--Gastric ulcer

Definition

Ulcers are erosions of the mucous membranes or internal sores that affect the lining of the stomach or duodenum. In milder cases, only the outermost layer of the mucosa is damaged. On the other hand, in severe cases, the lesions affect a large part of the gastric wall.

Causes

--Gastric ulcer results from an imbalance between stressors and mucosal defense factors; The gastric hyperacidity is then involved in the mechanism of ulcer formation. According to the most recent knowledge of the disease, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori plays a very important role in the development of gastric ulcers.

--The other risk factors are: smoking, alcoholism, coffee, aspirin, stress, certain drugs (anti-rheumatic drugs and specific analgesics)

- Disorders (symptoms) Burning or oppressive pain under the breastbone. In cases of gastric ulcer, this pain usually occurs after meals or regardless of whether meals are taken. In duodenal ulcer, the pain starts when the stomach is empty and goes away after meals Nausea Loss of appetite Feeling of fullness Food intolerance, weight loss. In some cases, asymptomatic course. Medical emergency: if bleeding: black stools or vomiting mixed with blood. Medical emergency: in case of perforation: severe abdominal pain.

Examinations (diagnosis)

History taking into account the patient's symptoms.

Gastric exploration

Taking tissue samples (biopsy) to rule out stomach cancer.

Evidence of Helicobacter pillory in exhaled air, blood or a tissue sample.

Therapeutic options

The treatment depends on the presence of Helicobacter pylori or not:

Treatment for colonization by Helicobacter pylori

If Helicobacter pylori is seen in the stomach and the patient has symptoms or a stomach / duodenal ulcer has already occurred, treatment is with a combination of antibiotics. In addition, a medicine to reduce stomach acid (antacids) is prescribed.

Treatment in the absence of Helicobacter pylori

Medicines

In the event of severe pain, drugs that inhibit gastric acid production (antacids = proton pump inhibitors = H2 antagonists) and / or drugs that protect the mucosa (mucoprotectors) are prescribed.

General measures

In addition, some general measures may prove useful:

Balanced and regular diet

Avoid stress; learning relaxation techniques

Avoiding or reducing risk factors like nicotine, alcohol, and the drugs mentioned above

Limitation of coffee consumption; ban strong spices

Surgical intervention

In the case of perforation of the ulcer (gastric bleeding) or recurrent ulcers, surgery is necessary.

Possible complications

Gastric bleeding, gastric perforation

Ulcers that affect other organs

Pyloric stenosis (exit from the stomach)

Preventive measures

Limit the consumption of nicotine, coffee, and alcohol

Be careful during regular consumption of analgesics (medicines against rheumatism or pain)

Avoid stress

Traditional African treatments

--Macerate one tablespoon of Detarium microcarpum bark, (Dank) in 1/4 l of water or take with rice porridge or Lipton tea, 3 times a day before or after the meal

- Make a Decoction with 1 bunch of Sclerocarrya birrea trunk bark (Birr, Beer); or an infusion of the leaves of Sclerocarrya birrea (; in ½ liter of water. Then drink ¼ of the filtrate 3 times a day after the meal. Half dose for children

--Eat white clay on an empty stomach every morning (kaolin or Benin domèhoué)

--Green clay is also effective against ulcers and internal wounds.

NB: Africa-herbal tea powder N ° 3 (chitosan plus) is very effective against ulcers.