PEPTIC ULCER
By Dra. Annabel Carungin

Peptic Ulcer is a break in the gastric or duodenal factors are impaired or are overwhelmed by aggressive luminal factors such as acid and pepsin.  By definition, ulcers extend through the muscularis mucosae and are usually over 5 mm in diameter.  Ulcers occur five more commonly in the duodenum, where over 95% are in the bulb or pyloric channel.  In the stomach, benign ulcers are located most commonly in the antium (60%) and at the junction of the antrum and body on the lesser curvature (25%).  

Ulcers occur slightly more commonly in men than in women (1.3 : 1).  Although ulcers can occur in any age group, duodenal ulcers most commonly occur between the ages of 30 and 55, whereas gastric ulcers are more common between the ages of 55 and 70.  Ulcers are more common in smokers and in patients taking NSAIDs on a chronic basis.

The symptoms of a peptic ulcer include chronic burning or growing stomach pain that usually begins forty five to sixty minutes after eating or at night and that is relieved by eating, taking antacids, vomiting or drinking a large glass of water.  The pain may range from mild to sever.  It may cause the individual to awaken in the middle of the night.  Other possible symptoms include low back pain, headaches, a choking sensation, itching and possibly nausea and vomiting.

An ulcer results when the lining of the stomach fails to provide adequate protection against the effect of digestive acids, and the acids in effect start to digest the stomach itself.  This may be caused by an excess of stomach acid, insufficient production of protective mucus or both.

Many factors affect the secretion of stomach acid.  Stress and anxiety cause an increase in acid production, which is why ulcers are so closely related to stress levels.  Certain drugs and supplements may also increase acid production.  Taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially over a long period of time can increase stomach acidity and lead to ulcers.  Steroids, such as those taken for arthritis, and even vitamin C supplements can contribute to stomach ulcers.  Heavy smokers are more prone to developing ulcers and gave greater trouble getting ulcers to heal.

Although ulcers have long been known to be closely related to stress, recent evidence has also implicated a common type of bacteria, Helicobacter pylori.  This organism is almost always found in person who do not.  Further eradication of these bacteria often results in healing of the ulcers.  H. pylori may also be a risk factor for stomach cancer.  The presence of H. pylori can be documented by direct biopsy of the stomach lining, by a blood test or by a breath test.  

Essentials in the diagnosis of Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

1. History of nonspecific epigostric pain present in 80-90% of patients with variable relationship to meals.

2. Ulcer symptoms characterized by rhythmicity and periodicity.

3. 10-20% of patients present with ulcer complications without antecedent symptoms.

4. Of NSAID- induced ulcers, 30-50% are asymptomatic.

5. Upper endoscopes with antral biopsy for H. pylori is the diagnostic procedure of choice in most patients.

6. gastric ulcer biopsy or documentation of complete healing necessary to exclude gastric malignancy.

Recommendations:

1. Eat plenty of dark leafy vegetables.  This contain vitamin K, which is needed for healing and is likely to be deficient in people with digestive problems.

2. Do not consume coffee (even decaffeinated) or alcoholic beverages.

3. Drink freshly made cabbage juice daily.  Drink it immediately after juicing.

4. If symptoms are severe, eat soft foods such as avocados, bananas, potatoes, squash and yams.  Put vegetables through a blender or food mill.  Eat vegetables like broccoli and carrots occasionally - well steamed.

5. Eat frequent small meals ; include cooked white rice, raw goat's milk and source milk products such as yogurt and cottage cheese.

6. For rapid relief of pain, drink a large glass of water.  This dilutes the stomach acids and flushes them out through the stomach and duodenum.

7. Avoid fried foods, tea, caffeine salt, chocolate, strong spices, animal fats of any kind and carbonated drinks.  Instead of drinking soda, sip distilled water with a bit of lemon juice added.

8. DO NOT drink cow's milk.  Even though it neutralizes existing stomach acid, the calcium and protein it contains actually stimulate the production of more acid.  Almond milk is a good substitute.

9. Allow teas and other hot beverages to cool before drinking them.  Otherwise, they may trigger gastric discomfort.

10. Do not smoke.  Smoking can delay or even prevent healing and makes relapse more likely.

11. Avoid painkillers such as aspirin, these are gastric irritants.

12. Do Biomagnetic Therapy:

a. Daytime Sternum and Nighttime Treatment.

b. Negative 2-Stack Power Wafers over the stomach.

c. Drink Magnetized Negative Water.

13.  If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.