Monday, April 29, 2024

What Can Ulcers Do To You

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What May Interact With This Medication

Understanding Ulcers: How Do You Know If You Have One? Dr. Berg

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

This medication may also interact with the following:

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

How Can A Vet Be Sure Your Horse Has Ulcers

A veterinarian can positively confirm an equine ulcer by performing a gastroscopy. This diagnostic test involves inserting a flexible endoscope through the horses mouth and into the stomach to visualize the lining of the stomach and small intestine. This allows the veterinarian to directly examine the digestive tract and identify any ulcers present.

What Are The Types Of Ulcer

TYPES OF ULCERS are:

  • PEPTIC ULCERS:

    These develop on the inside lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine or esophagus. They form when digestive juices damage the lining of the stomach or intestine. These are most often caused by inflammation after being infected by H.pylori and long-term use of painkillers. There are three types of peptic ulcers:

  • Duodenal ulcers
  • ARTERIAL ULCERS:

    These are open sores that develop on the outer side of ankle, feet, toes and heels. They develop from damage to the blood vessels due to lack of blood flow to the tissue. Arterial ulcers appear as red, yellow or black with hairless skin and leg pain.

  • VENOUS ULCERS:

    It is the most common type of leg ulcers and is often formed on the leg, below the knee, and on the inner area of the ankle. They are formed because of damaged veins which is caused by inadequate flow of blood back to the heart. A person may also have inflammation, swelling, itchy skin, scabbing and discharge.

  • MOUTH ULCERS:

    These are small sores or lesions that develop in the mouth or at the base of gums. They are also known by the term canker sores. Mouth ulcers are triggered by biting the inside of the cheek, hard teeth brushing, food allergies, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, bacterial infection and other serious illnesses.

  • GENITAL ULCERS:
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    How Are Esophageal Ulcers Caused

    The main causes of esophageal ulcers are:

    Exposure to stomach acid: This causes chronic inflammation and irritation of the esophagus, allowing ulcers to develop. Stomach acid exposure most often occurs in people with other gastrointestinal conditions. These can include hiatal hernias and GERD, or gastrointestinal reflux disease, more commonly referred to, as severe heartburn.

    Medications: Certain drugs, including aspirin, ibuprofen, bisphosphonates, and some antibiotics, can cause esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, and esophageal ulcers.

    Infection: Ulcers caused by infection are less common, but the fungal infection known as candida, herpes, and the human papillomavirus have all been linked to esophageal ulcers.

    Caustic injury: Esophageal ulcers may be caused by ingesting a corrosive substance. This type of injury mostly affects children, but it can also occur in adults who experience psychosis, suicidal tendencies, or who are abusing alcohol.

    Certain types of gastric surgery or foreign bodies can also cause esophageal ulcers.

    Early intervention is key to preventing complications from esophageal ulcers.

    In cases of acid reflux, treatment may include:

    • Medication, such as antacids, H-2-receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors .
    • Dietary and lifestyle changes, to aid digestion.
    • Surgery, for severe cases. Types of surgeries include to tighten the LES valve near the top of the stomach or to insert a magnetic device to help the LES valve function.

    When Should I Go To Er

    What Do Intestinal Ulcers Feel Like

    Seek emergency care if you have:

    • Severe pain that doesnt go away.
    • Signs of blood in your poop or bloody vomit.
    • Signs of severe blood loss, such as paleness and faintness.

    A note from Cleveland Clinic

    Stomach ulcers are common and treatable, but they should be taken seriously. Even when they dont cause symptoms, they arent a good sign. A stomach ulcer means that your natural stomach acid is overwhelming your protective stomach lining. Thats a situation that can only get worse if it isnt managed. Lifestyle changes may help, but youll still need to treat the underlying cause. Its probably either NSAID use or a common bacterial infection. Your healthcare provider can help prescribe the right medicines for your condition.

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    What Tests Will Be Done To Diagnose A Peptic Ulcer

    Endoscopy. An upper endoscopy exam is expedient because allows healthcare providers to see inside your digestive tract and also take a tissue sample to analyze in the lab. The test is done by passing a thin tube with a tiny camera attached down your throat and into your stomach and duodenum. Youll have medication to numb your throat and help you relax during the test. Your healthcare provider may use the endoscope to take a tissue sample to test for signs of mucous damage, anemia, H. pylori infection or malignancy. If they take a sample, you wont feel it.

    Imaging tests. Imaging tests to look inside the stomach and small intestine include:

    • Upper GI series. An upper GI X-ray exam examines the stomach and duodenum through X-rays. Its less invasive than an endoscopy. For the X-ray, youll swallow a chalky fluid called barium, which will coat your esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The barium helps your digestive organs show up better in black and white images.
    • CT scan. Your healthcare provider might recommend a CT scan if they need to see your organs in more detail. A CT scan can show complications such as a perforation in the stomach or intestinal wall. For the test, youll lie on a table inside a scanner machine while X-rays are taken. You may drink or have an injection with contrast fluid to make your organs show up better in images.

    Tests for H. pylori. Your healthcare provider might want to test you separately for H. pylori infection. Tests may include:

    What Should I Watch For While Using This Medication

    It can take several days before your stomach pain gets better. Check with your care team if your condition does not start to get better, or if it gets worse.

    Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

    You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

    Using this medication for a long time may weaken your bones. The risk of bone fractures may be increased. Talk to your care team about your bone health.

    Using this medication for a long time may cause growths in the stomach. They usually don’t cause any symptoms. They are usually not cancerous. Contact your care team if you notice pain or tenderness when you press your stomach, have nausea, or see bloody or black, tar-like stools.

    This medication may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

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    What Causes Peptic Ulcers

    Ulcers form when digestive juices damage the walls of the stomach or small intestine. If the mucus layer gets too thin or your stomach makes too much acid, your gut will feel it. The two major causes are:

    • Bacteria. Itâs called Helicobacter pylori , and as many as half of us carry it. Most people infected with H. pylori do not get ulcers. But in others, it can raise the amount of acid, break down the protective mucus layer, and irritate the digestive tract. Experts arenât sure how H. pylori infection spreads. They think it may pass from person to person through close contact, like kissing. You may also get it from unclean food and water.
    • Certain pain relievers. If youâve been taking aspirin often and for a long time, youâre more likely to get a peptic ulcer. The same is true for other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . They include ibuprofen and naproxen. NSAIDs block your body from making a chemical that helps protect the inner walls of your stomach and small intestine from stomach acid. Other types of pain meds, such as acetaminophen, wonât lead to peptic ulcers.
    • Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol also can make you more likely to get ulcers. Stress and eating a lot of spicy food donât cause ulcers, as experts once thought. But they can make ulcers worse and harder to treat.

    What Are Some Ulcer Symptoms

    The FASTEST Way to Heal an Ulcer

    Some people with ulcers dont experience any symptoms. But signs of an ulcer can include:

    • Gnawing or burning pain in your middle or upper stomach between meals or at night.
    • Pain that temporarily disappears if you eat something or take an antacid.

    In severe cases, symptoms can include:

    • Dark or black stool .
    • Severe pain in your mid- to upper abdomen.

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    What Are The Symptoms Of A Peptic Ulcer

    Youâll most likely feel a burning pain or discomfort between your belly button and breastbone. You might especially notice it on an empty stomach — such as between meals or at night. The pain may stop for a little while if you eat or take an antacid, but then return. The pain can last for a few minutes or a few hours, and may come and go for many days or weeks.

    Other symptoms may include:

    Small ulcers may not cause any symptoms. But if you notice any of these signs, talk to your doctor.

    What Increases Your Risk

    Doing the following things can increase your chance of getting a peptic ulcer. They may also slow the healing of an ulcer you already have.

    • Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . These include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
    • Drinking too much alcohol. This is more than 3 standard drinks a day on most days or 15 drinks a week for men, and more than 2 standard drinks a day on most days or 10 drinks a week for women.

    Some things that you can’t control may increase your risk of getting an ulcer.

    • A Helicobacter pylori infection. This is the most common cause of ulcers.
    • Physical stress caused by a serious illness or injury. Examples are a major trauma, surgery, or the need to be on a ventilator to assist breathing.
    • Hypersecretory condition. With this, your stomach produces too much acid.
    • A personal or family history of ulcers.

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    Treatment Of Peptic Ulcers

    Its really important to get the right treatment if youre diagnosed with a peptic ulcer. If treated properly, duodenal ulcers will heal in around four weeks and stomach ulcers in eight.

    Treating the underlying cause lowers the chance of your ulcer coming back. This usually means getting rid of the H. pylori or stopping taking NSAIDs.

    Diagnosis Of Peptic Ulcers

    What Causes Stomach Ulcers and How Carafate Treat Stomach Ulcers?

    Your GP will want to find out if youve got a peptic ulcer and whats causing it, as this will help them decide on the right treatment. Treating your ulcer as soon as possible will reduce the risk of complications.

    Your GP will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also feel your abdomen, to check for tenderness or pain.

    Your GP will want to find out if your ulcer is caused by H. pylori or by taking NSAIDs. You should tell the doctor if youve been taking over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen regularly.

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    Mayo Clinic Q And A: How Is A Peptic Ulcer Treated

    DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Last year,I was diagnosed with heartburn due to a peptic ulcer. My doctor suggested that I see a specialist. Who should I see, and what type of treatment is available?

    ANSWER: Many people will note that they have “heartburn,” and it is important to know that such a symptom could be related to one of several issues in the digestive tract, including peptic ulcer disease. This is where visiting with a health care professional who specializes in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract a gastroenterologist can help.

    Once diagnosed and treated, ulcers usually heal within several months. But a gastroenterologist can help you find the underlying cause of your ulcer and decide on the best treatment going forward.

    A peptic ulcer is an open sore on the inside lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers are not rare, and their frequency can depend on age, gender, other medical issues, medications and geography.

    It’s possible to have a peptic ulcer and not have any symptoms, although they may cause stomach pain. In some people, a peptic ulcer isn’t identified until they experience symptoms related to a complication from an ulcer, such as bleeding or a hole in the lining of the stomach or bowel.

    H. pylori is a bacterium that can live in the mucous layer covering the lining of the stomach. It doesn’t always lead to health problems, but it can sometimes trigger inflammation of the stomach’s inner layer, producing an ulcer.

    Can Bleeding Ulcers Cause Vaginal Bleeding

    Inflammation or infection of the cervix or uterus Injury or disease of the vaginal opening IUD use

    Why is blood coming out of my Virginia?

    Infection of the pelvic organs may cause vaginal bleeding, especially after intercourse or douching. Sexually transmitted infections are often the cause of infections. For more information, see the topic Sexually Transmitted Infections.

    Can gastric issues cause vaginal bleeding?

    Stomach cramps may be seen with different conditions of the digestive system such as irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, or gastroenteritis. Vaginal bleeding can be present at the same time due to menstruation or other causes, and menstrual cramping may be mistaken for stomach cramping.

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    Key Points About Peptic Ulcers

  • Peptic ulcers are mainly caused by a bacterial infection or from anti-inflammatory medicines.
  • Seek advice from a healthcare provider if you have a peptic ulcer.
  • If peptic ulcers aren’t treated, they can be very uncomfortable and can cause serious problems, eg, internal bleeding.
  • Treatment includes treating the cause of the ulcer, taking medicines to reduce stomach acid levels and reviewing any medicines you take for pain relief.
  • Stopping smoking, having regular healthy meals and avoiding triggers can help reduce your symptoms.
  • What Treatments Are There For Ulcers

    How To Get Rid Of Stomach Ulcer? Dr.Berg On Peptic Ulcer Treatment

    Your treatment will depend on the cause of your ulcer. For example, if our tests indicate that an infection caused by helicobacter pylori is what created your ulcer, well give you antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria.

    Regardless of the cause, medications that help reduce the level of acid in your stomach can help the ulcer heal. And different lifestyle changes can accelerate healing as well, such as eliminating certain foods, abstaining from alcohol, and practicing stress management.

    In severe cases, surgery may be required. Your provider at Prima Medicine will work with you to create a treatment plan for your situation.

    If you have a stomach ulcer or want to see if you do, we can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Prima Medicine today.

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    How Should I Use This Medication

    Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medication works best if you take it on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care teams advice.

    Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

    Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

    NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

    What Are Stomach Ulcers

    There are two kinds of stomach ulcers: gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. Gastric ulcers are sores on the lining of your stomach. Duodenal ulcers are sores on the upper section of your small intestine.

    Your body creates a protective layer of mucus to shield the linings of your stomach and small intestine from the harsh stomach acid required to break down food. When the mucus layer is worn away or doesnt function properly, the acid begins to damage the lining of the stomach or small intestine, creating an ulcer. Many people believe spicy foods or stress cause ulcers, but while these can exacerbate existing ulcers, they dont actually cause them.

    Ulcers are usually caused by an infection from a common bacteria called helicobacter pylori or from the habitual use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin. Other factors, such as being older than age 50, smoking, genetics, steroid use, and frequent alcohol use, can increase your risk of developing an ulcer.

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    What Are The Complications Of Peptic Ulcers

    Ulcers can cause serious problems if you dont get treatment.

    The most common problems include:

    • Bleeding. As an ulcer wears away the muscles of the stomach or duodenal wall, blood vessels may be hurt. This causes bleeding.
    • Hole . Sometimes an ulcer makes a hole in the wall of your stomach or duodenum. When this happens, bacteria and partly digested food can get in. This causes infection and redness or swelling .
    • Narrowing and blockage . Ulcers that are found where the duodenum joins the stomach can cause swelling and scarring. This can narrow or even block the opening to the duodenum. Food cant leave your stomach and go into your small intestine. This causes vomiting. You cant eat properly.

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