What Is The Prognosis For People Who Have Zollinger
The outlook for people with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome depends on the person. The condition can be cured if the gastrinoma is successfully removed with surgery. If surgery is not possible, in some cases Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can be managed medically. People with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can live active lives for many years after diagnosis.
How Can I Be Sure Its An Ulcer
The only way to be sure an ulcer is causing your discomfort is with a medical diagnosis. We will evaluate your medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination.
To determine the root cause of your ulcer, we may run blood, stool, or breath tests. These tests are designed to look for signs of helicobacter pylori, the bacteria linked to ulcers.
Depending on your unique symptoms, we may also order an endoscopy. During an endoscopy, we insert a tube with a tiny camera down your throat and into your stomach to take pictures of any potential damage and collect tissue samples for analysis.
Warning Signs Of Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcer disease occurs when an individual experiences the perpetual development of peptic ulcers. These ulcers present as open sores, which develop on the lining of the stomach and in the small intestine. There are two types of peptic ulcers: gastric and duodenal. Gastric ulcers develop on the inside lining of the stomach, whereas duodenal ulcers affect the upper part of the small intestine.
Peptic ulcers may be caused by a variety of things, including a bacterial infection, long-term use of anti-inflammatories, stress, and even excessive consumptions of spicy foods. Individuals who smoke or consume excessive amounts of alcohol are also at an increased risk of developing peptic ulcers.
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What Causes Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers occur when the layer that protects the stomach lining from stomach acid breaks down, which allows the stomach lining to become damaged.
This is usually a result of:
- an infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria
- taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen or aspirin particularly if they’re taken for a long time or at high doses
It used to be thought that stress or certain foods might cause stomach ulcers, but there’s little evidence to suggest this is the case.
Read more about the causes of stomach ulcers.
Esophageal Ulcer: Causes Symptoms Treatment Healing Time Diet
Every organ in the human body is covered with a protective membrane which acts as a barrier which when gets damaged impedes the normal functionality of the organs. This results into a medical condition known as a peptic ulcer or simply an ulcer. Peptic ulcer can happen on the gastrointestinal tract which stretches down from the throat to the intestine of the body. When the ulcer breaks the inner lining of the esophagus then it is called the esophageal ulcer.
Stress is one of the main reasons for ulcer or spicy food burns holes in the stomach or ulcers are incurable and last throughout ones life are some of the myths and have no significant connections with ulcers whatsoever. There are two major reasons for the occurrence of an ulcer. The leading cause of ulcer disease is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori which damages the protective mucosal membrane of the areas within the gastrointestinal tract. This breakage in the wall makes the acidic digestive fluids to injure and inflame the lining and walls of the gut. The other reason for the disease is the high exposure of the body to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , like aspirin and ibuprofen that can lead to side effects of damaging the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Certain osteoporosis medications can also impact the linings of the gastrointestinal tract resulting into esophageal ulcers.
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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.
How Long Does It Take For An Ulcer To Heal In A Dog
A dogs prognosis with a stomach ulcer is generally positive, except in the most severe cases. A typical gastric ulcer is treatable with noninvasive care, such as drug therapies. If a veterinarian diagnoses a gastric ulcer in your dog, expect an average treatment time of a few weeks. Sadly, a severe ulcer that has resulted in perforation has a worse prognosis for recovery.
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What Is An Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy is a procedure to examine the upper part of the digestive tract. The procedure is also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD.
A gastrointestinal doctor uses an endoscope. The scope is a narrow, flexible tube with a light and small video camera. Through the scope, your doctor can view the inside lining of your:
- Esophagus: The tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.
- Stomach: The organ that holds food and starts the digestion process.
- Duodenum: The upper part of your small intestine.
Treating Helicobacter Pylori Infection
If your stomach ulcer’s caused by a Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, you’ll be given:
- a course of antibiotics
- a medication called a proton pump inhibitor
This is also recommended if it’s thought your stomach ulcer’s caused by a combination of an H. pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .
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What Are Prescription Medications For Heartburn
If over-the-counter antacids and acid blockers do not relieve your heartburn, your healthcare provider may give you a prescription for other medicines, such as:
- Prescription-strength acid blockers: In prescription-strength , Zantac®, Tagamet®, Pepcid® and Axid® can generally relieve heartburn and treat GERD.
- Proton pump inhibitors: These are drugs that block acid production more effectively. Proton pump inhibitors include Aciphex®, Nexium®, Prevacid®, Prilosec® and Protonix®.
There are some proton pump inhibitors that can be purchased over-the-counter. Talk to your healthcare provider about these medications and what is best for you.
Signs That Your Horse Might Have Ulcers
Symptoms of EGUS are often subtle and not specific to ulcers. Although most horses show some signs of having ulcers, over half of horses with ulcers dont show any symptoms at all.
With that said, there are a number of specific symptoms that have been directly linked with EGUS. If your horse shows any of the following signs, you should have him or her evaluated by your veterinarian who can perform an endoscopy to look for ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.
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How Do You Treat Stomach Ulcers In Dogs
A veterinarian will treat a canine gastric ulcer by addressing its root cause. If your vet associates the ulcer with NSAIDs, for example, he or she will discontinue the use of these drugs immediately. Your veterinarian may also try to lower the level of gastric acid in your dogs stomach using an H2 blocking agent to facilitate healing. Other drug therapies may also be necessary to alleviate pain and inflammation. A dog with a gastric ulcer and organ perforation may need to undergo emergency surgery in the most severe cases. Talk to your vet about gastric ulcers in dogs for more information.
Alana Redmond is a content writer that specializes in law and consumer safety. She also works with Douglas, Haun & Heidemann, P.C a personal injury law firm in Springfield, MO that specializes in dog bite injuries and accidents.
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How Common Are Stomach Ulcers
It’s not known exactly how common stomach ulcers are. They have become much less common since the 1980s because of much more effective treatments. So people with stomach ulcers now usually get better much more quickly.
The term ‘peptic ulcer’ is used to describe ulcers that are caused by too much acid in the stomach. This includes stomach ulcers and also ulcers in the first part of the gut known as the duodenum. Stomach ulcers are less common than duodenal ulcers.
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Symptoms Of Stomach Ulcers
A number of symptoms are associated with stomach ulcers. The severity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer.
The most common symptom is a burning sensation or pain in the middle of your abdomen between your chest and belly button. Typically, the pain will be more intense when your stomach is empty, and it can last for a few minutes to several hours.
Other common signs and symptoms of ulcers include:
- dull pain in the stomach
- weight loss
- heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest)
- pain that may improve when you eat, drink, or take antacids
- anemia, whose symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath, or paler skin
- dark, tarry stools
- vomit thats bloody or looks like coffee grounds
Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms of a stomach ulcer. Even though discomfort may be mild, ulcers can worsen if they arent treated. Bleeding ulcers can become life-threatening.
Black Or Dark Colored Stool
If you think you may have an ulcer, a good way to tell is to look at your stool. If you notice that when you use the restroom your stool is extremely dark in color, or even black, chances are you are right about what is ailing you. If this is the case, you should absolutely go to the hospital immediately.
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Treatment Of Esophageal Ulcer
Treatment of esophageal ulcer is not very different than treating peptic ulcer. Once suspected, the person must consult a doctor. Generally, the treatment is initiated with a diagnosis done through barium X-ray or endoscopy. If the situation is complicated like ulcers including bleeding and perforation, the patient is then treated using antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori, eliminating risk factors. Antibiotics might be given along with acid suppressing drugs like Omeprazole , Lansoprazole , Rabeprazole , Esomeprazole and Pantoprazole to reduce the acid formation by the stomach walls. Antacids like Histamine blockers are also used to neutralize the stomach acid released into your digestive tract, which gives relief from ulcer pain and promotes healing.
The above listed medication will allow the ulcer to heal. However, chronic GERD might not be cured so easily and the continuous stomach-acid secretion interferes with the healing process of the esophagus. To prevent the esophagus from further getting exposed to acid, additional agents like sucralfate can be used to bind to the site of an ulcer thus, protecting the ulcer. This helps in quick and effective healing of the ulcer.
Along with the above mentioned medications, some lifestyle changes can also help the person to deal with the effects of esophageal ulcer. The following changes can provide relief from heartburn:
- Keeping the weight under check
- Wearing loose clothing
- No Smoking.
When To Call A Healthcare Provider
If the ulcer is large or deep, growing in size, incredibly painful, or if you have any signs of infection , you notice a bad smell coming from your ulcer, or you’re running a fever, call your healthcare provider right away.
You’ll also want to call your healthcare provider if your ulcer, no matter how minor, isn’t showing signs healing after a week to 10 days.
In most cases, the ulcer will be dressed to protect the wound. However, if your ulcer is draining considerably, your healthcare provider may recommend leaving the wound uncovered. Dressing the ulcer if it’s draining considerably can impede healing.
If your ulcer is painful, pain medication can be prescribed. Antibiotics may also be prescribed either prophylactically to prevent infection or to treat an already infected wound.
Debridement is done to remove dead tissue from more serious ulcers. For deep ulcers or those that aren’t healing after a long period of time, skin grafts may be needed. In the most severe cases, part of the foot, leg, or other appendage may have to be amputated.
Restoring good circulation is key in treating and preventing ulcers. This includes elevating the legs, wearing compression stockings, reducing pressure on ulcer-prone areas, superficial vein surgery. Leg ulcers, in particular, are incredibly likely to reoccur, so compression stockings are often needed to be worn for life.
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When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider
See your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:
- Vomiting blood or dark material that looks like coffee grounds
- Extreme weakness or dizziness
- Blood in your stools
- Nausea or vomiting that doesnt get better, or gets worse
- A sudden, severe pain that may spread to your back
- Losing weight without even trying
Untreated peptic ulcers may cause other health problems. Sometimes they bleed. If they become too deep, they can break through your stomach.
Ulcers can also keep food from going through your stomach.
Common Warning Signs Of Ulcers
Ulcers are a common medical issue that affects about one in ten people in America. They occur when acid in the digestive tract eats away at the inner surface of the esophagus, stomach or small intestine. The acid can create a painful open sore that may bleed. You can get them anywhere on your body for any reason, but the most common form of ulcers occur in your stomach.
Although there is no single cause for an ulcer, many factors can increase your risk of stomach ulcers including painkillers, excessive drinking of alcohol and smoking tobacco. Luckily, ulcers are easy to treat once you recognize the symptoms of them. Here are five common signs of a stomach ulcer:
Abdominal Pain: A burning sensation may occur in your stomach. The pain will come and go in waves and is often accompanied by bloating. Many may confuse this feeling with acid reflux or other similar diseases. If the abdominal pain starts after you eat, keeps you up at night, and lasts a prolonged period it might be an ulcer.
Nausea: Due to the imbalance in your digestive system, mild to severe nausea may occur, either first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, or after eating. Because of nausea that will occur, rapid weight loss also comes in conjunction with it as well.
Bloating: A feeling of heaviness and fullness can occur in the stomach, usually the same feeling you get after drinking a full glass of water.
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Who Is More Likely To Get Ulcers
One in 10 people develops an ulcer. Risk factors that make ulcers more likely include:
- Frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , a group of common pain relievers that includes ibuprofen .
- A family history of ulcers.
- Illness such as liver, kidney or lung disease.
- Regularly drinking alcohol.
What Happens After Treatment
A repeat gastroscopy is usually advised a few weeks after treatment has finished. This is mainly to check that the ulcer has healed. It is also to be doubly certain that the ‘ulcer’ was not due to stomach cancer. If your ulcer was caused by H. pylori then a test is advised to check that the H. pylori infection has gone. This is done at least four weeks after the course of combination therapy has finished.
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Youve Had Unexplained Vomiting
From time to time, the nausea brought on by ulcers may become so intense that it could actually cause you to vomit. Frequent vomiting is never a fun experience, but whatever you do, stay away from medications like ibuprofen and aspirin when treating the condition and other ulcer symptoms. According to Dr. Sengupta, these over-the-counter pain medications actually put you at a higher risk of developing ulcers, and can make your current ulcers worse.
Dull Pain In The Stomach
Dull and burning pain is the most common symptom of an ulcer. The pain is felt anywhere between the belly button and the breastbone. It can also travel out from the middle of the stomach up to the neck, down to the belly button, or through to the back.
Stomach acid helps break down and absorb the food consumed. Excess stomach acid makes the pain worse because it creates painful sores within the stomach.
This kind of pain is often more severewhenever the stomach is empty such as between meals or at night. Sometimes itcan also start a few hours after eating. This pain can last for several minutesto several hours. The burning pain is sometimes made better by eating or aggravatedbetween one and three hours after a meal. This occurs when food can no longerneutralize the acid produced by the stomach.
Taking antacids may help relieve some of the pain but it doesnt help cure the ulcer. The pain will just keep coming back. Eating certain foods can help buffer stomach acid.
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The Early Signs Of Leg Ulcers
Most leg ulcers, unless they are caused by injury or trauma, dont develop overnight. In fact, most venous leg ulcers take months, if not years, to develop into a giant, visible open sore.
Even though it takes months or years for ulcers to develop doesnt mean there arent signs or symptoms of them. There are numerous signs that could indicate you are developing an ulcer on the leg.
Some of the signs and symptoms that are often associated with venous ulcers include:
- Discolored skin, usually around the ankles, that appears reddish-brown or purple
- Skin that feels extremely dry
- Skin that has a very firm appearance
- Chronic swelling a doctor will run tests to determine the primary lymphedema causes that resulted in the swelling
- Noticeably swollen or enlarged veins
- Extremely heavy feeling in the legs