The Passion Newsletter, September Issue, 2019 2The Passion newletter September 2019 | Page 25

MEDICINE PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE Causes Peptic Ulcer Disease is quite a common disease worldwide There are various different causes for PUDs. The most and according to healthgrove.com, is significantly common cause is H. pylori infection which causes around 95% of duodenal ulcers and more deadly in developing 85% of gastric/stomach ulcers. countries than in developed Another very common cause is countries. Most of us have certain drugs or medications like either been victims to this Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory condition, or at least know Drugs (NSAIDs) which include of someone who has been a aspirin and paracetamol. These victim. Peptic ulcer disease drugs especially affect the is basically a break in the stomach lining when its empty and mucus lining of the stomach this is why its advisable to take known as a Gastric Ulcer or these medications after meals. a break in first part of the Other common causes include small intestine known as a lifestyle factors like cigarette smoking and alcohol use Duodenal Ulcer. which disrupt the stomach mucus membrane. Dietary The break in the mucus membrane exposes the stomach factors might also slightly increase your chances of surface to the strong acids. The disease also affects developing ulcers and include intake of spicy foods men more often than women and usually may lead to and caffeine. Severe physiologic stress which includes death especially in the elderly. In Africa, the countries burns and surgery as well as serious illnesses like most affected by peptic ulcers include Central African sepsis and hypotension may also lead to development Republic followed by Burundi and the Democratic of ulcers. Republic of Congo. (Source healthgrove.com) Several sources including emedicine.com also mention genetics as a cause of peptic ulcers and mentions that more than 20% of patients with duodenal ulcers have a family history. The Blood group of an individual may also increase the risk of developing ulcers as individuals with blood group O are at higher risk of developing duodenal ulcers and individuals with blood group A are more likely to develop stomach ulcers. Symptoms and signs Ulcers usually present with abdominal pain that is usually referred to as ‘epigastric pain’. In duodenal ulcers, the pain disappears after taking a meal while in stomach ulcers, the pain appears on taking meals. Staying hungry or skipping meals will cause pain in duodenal ulcers and will relieve pain in stomach ulcers. Victims of Peptic ulcer disease especially stomach ulcer victims might also experience vomiting and in some cases, might also vomit blood. You might also experience nausea (vomiting feeling) and heartburn. You might also experience indigestion, loss of appetite, weight loss as well as bloating. Black tarry stools may also be present in patients with stomach ulcers due to digestion of the blood from vessels that have been eroded by the ulcer. Prevention There are several ways you can reduce your chances of being affected by peptic ulcers. One of the major ways is by avoiding cigarette smoking as smokers are much more likely to be affected by peptic ulcer diseases than non-smokers. Another preventive measure is by taking alcohol in moderate quantities or not consuming alcohol altogether. You can also limit the number of days you take certain medications like NSAIDs which include aspirin and paracetamol. Long term consumption of these drugs might increase your chances of developing peptic ulcer disease and so, they should only be taken for a few days at a time. Maintaining personal hygiene by washing hands regularly will also reduce your chances of being affected by H. pylori which is the major cause of the disease. It is very essential to try your best to prevent developing Peptic Ulcers and if you do become a victim, ensure you take the appropriate medications to treat the condition as long term untreated ulcers might lead to severe and life threatening complications such as severe anaemia due to blood loss and gastric outlet obstruction. Consult your physician for appropriate management advice and always avoid self-medication due to potential risks it may carry. Ali Khatau ([email protected]), f inal (5th) year medical student from the Rotaract Club of Kairuki (Hubert Kairuki Memorial University)- Dar-es-Salaam Tanzania. The author is a medical student at Hubert Kairuki Memorial University. Rotaract District 9211 District 9211 The Passion Bulletin 25