Introduction

Peptic Ulcer is a break in the mucosal lining of the duodenum or stomach. Ulcers forming in the first part of small intestine, just beyond the stomach is referred as duodenal ulcer. Ulcers appearing in the stomach are referred as gastric or stomach ulcer. Duodenal ulcers are more common as compared to gastric ulcers.

Stomach ulcer is a result of reduction in the thick layer of mucus which protects the stomach from digestive juices. As estimated by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), four million people suffer from stomach ulcers every year and one in 10 people shall develop the condition over their lifetime.

Formation of Stomach Ulcers

Stomach Ulcers appear when the protective layer of the stomach is broken, resulting in the damage of the stomach tissue by the digestive juices which are composed of hydrochloric acid and enzyme known as pepsin. Imbalance between the digestive fluids in the stomach results in the formation of stomach ulcers.

Causes

Generally, stomach ulcers are not caused by one single factor. Common causes are:-

• Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
• Long use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, etc.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Symptoms

Severity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer. Some stomach ulcers fail to produce any symptoms. Though, the common symptoms produced by stomach ulcers are:-

• Burning pain below the rib cage that is intensified at night and on empty stomach. This pain is temporarily better by eating. The pain lasts for a few minutes or several hours.
• Nausea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Vomiting.
• Indigestion.
• Weight loss.
• Anaemia
• Bloating
• Blood present in vomit or stools.

Complications

Stomach ulcers, if left untreated can lead to:-

• Internal bleeding which can lead to a condition called anemia.
• Scar tissue can be produced which may block passage of food through the digestive tract leading to vomiting and loss of weight.
• Risk of stomach cancer.

Risk Factors

Some of the risk factors to develop stomach ulcers are:-

• Smoking & Alcohol.
• Continuous intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Irregular or skipped meals.
• Having H. pylori infection.
• Having a family history of ulcers.
• Stress can be a contributing factor.
• Few chronic diseases like emphysema, rheumatoid arthritis or liver disease.
• Above 50 years of age.

Prevention

Stomach ulcers can be prevented by avoiding substances that break the protective barrier of stomach and accelerate acid secretion. It can be achieved by:-

• Preventing H pylori infection by avoiding contaminated food and water and adapting firm standards of personal hygiene.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Properly manage stress.
• Encourage frequent small meals, to utilize the acid load in the stomach.
• Restrict consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Consume a healthy diet.
• Be physically active.

Stomach Ulcers & Homeopathy

Homoeopathy has achieved great success in treating stomach ulcers without any side-effects. In Homoeopathy, the symptoms of a disease are more important as compared to the ulcer. As in Homoeopathy, there are no tailor-made prescriptions, the medicine for every person suffering with stomach ulcer differs from person to person as no two individuals are alike and nor do they depict the same set off peculiar symptoms. Homoeopathy not only heals the ulcer but also eliminates the tendency to relapse and also enhances the general health of the person. It offers long-term cure instead of temporary relief as the treatment targets the root cause.

Homoeopathy helps prevent the complications of stomach ulcers. Ulcers take time to heal hence, Homoeopathic medicines should be continued for long time, even if the pain subsides. Homoeopathy aids in eradicating the ulcer even without the need of surgery.