Publisher's Synopsis
Ulcer disease is a condition in which open sores develop in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. They can occur in the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer), stomach (gastric ulcer), and esophagus (esophageal ulcer). Contrary to long-standing common belief, stress does not cause ulcers. Instead, the leading cause of ulcer disease is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). These bacteria damage the protective mucosal barrier of certain areas within the gastrointestinal tract, making it easier for acidic digestive fluids to injure and inflame the gut's lining. Other causes include smoking and chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen.The cause of your ulcer will determine the type of medical treatment that your physician recommends. If caused by NSAID use, then your doctor may discontinue prescribing NSAID medication, suggest a different pain medication, or continue NSAID use and add another medication to protect your stomach and duodenum, such as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which reduces production of stomach acid. If H. pylori infection is the cause of your ulcer, then your doctor may prescribe a treatment plan to kill the infection while reducing the acid in your stomach.Physicians often recommend lifestyle and dietary changes for persons with ulcers in addition to medications until complete healing occurs. Although in the past patients were encouraged to follow a bland diet, current research does not support this dietary modification to be beneficial. Although spicy foods are an irritant for some people with ulcers, medical professionals now place more emphasis on a high fiber diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
