Peptic ulcer refers to the ulcer formed by self-digestion of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
The most common peptic ulcers are gastric and duodenal ulcers, which can occur at any age.
The most common cause of peptic ulcer is Helicobacter pylori infection.
In addition, drug stimulation can also damage the gastric mucosa, such as aspirin, fenbid, paracetamol, dexamethasone and other drugs.
Long-term mental stress, anxiety or mood swings and other mental and psychological factors are also one of the reasons for the easy development of peptic ulcer.
In addition, people with bad eating habits such as long-term smoking, drinking, overeating, and eating spicy and irritating foods are also prone to peptic ulcers.
Are peptic ulcers contagious?
The infection of peptic ulcer is mainly related to Helicobacter pylori infection.
Therefore, people suffering from peptic ulcer should go to the hospital to check the C13 breath test to determine whether there is Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection.
If it is determined to be infected with Helicobacter pylori, the infected person should implement divided meals or use public chopsticks, and do not kiss children.
How to distinguish gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer?
Stomach and duodenal ulcers differ in five ways.
First, the location of the pain is different. Duodenal ulcers are located in the middle or slightly to the right of the upper abdomen, and gastric ulcers are located in the middle or slightly to the left under the xiphoid process.
Second, the nature of pain is different, with duodenal ulcers there will be dull, burning, or just hunger-like discomfort, while those with gastric ulcers will have burning or cramping sensations.
Third, the pain onset time is different.
Duodenal ulcer is a kind of hunger pain, and it will hurt 2-4 hours after a meal or at midnight; gastric ulcer is a kind of postprandial pain, and the pain occurs 30-60 minutes after a meal.
Fourth, pain duration varies.
Duodenal ulcers persist for 2-4 hours after a meal until the next meal; gastric ulcers persist for 1-2 hours.
Fifth, the pain laws are different.
The law of duodenal ulcer is "pain-eating-relief", while the law of gastric ulcer is "eating-pain-relief".
How to "protect the stomach" after suffering from peptic ulcer?
After suffering from peptic ulcer, you should pay more attention to your health and life. The following 5 tips can help you effectively "protect your stomach":
1. Eating regularly, chewing slowly, eating a small amount of food frequently;
2. Follow the doctor's advice for regular treatment, use anti-HP, acid-suppressing, gastric mucosal protection drugs, and insist on taking the medicine according to the course of treatment;
3. Maintain an optimistic and cheerful mood and a regular life;
4. Regular gastroenterology follow-up and gastroscopy;
If black stools, hematemesis, aggravation of abdominal pain, and regular changes in pain are found, seek medical attention immediately.
At the same time, these 5 related "taboos" cannot be done:
1. Do not eat irritating foods such as coffee, strong tea, and thick broth;
2. Avoid urgency and overeating;
3. Do not use related drugs that induce or aggravate ulcer disease, such as salicylic acid drugs;
4. Avoid staying up late, excessive tension and fatigue;
5. Don't be afraid of illness.
Peptic ulcer can not only be effectively prevented by actively improving lifestyle, rationally taking medicines, eradicating Helicobacter pylori, and taking gastroscopy as a routine physical examination item, but also can be cured, so patients do not need to be overly nervous. Once ulcer occurs, actively regulate it. With treatment and regular gastroscopy review, you can recover quickly!
This article is scientifically checked by Wang Tao, chairman of the Medical Science Popularization Special Committee of the Chinese Popular Science Writers Association.
Contribution of "Da Yi Xiao Nu"