#AIR-CLINIC HEALTH TALK: Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

Hello Air-Clinicians & Friends,

Have you ever had that familiar hotness on the upper left side of your tummy? Is it worse when you haven't eaten? Does peppery foods make your tummy very hot? Then you most likely have Peptic Ulcer Disease or its close cousin-Gastritis.

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What Is PUD?

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a break in the lining of the stomach, first part of the small intestine or occasionally the lower esophagus. An ulcer in the stomach is known as a gastric ulcer while that in the first part of the intestines is known as a duodenal ulcer.

In simple terms, PUD is like a wound on the stomach. Just the same way a wound gives you pain when you touch it or pour a substance on it, that's how it occurs.

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Causes Of PUD

• Bacteria Infection: Helicobacter pylori is the organism commonly implicated in PUD. Its known to be present in upto 75-80% of cases.

• NSAIDS: These are a brand of Analgesics that are known to cause PUD. They include Aspirin, Ibuprofen, etcz.

• Stress: The more stressed you are, the more likely that you will have stress-induced ulcers in the tummy.

• Cigarette Smoking: Smokers are liable to die young. This is one of the pains.

• Alcoholism: Excessive alcohol intake is implicated in many things.

• Starvation/Fasting: Not eating adequately as at when due is a risk factor.

• Eating Spicy Foods: excessively spicy foods like is found in India is usually associated with ulcers.

• Genetic Components: Its strongly associated with Blood Group O.

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Symptoms Of PUD

Common symptoms

• Burning stomach pain
  This is by far the commonest symptom. Stomach acid makes the pain worse, as does having an empty stomach. The pain can often be relieved by eating certain foods that buffer stomach acid or by taking an acid-reducing medication, but then it may come back. The pain may be worse between meals and at night.

• Heartburn

• Feeling of fullness, bloating, belching and indigestion

• Nausea

Less often, ulcers may cause severe signs or symptoms such as:

• Vomiting or vomiting blood — which may appear red or black
• Dark blood in stools, or stools that are black or tarry
• Trouble breathing
• Feeling faint
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Appetite changes

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Preventive Measures

• Avoid intake of over-the-counter analgesics. Always visit a hospital or consult a doctor when you are having pains. Drugs may just give you ulcers.

• Avoid taking prescribed medications on an empty stomach. In addition to dizziness, nausea and vomitting, taking drugs on empty stomach may tear your tummy hence, ulcers.

• Avoid cigarette smoking and take alcohol in moderation. These are culprits in almost every popular ailment. Curtail them

• Eat Adequately: Avoid prolonged starvation/fasting

• Avoid Spicy Foods: spices are good because they make foods more tasty. But putting them in excess especially when not properly cooked can lead to ulcer.

• Avoid Stress: work free. live free and happy.

• Eat healthy: vegetables and non-citrus fruits. Citrus fruits like oranges can worsen ulcers because of their acidity.

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When You Notice Sinister Symptoms, Report To The Hospital...

It can be treated with a proper regimen of medications and antacids.
Don't use over-the-counter self medications.
CONSULT A MEDICAL DOCTOR!

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