are mostly caused by a type of microbe called “helicobacter pylori”. In addition, the following can be listed among the causes of ulcers:

• Unhealthy and irregular diet
• Some painkillers and cortisone drugs used
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Eating fast food
• Genetic predisposition
• Environmental pollution
• Intense stress
• Long-term fasting
• Intense coffee consumption

Since the types of ulcers vary, the causes of ulcers may also vary depending on their types. However, the most common causes are as above.

What is Peptic Ulcer?

Ulcers are open wounds seen in the stomach, and if these wounds occur in the esophagus, small intestine and stomach, they are called peptic ulcers. Areas irritated by stomach acid develop open wounds over time. Although different symptoms occur in peptic ulcers, the most common symptom is abdominal pain. In addition to these, symptoms such as heartburn, loss of appetite, weight loss, and a feeling of relief accompanied by vomiting may also occur. Peptic ulcers are generally seen much more frequently in conditions such as;

• Liver cirrhosis,
• Chronic lung diseases,
• Chronic renal failure.

In addition, if the symptoms of peptic ulcer are seen, a gastroenterology department should be visited. Untreated peptic ulcers can cause extremely serious complications, especially internal bleeding, in the future.

What are the Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers?

The symptoms of stomach ulcers may vary depending on the severity of the ulcer. However, ulcer symptoms can be listed in general as follows:

• Nausea
• Complaint of burning and pain in the stomach
• Indigestion problem
• Feeling of bloating after eating
• Feeling of fullness even after eating a little
• Change in stool color
• Dizziness
• Weight loss
• Complaint of stomach pain after eating

If the ulcer is not treated, different symptoms may be added to the existing symptoms. For example, extremely serious symptoms such as blockage, bleeding, and stomach perforation may be observed. On the other hand, some people may experience serious symptoms such as bleeding or perforation directly without any symptoms.

What are the Ulcer Diagnosis Methods?

In order to treat a stomach ulcer, the diagnosis must first be made. Endoscopy is among the most commonly used methods in ulcer diagnosis procedures. Because endoscopy can directly see the ulcer. In addition, if necessary, tissue samples can be taken and necessary examinations can be performed. With the endoscopy method, it is possible to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. In some patients, barium stomach and duodenum radiography can also be taken after endoscopy. With the methods used, the ulcer is diagnosed and the next step, the treatment, is moved on.

How is Ulcer Treatment Performed?

After the diagnosis is made, drugs that suppress the acid in the stomach are used. These drugs are known as H2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors. The drugs used make it possible to reduce stomach acids and relieve symptoms. Generally, drug use is sufficient for ulcer treatment. However, in some patients, it may be necessary to cut the nerve that stimulates this secretion in order to prevent acid and pepsin secretion. Surgery may also be necessary in advanced ulcers. In particular, the formation of symptoms such as blockage, bleeding and perforation are among the conditions that necessitate surgical intervention. The treatment period for ulcers that are not treated in a timely manner can last 10 to 15 years. Therefore, it is extremely important to treat ulcers when symptoms first begin to appear.

What is Good for Ulcers?

A healthy diet is extremely important in the treatment of stomach ulcers. Therefore, individuals who are faced with ulcer problems should be careful about what they eat. Consuming fiber-rich foods has an important place in reducing ulcer symptoms.

It especially helps reduce swelling and pain. There are many tips that will be useful for treating ulcers. These tips can be listed as follows:

• Pay attention to a healthy and regular diet.
• Minimize your coffee and tea consumption.
• Do not consume excessively sugary and salty foods.
• Be careful to stay away from excessively fatty foods.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat frequently but in small amounts. Avoid staying hungry for long periods of time.

Each of the points mentioned has an important place in reducing ulcer symptoms. Therefore, you may need to change your lifestyle. You should eat much healthier and take care to exercise regularly.

How Should Ulcer Patients Eat?

Ulcer patients’ consumption of unhealthy foods can cause symptoms to be much more severe. Therefore, a healthy diet should be adopted. Foods that people with ulcer problems can consume can be listed as follows:

• Garlic
• Honey
• Oatmeal
• Apple and pear
• Mastic mastic
• Cranberry
• Cabbage and broccoli
• Seafood
• Red pepper

The mentioned food products are good for ulcer disease. Staying away from foods that increase gastric secretion increases life comfort. At this point, the diet also known as the ulcer diet can be applied. In the ulcer diet, if bitter and sour foods increase stomach pain, consumption of such foods should be avoided. In addition, alcohol consumption in acute ulcers can also cause the severity of symptoms to increase. Therefore, alcohol consumption should also be avoided.

What is the Difference Between Ulcer and Gastritis?

Although ulcers and gastritis are often confused, there are some basic differences between the two. The condition of partial or complete inflammation of the mucosa, known as the inner layer of the stomach, is called gastritis. However, tissue loss occurs in the initial region of the small intestine, the lower part of the esophagus and the stomach in an ulcer. The cause of gastritis is usually a bacteria. Various issues, especially alcohol and cigarette use, unhealthy diet, and genetic factors; are among the causes of gastritis. Nausea, vomiting, severe pain in the stomach and back; are symptoms of gastritis. In addition, it is possible for the disease to progress without symptoms in chronic gastritis.

Which Doctor to See for Ulcers?

In case of any of the ulcer symptoms, it is useful to see a doctor so that the disease can be diagnosed early. Support should be obtained from a gastroenterologist for the treatment of ulcers. Our doctors in the Gastroenterology Department treat various diseases, especially small intestine diseases, small intestine ulcers, and bile duct cancers. Before ulcer treatment, a physical examination and various tests are performed to diagnose the disease. The disease is diagnosed as a result of the tests and endoscopy. In addition, different applications may be needed in some patients. After the diagnosis is made, the treatment phase is started and the most appropriate treatment methods for the patient are preferred. The main purpose of treatment is to reduce symptoms, eliminate symptoms if possible, and enable the patient to achieve a much better quality of life.