Problems and Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Disease
Problems and Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcers are open sores or raw areas in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). They result when the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori attaches itself to the lining of the stomach. Another cause of peptic ulcers are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. The bacteria or NSAIDs weaken the protective mucus coating of the stomach and small intestines. This process allows acid to get through to the sensitive lining. The irritation from the drugs or bacteria can cause the sensitive lining to become raw, which causes an ulcer to form. Peptic ulcers can also form when there is an imbalance between the digestive juices used by the stomach to break down food. The primary digestive juices, hydrochloric acid and pepsin, are very powerful substances that are necessary for breaking down food, which the body uses for energy. These acids are always present in the stomach in small amounts, except at meal times.
Incidence
About 25 million people in the United States have had a peptic ulcer during their lifetime. At least 90% of these cases are caused by H. pylori(Sonnenberg, 359). Patients who have duodenal ulcers are between the ages of 25 and 27. Gastric ulcers are less common with only 85,000 cases diagnosed each year (Zoler, 14). The patients who suffer from gastric ulcers are between the ages of 55 and 65. Men are more prone to ulcers, but there has been a steady increase of women being diagnosed each year. Because the ulcer is caused predominantly by the H. pylori bacteria, those living in underdeveloped countries and those with low socioeconomic status are more likely to develop ulcers. H. pylori is believed to be transmitted through oral to oral contact, so those living in crowed areas are also more likely to become infected.
History of Ulcer Diagnosis and Treatment
Early 20th Century
Ulcers were believed to be caused mainly by stress and diet. Treatment focused on primarily hospitalization, bed rest, and a diet of bland foods. Later on in the century, cause of the ulcer changed from stress and diet to gastric acid. The treatment then was a prescription for antacids and medications that blocked acid production. Even with treatment, there was...