Don’t dismiss that stomach pain
PEPTIC ulceration is unlike typical gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach).
It happens when the inner layer of the abdominal wall or the opening towards the small intestine, the duodenum, is ulcerated.
Without treatment, peptic ulcers can result in bleeding and severe health complications.
Symptoms of peptic ulcer include abdominal pain, heartburn, flatulence and vomiting.
In severe cases, one may vomit blood or defecate black tarry faeces (stools containing digested blood).
If this occurs, patients should seek emergency treatment at a hospital to avoid further harm.
Under normal circumstances, there is a physiological balance between digestive acid secretion and the mucosal barrier lining of the stomach.
Any disruption to this balance, for instance, thinning of the protective mucosal barrier or excessive acid secretion, can lead to injury of the stomach.
Common factors causing this imbalance include infection due to a bacteria called helicobacter pylori in the stomach, longterm use of certain painkillers and excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine.
Individuals suffering from peptic ulcers are advised to seek medical treatment from healthcare facilities.
It requires the expertise of a trained healthcare professional to draw up a treatment plan that caters specifically to the patient, depending on the severity of his or her condition.
Consumption of medicines following the advice of a doctor or a pharmacist is imperative when it comes to controlling peptic ulcer symptoms.
Medicines from the class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) such as omeprazole and pantoprazole are commonly used to treat peptic ulcers as they act by reducing gastric acid secretion.
Patients suffering from peptic ulcers also need to avoid several things which may exacerbate the condition such as the use of certain painkillers, consumption of caffeine as well as overeating.
DIET MODIFICATION
Unhealthy eating habits will worsen peptic ulcer. Patients should avoid consuming hot, spicy or acidic food as it will cause irritation to the stomach wall and worsen the condition.
They should also avoid drinks with high caffeine content, such as coffee and tea.
Furthermore, it’s advisable to reduce consumption of food that contain high amount of fat such as oily, fried food.
Simple dietary modifications can help with the problem, including eating in moderation and consuming easily digestible foods.
Patients with peptic ulcer symptoms are also encouraged to undergo screening for helicobacter pylori so early intervention and treatment can be initiated if necessary.
For enquiries regarding medicines, the National Pharmacy Call Centre’s tollfree line (weekdays from 8am to 5pm) is 1800-88-6722.