3 million Canadians diagnosed with stomach ulcers, a form of P. Peptic ulcer disease involves the formation of open sores or lesions in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum - the first portion of the small intestine, located between the stomach and the jejunum. It is a common misconception that peptic ulcers are the result of a heavy workload and emotional stress, when in reality 80-90 percent of ulcers develop as a result of an infection caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The purpose of this paper is to educate readers about the diagnosis, symptoms and treatments for peptic ulcer disease, and to help readers learn their risk of developing an ulcer, and the signs and symptoms to watch out for. .
Causes.
However, while an H.pylori infection is the root cause of the majority of cases, certain lifestyle choices and other factors can also influence the development of ulcers. Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs or (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can inhibit some of the enzymes that protect the stomach from its own acid. Using NSAID`s excessively can make the stomach and duodenum walls vulnerable to harmful stomach acids and pepsin. Also, the peptic ulcer rates in third world countries suggest that dietary factors may play a role in the development of ulcers, such as water cleanliness and quality of food. (May,2011).
Peptic ulcer disease per 100,000 inhabitants in 2004.
no data.
less than 20.
20 "40.
40 "60.
60 "80.
80 "100.
100 "120.
120 "140.
140 "160.
160 "180.
180 "200.
200 "220.
more than 220.
(World Health Organization, 2009).
Diagnosis .
If a peptic ulcer is suspected, it is often difficult to determine the location and severity of the ulcer using only the symptoms. Doctors now have several test methods at their disposal to detect peptic ulcers. The first is Barium contrast X-rays. This is a series of X-rays taken of the patients stomach and duodenum, after he or she has drank a chalky liquid containing barium.