ULCERS
Peptic ulcer is a wound that can occur on the inner layer of the stomach, esophagus or small intestine. Accordingly, the wound is respectively identified as gastric ulcer, esophageal ulcer or duodenal ulcer.
The most important factor in the occurrence of the disease are microbial infections and some medications.
What are the symptoms of ulcers?
The most distinct symptom of the condition is a burning sensation. This happens when the gastric acid produced in the stomach comes into contact with the wound. The pain can be felt anywhere from the belly to the sternum (breastbone), and:
- Is more severe when the stomach is empty
- Can worsen in the evening
- Is reduced with the consumption of certain foods
- Is reduced with the use of antacid medications
- May disappear and reappear following pain that lasts for several days or weeks
How do ulcers occur?
Ulcers occur when the inner layer of the organs of the digestive system is eroded by gastric acid. Acid causes wounding of the region, subsequently causing hemorrhage. Normally, this cellular layer is covered with mucus. The latter protects cells against acid. If the level of acid in the stomach increases or the level of secreted mucus decreases, then an ulcer may form.
The most frequent of these changes are as follows:
Helicobacter pylori: It is a type of bacteria. It may sometimes start as an inflammation in the stomach and cause the formation of ulcers. These bacteria may spread from person to person through close contact or water or food.
Regular use of painkillers: Painkillers too can cause inflammation in the inner layer of the digestive system. That is why peptic ulcer is more prevalent in people who use painkillers regularly.
Some medications used in the treatment of osteoporosis may similarly increase the risk of ulcer formation.
Smoking or consuming alcohol may also weaken the mucus layer and cause ulcers.
Ulcers may cause anemia due to the bleeding they cause.
Bacteria that cause ulcers may cause severe abdominal infections
The eschar that forms where ulcers heal may prevent the movement of foods in the digestive system and may thus cause early satiety, vomiting and weight loss.
To make a diagnosis, the doctor may ask blood, stools or a pulmonary function test to identify whether H. Pylori bacteria is involved or not. Aside from these, they might require an endoscopic examination to identify the location and size of the ulcer. In this way, the doctor can examine the inner layers of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine and may conduct a biopsy if needed.
Drug groups used in the treatment of ulcers are as follows:
Antibiotics: These are used to annihilate the H. Pylori bacteria. Antibiotics are usually used for 2 weeks.
Drugs that block the production of acids support the healing of cells damaged by acid.
Medicines that reduce the production of acid: These block acid, reduce ulcer pain and promote healing.
Medications that neutralize gastric acid rapidly stop the pain by neutralizing the existing acid. These may cause constipation or diarrhea due to their active ingredients.
Treatment is usually successful, and the ulcer is healed. If healing does not occur despite treatment, the doctor may require an endoscopy to investigate whether there is another condition that could cause these symptoms.
To ensure treatment is successful, medications must be used as prescribed.
Aside from these treatments, patients should switch to a healthy diet. They should consult with a doctor on the changing of regularly used painkillers. Stressful lifestyles should also be changed. Furthermore, smoking should be stopped and alcohol consumption should be reduced
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects intestines and that is prevalent in society. It may cause cramps that accompany pain in the abdominal region, bloating, flatulence symptoms and diarrhea or constipation. IBS is a condition that may be lifelong.
Although it causes quite disturbing symptoms, IBS does not result in structural changes in the bowels or in the increase of intestinal cancer risk.
Some patients are able to control their symptoms with changes made to their dietary habits and few patients experience severe symptoms.
While symptoms increase in severity from time to time, they may also disappear.
If the following symptoms are also present in patients diagnosed with IBS, then the diagnosis may be wrong and other diseases such as colon cancer may be in question:
- Bleeding from the anus
- Abdominal pain that manifests or intensifies at night
- Weight loss
In the disease, intestines either work excessively and thus cause cramps, pain and bloating, or they function less than normal and hence cause constipation and bloating.
Although the exact cause of the disease is not known, it is considered that defects in neurotransmission between the central nervous system and bowels or changes in intestinal bacteria may be the root causes.
Symptoms of IBS patients may increase when they consume specific foods. For example, chocolate, spices, cereals, fatty foods may cause these changes.
IBS symptoms may increase during more stressful periods.
Women's symptoms may increase during menstruation.
Risk factors for IBS:
- It is more prevalent in individuals aged 45 and under.
- It is approximately twice as prevalent in women than in men.
- IBS is also more frequently seen in people with mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression.
- Malnutrition can be seen in patients with IBS due to hemorrhoids or avoidance of other specific foods.
- The disease has also a negative impact on the quality of life.
How is it treated?
Since the exact root cause of IBS is not known, the main objective of treatment is the relief of symptoms. For symptoms that cannot be controlled with diet and lifestyle changes, doctors may prescribe food supplements rich in fibers, probiotics, medications that regulate bowel movements, diarrhea drugs and drugs that prevent intestinal contractions.
