26/10/2023
What is stomach ulcer?
- Stomach ulcers are a condition in which the stomach lining is damaged, inflamed, and gradually forms ulcers that cause symptoms. Small ulcers in the early stages can heal on their own without treatment. However, for large ulcers that cause many symptoms, patients need to see a doctor immediately for examination and the most effective treatment plan.
Stages of stomach ulcers
Stomach ulcers are divided into two stages: acute and chronic ulcers.
1. Acute gastric ulcer
The characteristic feature of acute gastric ulcer is that the symptoms often appear suddenly, appear clearly and progress over a short period of time. At this stage, if detected and treated properly, the disease can be completely cured. However, most patients often ignore the symptoms and do not go to the doctor, making the condition more complicated.
2. Chronic stomach ulcers
Acute stomach ulcers, when left untreated, will cause prolonged inflammation and, after a period of time, can turn into a chronic form. In the chronic stage, the lesions spread, the disease is more difficult to treat, and can even lead to dangerous complications such as atrophic inflammation, intestinal metaplasia, pyloric stenosis, hemorrhage, perforation, and stomach cancer. , inflammation of neighboring organs...
Cause of stomach ulcers
Stomach ulcers can be caused by many different causes. Among them, the two most common causes are:
1. Helicobacter infection. pylori (HP bacteria)
H.pylori infection is the leading cause of stomach ulcers. After entering the stomach, this bacteria will burrow into the mucous layer of the gastric mucosa, secreting toxins that damage the gastric mucosa, inhibiting the production of protective factors in the gastric mucosa, forming ulcers. ulcers. (first)
2. Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Using NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac... for a long time will damage the stomach. These drugs inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, reducing the effectiveness of gastric mucosa protection, making the stomach susceptible to ulcers.
Besides the above two causes, the disease can also be caused by less common causes, including:
Increased stomach acid secretion: This can happen for many reasons, including genetics, smoking, stress or consuming certain foods.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: This is a rare condition that causes excess acid in the stomach.
Who is susceptible to stomach ulcers?
Gastric ulcers can occur in anyone. However, the disease is most common in people over 50 years old. In addition, people with the following risk factors are more susceptible to this disease:
1. Regularly smoke ci******es and drink wine/other alcoholic beverages
Ci******es contain many toxic substances that can weaken the stomach's protective mechanism, making this organ vulnerable to damage. Meanwhile, alcohol makes existing ulcers heal more slowly and stimulates acid secretion to create new ulcers.
2. Often stressed and worried
Prolonged stress and anxiety can cause gastric juice to secrete continuously, greatly affecting the functioning of the stomach, increasing the risk of ulcer formation.
3. Irregular and unscientific eating and living activities
Frequently skipping breakfast, staying up late, eating at irregular times, lack of exercise... are bad habits that increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
Symptoms of stomach ulcers
Symptoms of stomach ulcers are very diverse. Among them, the most common symptoms are a burning, gnawing feeling and pain in the abdominal area above the navel (epigastric pain). Usually, the pain will be more intense when the stomach is empty and does not contain food. Depending on the severity of the disease, the pain can last from a few minutes to several hours.
Other common signs and symptoms of the disease include:
Bloating, indigestion
Nausea or vomiting
Easily feels full when eating or does not want to eat because of pain
Belching, heartburn or acid reflux
Difficulty sleeping, not sleeping well
The body is tired and weak
Passing black or bloody stools
Weight loss.
If you have any of the above symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. Symptoms may be mild at first, but if not treated promptly, they can become more severe and affect the person's life. (2)
Complications of stomach ulcers
Gastric ulcers in the acute stage are not too worrying and can be completely cured with appropriate measures. But once it has entered the chronic stage, the disease is very difficult to completely cure and can cause many dangerous complications, threatening the patient's life. Possible complications of ulcers include:
Gastrointestinal bleeding: This is one of the most common complications of stomach ulcers. This condition can cause the patient to lose blood, cause dizziness, pale skin, vomiting blood or black stools.
Stomach perforation: Long-term ulcers can cause the stomach to perforate, causing sudden, severe abdominal pain.
Pyloric stenosis: The pylorus is located at the end of the stomach, where it connects with the duodenum. Stomach ulcers can form fibrotic tissue in this location, preventing the movement of food in the digestive system. Some common symptoms of pyloric stenosis are vomiting, old food cravings, and rapid weight loss.
Stomach cancer: Gastric ulcers are one of the risk factors for the formation of malignant tumors in the stomach.
How to prevent stomach ulcers
Developing a more scientific diet and lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing stomach ulcers. People at high risk of stomach ulcers should add the following foods to their daily diet:(4)
Fruits and vegetables: Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is key to improving digestive health. Vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants, they also contain ingredients that are anti-inflammatory, protect cells and help the stomach lining become healthy.
Fiber: A diet rich in soluble fiber (found in oats, peas, apples, carrots, barley, etc.) can reduce the risk of developing stomach ulcers.
Probiotics: Probiotics have been shown to improve symptoms of indigestion and reduce the side effects of antibiotics. Besides, supplementing foods containing probiotics (yogurt, kimchi, kefir, tempeh...) can prevent infections.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, effective in helping to eliminate HP bacteria, especially when used in appropriate doses. Citrus fruits, beans, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, kale... are foods that contain high levels of vitamin C.
Zinc: This micronutrient helps maintain a healthy immune system and wound healing. Oysters, beef, beans, nuts, spinach... contain high levels of zinc.
Selenium (Selenium): Selenium is a nutrient that reduces the risk of infectious complications and promotes the body's healing process. Recommended foods high in selenium include sea fish (mackerel, tuna, salmon...), whole grains, seeds, nuts...
In addition to diet, forming the following habits is also helpful in preventing stomach ulcers:
Quit smoking and avoid alcohol and caffeine
Limit your use of Ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen (NSAIDs) or consult your doctor about switching to other medications with similar effects.
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water to avoid the risk of infection
Eat cooked, drink boiled, limit eating at restaurants
Learn how to control stress.