How to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers. Duodenal ulcer: signs and treatment methods

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum is a lesion of the mucous membrane of the digestive organs, which can affect both the upper and deeper layers of the walls of the organs. Without treatment, the damaged area expands and deepens, and the wound begins to bleed.

A serious consequence is perforation of the walls of internal organs - the appearance of holes through which the contents of the digestive tract rush into the abdominal cavity. In the absence of immediate surgical intervention, this situation ends in death.

Much more often than the stomach, the disease affects the duodenum.

The disease is usually associated with a violation of the acidity level of the digestive tract. The aggressive gastric environment affects the walls of organs, damaging them. At the same time, the protective mucous layer, which is designed to neutralize the effect of hydrochloric acid, is weakened.

These processes can occur for several reasons:

infection with Helicobacter pylori microorganisms, the activity of which first contributes to the development of gastritis, and then more serious diseases;
taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen), corticosteroids or cytostatics;
entry of a large amount of acid into the duodenum due to weakness of the muscles of the outlet of the stomach;
smoking and alcohol abuse;
non-compliance with the rules of healthy eating: overeating, forced fasting (long intervals between meals), infatuation with spicy or salty foods;
mechanical damage to the abdominal organs;
genetic predisposition (if among your relatives there are those who suffer from gastrointestinal diseases, your risk of getting sick increases);
stress, depression and similar mental problems.

It has also been found that men are more susceptible to pathology.

Symptoms of stomach and duodenal ulcers

The main symptom of the disease is pain. Pain, pulling or burning, radiating to the back or heart, occurs in the epigastric region. Painful sensations can disappear and reappear, usually worsening in the spring and autumn.

There is also a connection with food intake: if the stomach is damaged, pain is noted after eating (20 minutes to half an hour), damage to the duodenum is accompanied by “hungry” pain, including at night, as well as one and a half to two hours after eating.

Peptic ulcer disease is characterized by:

sour belching and heartburn (when stomach contents enter the esophagus);
nausea and vomiting, which brings slight relief;
difficulties with bowel movements (constipation);
loss of appetite and weight loss (a person, fearing pain, begins to refuse food);
deterioration of general health, weakness.

About serious complications - bleeding, ulcers, intestinal obstruction- testify:

dark shade of stool (in the case when blood enters the stool as a result of internal bleeding);
vomit, the consistency and color of which resembles coffee grounds;
sharp “dagger” pain.

A serious consequence of the pathology is the formation of a malignant tumor at the site of scarring of the lesions. In all these cases, urgent hospitalization and surgical intervention are necessary.

Preventing the progression of the disease is only possible with timely consultation with a therapist or gastroenterologist.

Diagnosis of pathology

At your initial appointment with the doctor, it is important to talk in as much detail as possible about:

previous or existing gastrointestinal diseases;
drug therapy prescribed or used independently;
family situations: does anyone suffer from digestive disorders;
disturbing symptoms - how long they have been observed, the nature of the pain, time of occurrence, dependence on food intake; describe vomit and feces.

The following tests are prescribed:

FGDS is an examination of the stomach and small intestine using a probe. The procedure allows you to detect bleeding, inflamed areas, determine their location and the extent of damage. A biopsy determines the presence of Helicobacter bacteria. The acidity of gastric juice is also measured;
To identify complications (in particular, organ obstruction), radiography with a contrast agent is used;
clinical blood and stool tests to detect bacteria and hidden bleeding.

Treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers

It is prescribed only after clinical studies have been carried out and the cause of the pathology has been determined:

Helicobacter pylori is treated with antibacterial medications (Biaxin, metronidazole, amoxicillin), in parallel, drugs are prescribed that lower the acidity level of the gastric environment (omeprazole, rabeprazole), as well as stimulate the restoration of intestinal microflora (Linex, Bifidumbacterin, Hilak Forte);
in the absence of infection, proton pump inhibitors are prescribed to normalize the pH balance, which reduce the secretory function of the stomach;
the action of some drugs is aimed at healing damaged mucous membranes: sucralfate, de-nol, biogastron;
motility of the duodenum is restored with dopamine receptor antagonists (for example, cerucal);
psychoneurological causes are eliminated with antidepressants and sedatives.

Surgical intervention is indicated in emergency cases:

resection - removal of the ulcerated part of the stomach and connecting it to the intestines. The digestive process is not disrupted after surgery;
vagotomy - the nerve that stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid is cut;
pyloroplasty - widening the outlet connecting the stomach with the intestines to facilitate the passage of food.

During an exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease, it is better not to refuse a therapeutic course in a hospital. Not only will you be under 24-hour monitoring, which is important for providing medical care and performing operations in the event of complications, but you will also get used to the regime.

Nutrition rules

How effective treatment regimens will be directly depends on the behavior of the patient himself, his psychological state and his compliance with the necessary recommendations:

a gentle diet is chosen, with small portions in order to avoid overeating: excessive stretching of the internal organs leads to pain;
the temperature of the food should be approximately equal to the temperature of the human body: excessively hot or cold is prohibited;
rough foods, including those containing plant fiber (cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, legumes, mushrooms, wholemeal bread), are excluded; at first, preference should be given to liquid foods - slimy soups (oatmeal, rice), low-fat broths;
After about two weeks, porridge (semolina, buckwheat, rice) and mashed potatoes (for example, potato) are introduced into the diet. Next, they move on to boiled and pureed dishes: lean meat and fish, steamed cutlets, soft-boiled eggs, vegetable and fruit purees, dried white bread;
also, in the absence of contraindications, dairy and fermented milk products are allowed;
you will have to give up fatty, spicy, smoked, salty and spicy dishes, canned and pickled foods, carbonated drinks, yeast baked goods, strong tea and coffee - it is better to replace them with jelly;
It is not recommended to chew gum, which promotes the production of gastric juice;
alcohol and cigarettes are your worst enemies on the road to recovery.

You need to stick with it for about six months. All dietary changes must be agreed with your doctor. He also prescribes therapeutic exercises or refers you to sanatorium-resort treatment, which usually includes a large number of physical procedures.

Traditional medicine

Before treating a peptic ulcer, consult your doctor. It will help take into account the individual characteristics of your body.

The most effective remedy is considered potato juice. Take it fresh daily for a month, 3 times a day, half an hour before meals, starting with one tablespoon, then two, after a week the serving is already half a glass.

Cabbage juice 50-70 ml also before meals, 3 times a day. It is also well suited for the prevention of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

The unique composition of vegetable oils (especially olive or sea buckthorn) helps protect the mucous membrane even from bacteria. Take one teaspoon on an empty stomach for three months.

Saturates the body with vitamins rosehip infusion, herbal decoctions based plantain, chamomile, St. John's wort, calendula have a healing effect.

Oatmeal jelly Sprouted grains are consumed exclusively in freshly brewed form. Dilute flour from ground sprouted oats with cold water, then add boiling water and cook for no more than two minutes. After 15-20 minutes you need to strain the drink.

Honey cleanses the body well: 1 tsp. dissolve in a glass of warm water and take on an empty stomach.

Prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers

Measures will differ depending on the goals: to prevent the development of the disease itself (primary) or to reduce the risk of exacerbations (secondary).

Primary prevention methods:

compliance with personal hygiene rules (mandatory hand washing, timely change of toothbrushes and regular visits to the dentist);
infectious patients must be in quarantine: eat from separate dishes, have a separate towel. Contact with bacteria carriers is limited; avoidance of alcoholic beverages and nicotine-containing substances, which irritate the mucous membranes and reduce the body’s protective functions;
examination for the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and their eradication; adherence to the rules of a healthy diet: regular meals, exclusion of harmful foods from the diet (canned food, smoked meats, spicy and fatty foods);
normalization of the daily routine: it is necessary to allocate enough time for rest and for feasible physical activity;
do not practice self-medication: almost all drugs have side effects, and effective folk remedies can be selected only after the cause of the ailment has been established;
resolving conflict issues at the stage of their occurrence; try to keep the situation in your family under control, otherwise you risk turning your life into a series of incessant stress.

Secondary prevention includes:

annual examinations by a gastroenterologist in autumn and spring; compliance with treatment recommendations;
visiting sanatoriums and other specialized institutions;
it is important not to deviate from the prescribed nutrition plan;
periodic examinations when the first symptoms of the disease return appear;
Adopt a comprehensive approach that includes primary preventive measures.

A peptic ulcer is an open wound or moist area that tends to develop in one of two places:

In the lining of the stomach (stomach ulcer);
- in the upper part of the small intestine - the duodenum (duodenal ulcer).

Duodenal ulcers are three times more common than gastric ulcers.

Ulcers develop when digestive juices appear in the stomach, intestines, and digestive glands and the lining of the stomach or duodenum is damaged.

Ulcers can average from 0.62 cm to 1.25 cm in diameter. Helicobacter Pylori bacteria are the main cause of peptic ulcers. Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is the second most common cause.

Peptic ulcer disease affects all age groups, but rarely occurs in children. Men are twice as likely to get ulcers as women. The risk of duodenal disease tends to increase starting at age 25 and continuing until age 75. The risk of its greatest peak is from 55 to 65 years.

Mechanism of ulcer formation

Two important components of digestive juices are hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin. Both substances are critical in breaking down and digesting starches, fats and proteins in food. They play different roles in ulcers.

- Hydrochloric acid. It is a common misconception that excess hydrochloric acid, which is secreted in the stomach, is solely responsible for the production of ulcers. Patients with duodenal ulcers tend to have higher than normal levels of hydrochloric acid, but most patients with peptic ulcers have normal or lower than normal acid levels. Having stomach acid is actually important for protecting against H. Pylori, the bacterium that causes peptic ulcers in most cases. The exception is ulcers that occur from Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare genetic condition in which a tumor in the pancreas or duodenum secretes very high levels of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid.

- Pepsin. This enzyme breaks down proteins in food. It is also an important factor in the formation of ulcers. Since the stomach and duodenum are composed of proteins, they are sensitive to the action of pepsin. However, the body has a defense system to protect the stomach and intestines against these two potent substances:

A layer of mucus that covers the stomach and duodenum (the first line of defense);
- bicarbonate, which secretes a layer of mucus that neutralizes digestive acids;
- hormone-like substances prostaglandins that help dilate the blood vessels in the stomach to ensure good blood flow and protect against injury. Prostaglandins can also stimulate the action of bicarbonate and mucus.

The destruction of these protective mechanisms makes the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines susceptible to the effects of acid and pepsin, increasing the risk of ulcers.

> Reasons ulcers of the stomach and duodenum

In 1982, two Australian scientists identified Helicobacter Pylori (or H. Pylori) as the main cause of stomach ulcers. They showed that stomach inflammation and the result of stomach ulcers from a stomach infection are caused by H. Pylori bacteria.

The bacteria appear to cause ulcers in this way: the corkscrew shape of Helicobacter Pylori allows them to penetrate the mucous layer of the stomach or duodenum so that they can attach to the lining. The surfaces of the cells lining the stomach contain protein. The protein breakdown accelerating factor acts as a receptor for bacteria.

H. pylori survives in highly acidic environments. H. Pylori stimulates the increase and release of gastrin. Higher gastrin levels promote increased acid secretion. The increase in acid damages the intestinal lining, leading to ulcers in certain individuals. H. Pylori also modifies certain immune factors that allow these bacteria to evade detection by the immune system and lead to frequent inflammation, even without invading the mucosa. Even if ulcers do not develop as is believed, the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is the main cause of active chronic inflammation in the stomach - gastritis, and in the upper part of the small intestine - duodenitis. H. Pylori is also strongly associated with stomach cancer and possibly other extraintestinal problems. H. Pylori bacteria are most likely transmitted directly from person to person. However, little is known about exactly how these bacteria are transmitted.

About 50% of the world's population is infected with H. Pylori. The bacteria are almost always acquired in childhood and persist throughout life if the person is not treated. The prevalence of this bacterium in children is about 0.5% in industrialized countries. However, even there, in regions with critically unsanitary conditions, the conditions for infection are equal to those in developing countries.

It is not yet entirely clear how these bacteria are transmitted. Possible transmission methods include:

Intimate contact, including contact with liquid by mouth;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (especially with vomiting);
- contact with feces (feces);
- contaminated wastewater.

Although Helicobacter pylori are quite common, ulcers in children are very rare - only 5-10% of H. Pylori-infected adults. Several factors may explain why some infected patients get ulcers:

Smoking;
- drinking alcohol;
- presence of relatives with peptic ulcer disease;
- male gender;
- infection with a bacterial strain that contains a cytotoxin-related gene.

When the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori was first identified as the main cause of peptic ulcers, it was found in 90% of people with duodenal ulcers and about 80% of people with stomach ulcers. As more people are now tested and treated for the bacteria, the rate of H. Pylori-induced ulcers has decreased. Currently, H. Pylori is found in about 50% of people with peptic ulcers;

Factors that cause ulcers in H. Pylori carriers

Certain factors may increase the risk for ulcers in NSAIDs:

Age 65 or older;
- history of peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding;
- other serious illnesses such as congestive heart failure;
- use of medications such as: anticoagulant Warfarin (Coumadin), corticosteroids, osteoporosis drug Alendronate (Fosamax), etc.;
- alcohol abuse;
- Helicobacter Pylori infection;
- other risk factors for ulcers from H. Pylori or NSAIDs;
- stress and psychological factors;
- bacterial or viral infections;
- bodily injury;
- radiation therapy;
- smoking. Smoking increases acid secretion, decreases prostaglandins and bicarbonate, and decreases blood flow. However, research results on the actual effect of smoking on ulcers vary.

Only 10-15% of people infected with Helicobacter Pylori develop peptic ulcers. H. Pylori infections, especially in older people, may not always lead to peptic ulcers. Other factors must also be present to actually cause ulcers:

- genetic factors. Some people have strains of H. Pylori with genes that make the bacteria more dangerous and increase the risk of ulcers;

- immune disorders. Some people have a disorder of the intestinal immune response that allows bacteria to injure the intestinal lining;

- lifestyle factors. Although lifestyle factors such as chronic stress, coffee and smoking have long been considered the main causes of ulcers, they are now thought to only increase susceptibility to ulcers in some H. Pylori carriers - and nothing more;

- stress. Although stress is no longer thought to be a cause of ulcers, some research suggests that stress may predispose a person to ulcers or prevent existing ulcers from healing;

- shift work and interrupted sleep. People who work night shifts have a significantly higher incidence of ulcers than day workers. Researchers suspect that frequent sleep interruptions may weaken the immune system's ability to defend against harmful bacteria.

- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Long-term use of NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) is the second most common cause of ulcers. NSAIDs also increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk of bleeding continues as long as the patient takes these drugs, and it may continue for about 1 year after the break. Short courses of NSAIDs for temporary pain relief should not cause serious problems because the stomach has time to recover and repair any damage that has occurred.

Patients with ulcers from NSAIDs should stop taking these medications immediately. However, patients who require these medications on a long-term basis can reduce the risk of developing ulcers by taking proton pump inhibitor PPI drugs such as Omeprazole (Prilosec), Famotidine (H2 blocker Pepcid), and others.

15-25% of patients taking NSAIDs regularly will have evidence of one or more ulcers, but in most cases these ulcers are very small. Long-term use of NSAIDs can possibly damage the small intestine. Even low doses of aspirin (81 mg) may pose some risk, although the risk is lower than with higher doses. The risk is greatest in people who use very high doses of NSAIDs for long periods of time, especially those with rheumatoid arthritis.

- Medications. Some medications other than NSAIDs can also make ulcers worse. These include: Warfarin (Coumadin) - an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding, oral corticosteroids, some chemotherapy drugs - Spironolactone and Niacin. Bevacizumab, a drug used to treat colorectal cancer, may increase the risk of gastrointestinal perforation (a perforation or perforation of an ulcer is when an ulcer breaks outside the stomach or duodenum and releases its contents). Although the benefits of Bevacizumab outweigh the risks, gastrointestinal perforations are very serious. If they occur, patients should stop taking the drug.

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES).. Another cause of peptic ulcers, although much less common than H. Pylori or NSAIDs, is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Large amounts of acid are produced in response to overproduction of the hormone gastrin, which in turn causes tumors of the pancreas or duodenum. These tumors are usually cancerous and must be removed. Acid production must also be suppressed to prevent new ulcers.

ZES should be suspected in patients with ulcers who are not infected with H. Pylori and who have no history of NSAID use. Diarrhea may occur before ulcer symptoms. Ulcers occurring in the second, third or fourth parts of the duodenum or in the jejunum (the middle part of the small intestine) are signs of ZES. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is more common and often more severe in patients with ZES. Complications of GERD include ulcers and narrowings (strictures) of the esophagus.
Ulcers associated with ZES are usually persistent and difficult to treat. Treatment involves removing the tumor and suppressing the acid with special medications. In the past, gastric removal was the only treatment option.
Experts don't know what factors actually increase the risk of developing ulcers.

Symptoms stomach and duodenal ulcersAnd

- Dyspepsia. The most common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease are collectively known as dyspepsia. However, peptic ulcers can occur without dyspepsia or any other GI symptoms, especially if they are caused by NSAIDs.

Main symptoms of dyspepsia:

Complications stomach ulcers

Most people with severe ulcers experience significant pain and insomnia, which can have a dramatic and negative impact on their quality of life. In addition, treating ulcers is extremely expensive.

- Bleeding and hemorrhage. Ulcers caused by H. Pylori or NSAIDs can be very serious if they cause bleeding or perforation of the stomach or duodenum. Up to 15% of people with ulcers have some bleeding, which can be life-threatening. There are ulcers in which the small intestine is attached to the abdomen and, as a result of the narrowing or closing of the intestinal opening, can swell and scar. In such cases, the patient vomits the entire contents of the stomach, and urgent emergency treatment is prescribed.

Because ulcers often do not open from the gastrointestinal symptoms of NSAIDs until bleeding begins, doctors cannot predict which patients taking these drugs will develop bleeding. The risk of an adverse outcome is highest in people who have had long-term bleeding from NSAIDs, bleeding disorders, low systolic blood pressure, mental instability, or other serious and adverse health conditions. Among the population at higher risk are older people and those with other serious illnesses, such as heart problems.

- Stomach cancer. Stomach cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In developing countries, where levels of Helicobacter Pylori are very high, the risk of developing stomach cancer is now six times higher than in developed countries. H. Pylori can be carcinogenic (producing cancer in the stomach), like cigarette smoke in the lungs. Infection with Helicobacter pylori promotes a precancerous condition called atrophic gastritis. This process most likely begins in childhood.

When Helicobacter pylori infection begins in adulthood, it poses a lower risk of cancer because atrophic gastritis may develop. Other factors, such as specific strains of Helicobacter Pylori and diet, may also influence the risk of developing stomach cancer. For example, a diet high in salt and low in fresh fruits and vegetables is associated with greater risk. Some evidence suggests that a strain of H. pylori that carries the cytotoxin gene may be a specific risk factor for the development of precancerous lesions.

Although there is conflicting evidence, some studies suggest that early elimination of H. Pylori may reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer in the general population. It is important to monitor patients over a long period of time after treatment. People with duodenal ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori appear to have a lower risk of developing stomach cancer, although scientists don't know why. It is possible that the duodenum and stomach are affected by different strains of H. Pylori. And perhaps the high levels of acid found in the duodenum may help prevent bacteria from spreading to important areas of the stomach.

- Other diseases. H. pylori is also weakly associated with other extraintestinal disorders, including migraine, Raynaud's disease, and skin conditions such as chronic urticaria. Men with stomach ulcers may face a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer, although duodenal cancer does not appear to pose the same risk.

Gastric and duodenal ulcers are common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which are diagnosed in 10% of the population over the age of 30 years. It is very important to identify the disease at a stage when it is possible to do without surgery, and treat gastric and duodenal ulcers with medications. The pharmacological industry offers a wide range of drugs for the treatment of this disease, which help relieve inflammation, protect the intestinal mucosa from irritation, and eliminate the symptoms of the disease. Any of the drugs should be prescribed by a gastroenterologist after a series of laboratory and instrumental studies. In this article we will consider the most popular and effective groups of drugs for the treatment of ulcers, as well as traditional medicine methods that can act as an auxiliary therapy to the main treatment.

Basic methods of treating gastric and duodenal ulcers

Treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers consists of a whole range of measures aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disease, restoring the intestinal mucosa and preventing the progression of the disease. An equally important step in treatment therapy is to eliminate the cause of the disease, which in 85% of cases is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

In other cases, the disease can be triggered by poor nutrition, long-term use of certain medications, or adverse environmental influences. The choice of drug depends on the stage of the disease, the patient’s condition, and the characteristics of the body. Comprehensive treatment of gastric ulcer includes:

Taking medications from several pharmacological groups that heal ulcers, neutralize or reduce the secretion of gastric juice, and eliminate the symptoms of gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Complete rejection of provoking factors that can cause an exacerbation of the disease: smoking, drinking alcohol, eliminating stress, avoiding fatty, spicy or fried foods.
Dieting. During the acute period, the patient is advised to adhere to a strict diet. When the disease is in remission, the diet must be followed, since taking any prohibited product can cause a relapse.
Physiotherapeutic treatment: UHF therapy, mud therapy and others, which are prescribed during the period of remission of the disease.

By adhering to the prescribed treatment regimen and doctor’s recommendations, you can relieve inflammation, reduce and eliminate the symptoms of the disease. In cases where conservative treatment does not bring the desired result or there is a risk of bleeding, patients are prescribed emergency or planned surgery. It is very important to treat peptic ulcer disease in the early stages of its development, since the lack of proper medical therapy will eventually lead to the development of a chronic form of the disease or, even worse, stomach cancer.

Usually an ulcer is a consequence of gastritis, so there is no need to ignore the symptoms of the disease and wait for it to develop into more serious diagnoses. Duodenal ulcer - treatment involves taking several drugs, each of which has a different composition, mechanism of action, and is available in different forms and dosages. Any of the medications should be prescribed by a gastroenterologist.

Antisecretory drugs

Antiulcer antisecretory drugs reduce the production of hydrochloric acid and make gastric juice less aggressive to the intestinal mucosa. Antisecretory drugs are divided into two pharmacological groups:

1. H2-blockers of histamine receptors. Such drugs reduce the secretion of gastric juice, which enters the lumen of the stomach and irritates its mucous membrane: Ranitidine, Kvamatel, Ulfamide.

2. Proton pump inhibitors. They inhibit the aggressiveness of hydrochloric acid, reduce the activity of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori: Gastrozole, Omeprazole, Zulbex, Rabelok and others, which make it possible to create a protective film in the intestinal mucosa, thereby preventing its irritation by acids and toxins.

Treatment of peptic ulcer without antisecretory drugs will not bring the desired result. The course of treatment and dose of the drug are prescribed by the doctor individually for each patient.

Antiprotozoal drugs

Such drugs are prescribed to suppress the activity of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Such medications for duodenal ulcers include taking antibacterial and antimicrobial drugs, including: Amoxicillin, Metronidazole and others. The drug De-nol is quite popular and effective, which is prescribed to almost all patients with stomach ulcers. It takes a long time to take De-nol, but its use allows you to cure peptic ulcer disease and eliminate the very cause of its development.

Bismuth preparations

Prokinetics

Prokinetics, medications that improve gastrointestinal motility, can eliminate symptoms such as nausea, vomiting; these medications are recommended to be taken when feeling heaviness in the stomach, heartburn: Cerucal, Metoclopramide, Motilium.

Antacids

Antacids are taken symptomatically when heartburn occurs, which quite often torments patients suffering from peptic ulcers. The action of such drugs is aimed at neutralizing the effects of hydrochloric acid on the gastric mucosa. Taking antacids has an adsorbent and astringent effect. Such drugs do not cure ulcers, but significantly alleviate the symptoms of the disease: Maalox, Almagel, Fitolysin and others.

Other groups of drugs

In addition to the main medications used for stomach and duodenal ulcers, your doctor may prescribe other medications that will help reduce or eliminate the symptoms of the disease. Among these medications, the doctor most often prescribes:

Antispasmodics (No - spa, Drotaverine) - relieve pain of mild and moderate intensity, used in the treatment of patients with stomach ulcers.
Probiotics are prescribed in combination with antibacterial drugs. Taking them will protect the intestinal mucosa from dysbacteriosis and normalize the functioning of the digestive system. Probiotics are highly resistant to opportunistic microorganisms that can cause irritation of the mucous membrane, which is why doctors often prescribe the following medications: Bifiform, Bifidumbacterin, Linex, Enterol and others.

In the complex treatment of stomach ulcers, patients can also be prescribed vitamin complexes that will provide the body with the necessary nutrients. It is important to note that treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers without following a diet will not bring a positive result, even in cases where the patient has undergone drug treatment.

As an auxiliary treatment, doctors often prescribe drugs or herbal remedies. In addition, a good result can be obtained if, together with drug treatment and diet therapy, you use folk remedies that are quite effective in treating peptic ulcers.

Folk remedies for the treatment of gastric ulcers

Treatment of duodenal ulcers with folk remedies includes the use of various components of plant and animal origin, which are widely used for therapeutic and preventive purposes. There are quite a few recipes used for peptic ulcer disease, but any of them cannot be the main one in the treatment of this disease, but only as an auxiliary therapy to the main treatment, which is prescribed by a gastroenterologist individually for each patient.

Recipe No. 1. To prepare the recipe you will need 1 tbsp. l. plantain seeds, pour 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 1 hour, strain and take 1 liter. 3 times a day.

Recipe No. 2. You will need 200 g of finely ground propolis + 100 ml of alcohol or vodka, leave for 5 days, take 15 drops 2 times a day.

Recipe No. 3. The recipe consists of the following ingredients: 1 glass of aloe leaves minced through a meat grinder, pour in 1 glass of honey, leave for 3 days. You can add half a glass of red wine. You need to consume this mixture within a month, 1 tbsp. l.

Recipe No. 4. You can buy regular sea buckthorn oil at the pharmacy and take 1 teaspoon 2 times a day. In the first 2 days of taking it, heartburn may appear, but after a few days it will disappear, stomach pain will also decrease, and unpleasant belching will disappear.

Recipe No. 5. A recipe for treating stomach ulcers with honey and nuts is quite effective and tasty. To prepare you need to take 200 grams. honey + 100 gr. walnuts and 1 spoon of butter. All ingredients must be mixed well and placed in the oven for 10 minutes. Take 1 tablespoon before meals 2 times a day.

There are other equally effective traditional medicines for the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers, but before using them you should consult your doctor. When using unconventional methods, you need to remember that they cannot cure an ulcer, but only reduce the symptoms and can be an ideal addition to the main treatment.

What happens if peptic ulcer disease is not treated?

Complications of this disease are quite insidious and dangerous and consist not only in the fact that the disease can become chronic, but also there is a risk of developing bleeding or stomach cancer, which often lead to the death of a person. Therefore, it is better to treat duodenal ulcers with drugs in the early stages of the disease than to put your life in danger.

Proper treatment of a duodenal ulcer at home will relieve inflammation, thereby eliminating the symptoms of the disease and putting it into remission.

In order for remission to last as long as possible, you need to adhere to the following rules:

Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Tobacco smoke and alcohol are one of the most dangerous provocateurs of ulcers, since they contain various carcinogens, poisons and other toxic substances that irritate the intestinal mucosa.
Avoid unhealthy foods. Fried, spicy, sour or salty foods increase the secretion of gastric juice, which irritates the mucous membrane, thereby causing symptoms characteristic of ulcers.
You must strictly follow diet No. 5 or table No. 4.
Take all prescribed medications.
Follow your doctor's recommendations.

Peptic ulcer disease is a chronic disease that simultaneously affects the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum, and is characterized by the formation of ulcers on it. It is a common illness and is diagnosed in 10% of the population over the age of 30. It is better to ask yourself in a timely manner how to treat a stomach and duodenal ulcer than to put your life in danger.

At the initial stage, the ulcer is treated with medications; advanced forms require surgical intervention. The pharmacological market presents a large number of drugs that can relieve the symptoms of peptic ulcers, eliminate inflammation and protect the mucous membrane. Medicines should be taken only as prescribed by a gastroenterologist, after certain laboratory tests.

If you have a peptic ulcer, you need to follow a diet.

Complex therapy for peptic ulcer disease consists of the following components:

Treatment with drugs of various pharmacology that heal the ulcer, reduce the secretion of gastric juice, and eliminate painful symptoms. Elimination of irritating factors (smoking, alcohol, regular stress, fatty, spicy foods).
Compliance. During the period of exacerbation, the patient must be on a strict diet, and during the remission stage, also not consume prohibited foods, so as not to provoke a relapse.
Physiological procedures are indicated on an individual basis during the period of weakening of the disease. In addition, stomach ulcers respond well to treatment using proven folk methods.

Drug treatment of peptic ulcer

Almagel will help relieve the symptoms of the disease.

Treatment with medications includes the following areas:

Antibacterial therapy. Carry out after detection.
Reducing or neutralizing the acidity of gastric juice. Protecting the intestines from harmful influences, increasing the functionality of the membrane and healing wounds. Normalization of the nervous system and mental state.
The variety of drugs prescribed for treatment is quite large. Now it is possible to use special protocols, which indicate the main treatment regimens, recommended drugs and dosages.
In the presence of Helicobacter Pylori infection, several antibiotics are prescribed to which these bacteria are sensitive, most often Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, and Bismuth medications.
To neutralize the effect of gastric juice on the lining, antacid drugs are prescribed. They have an astringent and absorbent effect. These medications are not able to cure ulcers, but they significantly alleviate the symptoms. Among the most frequently prescribed are Maalox and Fitolysin.
Histamine receptor blockers such as Cimetidine reduce the synthesis of hydrochloric acid and reduce its acidity level.
Prokinetics are also indicated, which promote the rapid movement of food through the intestines and prevent bloating, nausea and vomiting. The most commonly prescribed drugs are Cirukal and Metoclopramide.
If it is necessary to eliminate pain, antispasmodics are recommended - drotaverine, which can relieve pain of low and medium intensity. Depending on the individual characteristics of the body and the specific course of the disease, it may be necessary to prescribe additional drugs.

It is important to know! You should not voluntarily refuse to take medications, even when your health has improved and nothing bothers you for several days.

Treatment by surgery

Resection is the removal of part of the stomach or intestine.

If drug treatment does not lead to the desired results, the body does not recover, and a peptic ulcer provokes other digestive diseases, then a planned operation is prescribed.

The decision on surgical intervention is made collectively after a thorough examination of the entire body. Types of operations for ulcers can be as follows:

Resection is the removal of part of the stomach or intestine affected by the ulcer.
Vagotomy - the nerve endings responsible for the production of gastrin (a hormone involved in the regulation) are blocked
Endoscopy - the surgeon makes several abdominal punctures, through which he inserts special equipment, and the doctor uses it to trim the posterior vagus nerve.

The absolute indications for immediate surgical treatment of the disease are as follows:

excessive stomach bleeding;
narrowing of the pylorus (food does not pass into the duodenum);
perforation (rupture of an ulcer into the abdominal cavity or other organs);
Magnilization (degeneration of an ulcer into a malignant tumor).

Other indications for surgery for ulcers may include:

the disease cannot be treated with drugs;
frequent exacerbations
the disease spreads to neighboring organs
large areas of ulcerative lesions
patients over 50 years of age
individual intolerance to prescribed drugs
stomach deformation
gastric polyposis.

It should be noted that operations are more often necessary for stomach ulcers rather than duodenal ulcers.

Proper diet and nutrition

Food should not irritate the gastric mucosa.

Treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers is carried out comprehensively, and one of the main roles in this is played.

The diet should have maximum nutritional value and include sufficient amounts of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. The food consumed should not irritate the gastric mucosa and. The temperature of food should be close to body temperature for better absorption.

Products that increase the secretion of gastric juice and those that irritate the lining are prohibited, namely:

fresh rye bread, rich bakery products;
meat: tough, fatty, salted, smoked and fried;
mushrooms;
fatty fish, caviar;
with high fat content (cream, sour cream, milk)
vegetables with difficult to digest fiber: radishes, white cabbage, spinach, garlic, onions, cucumbers
Fruits and berries with high acidity: citrus fruits, apricots, pineapples, kiwi, watermelon
Overly sweet foods, chocolate
Drinks include coffee, cocoa, and strong tea.
Drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking tobacco is strictly prohibited.
Hot sauces
Canned foods.

Boiled soups from cereals that envelop the stomach: oatmeal, rice, pearl barley
The bread is not rich, crackers
Dishes from lean meats, poultry, fish, boiled in whole pieces, or steamed in the form of cutlets, soufflé.
Soft-boiled eggs or steamed omelet.
Small and well-cooked pasta
Vegetable purees from potatoes, cauliflower, carrots
Low-fat kefir, cottage cheese, milk

Also useful will be drinks such as fresh juices from non-acidic fruits, compotes with, weak teas from rose hips, wheat bran, chamomile. In acute cases of the disease, an even more gentle diet is used. Bakery products and fruits are completely excluded. All dishes are consumed only in liquid or porridge form.

This diet lasts from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the severity of the disease. Afterwards, the introduction of new products into the diet should occur gradually - no more than one product per day in small quantities.

Traditional methods of treatment

Olive oil will help in the treatment of peptic ulcers.

There is indisputable evidence of the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers using traditional methods.

However, they should be used only after careful diagnosis and consultation with a doctor.

Homemade recipes are designed to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and heal ulcers. Traditional recipes to help treat illness:

Honey. Honey is a unique healing product for the treatment of peptic ulcers. It reduces the high acidity that is observed with ulcers, cleanses the mucous membrane of germs and soothes inflammation. Effective recipes:

Honey is dissolved in a water bath (it is important to ensure that the product does not boil) and consumed in small sips. The daily dose should be from 100 to 120 g. Consume in equal quantities before breakfast and lunch and after dinner.
1 glass of goat milk is mixed with 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of honey. Heat the mixture over the fire and add the egg, stir everything thoroughly. Take 10-15 days.
0.5 liters, 0.5 kg of honey and the juice of two lemons are mixed, the medicine is taken 3 times a day on an empty stomach.

Quail eggs. Quail eggs contain enzymes that help heal ulcers on the walls of the stomach and intestines. The essence of the treatment is to drink 3 eggs every morning, half an hour before meals. Relief can be felt within a week; the course of treatment is 4 months.

Olive oil. Olive oil has long been famous for its healing properties and effectiveness in treating peptic ulcers. To prepare the recipe, you need to fill a glass container with St. John's wort herb and fill it to the top with olive oil.

The bottle is placed in a pan of water, which, in turn, is also placed in a large pan. All this is put on low heat for 6 hours. The broth is filtered and taken 1 tablespoon before meals.

Oats. Oats contain a lot of oats, have healing properties, fill the body with energy, and reduce the acidity of gastric juice. To prepare the medicine, add 1 cup of well-washed oats to 4 cups of water and boil for 30 minutes.

The broth is well filtered and stored in the refrigerator. You need to drink 0.5 cups warm 3 times a day before meals. To increase the medicinal properties of the oatmeal broth, you can add a little goat’s milk, a spoonful of honey and butter before use.

If you discover a stomach and duodenal ulcer, do not despair; although the disease is dangerous, in most cases it is treatable. Preventative measures for relapses include proper nutrition, giving up bad habits, avoiding stress, physiotherapy, and using...

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Damage to the mucous membrane of the duodenum causes a number of painful sensations. The period of the disease occurs with periods of exacerbation and attenuation of symptoms. The longer a patient does not seek medical help, the greater the likelihood of complications developing. The treatment path to complete recovery is long and multi-stage. If you follow the recommendations of your doctor and diet, duodenal ulcer can be cured forever.

Etiology of the disease

Peptic ulcer disease tends to be asymptomatic at first. The first signs in the form of heaviness and heartburn do not lead the patient to think about the presence of a serious chronic disease. Periods of acute course are followed by relief and disappearance of symptoms. In moments of relief, a person believes that the disease has passed and there is no need to seek medical help or undergo examination. As the symptoms progress, they worsen and bring more and more discomfort. The symptoms spread to other organs, disrupting the functioning of the entire digestive system. In the absence of treatment, damage is prone to degeneration into malignant formations.

Frequent pain on an empty stomach, belching with an acidic odor, and heartburn are the main signs of a duodenal ulcer. Before treating a duodenal ulcer on your own using traditional methods or medications, you must undergo a full examination and consult a gastroenterologist. Medical tests and instrumental study of the disease will help eliminate complications and choose the right treatment tactics.

The following factors lead to damage to the surface of the stomach and duodenum:

chronic and acute stressful situations;
frequent use of medications that corrode the mucous membrane;
bad habits;
poor nutrition;
entry into the body of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori;
hereditary factor;
accompanying illnesses.

As the disease progresses, it spreads to other internal organs and causes complications, in some cases death. Therefore, it is important to undergo treatment in a timely manner.

A direct connection between duodenal ulcers and nervous system disorders is obvious, which is why it is more often associated with psychosomatic diseases.

Character traits that are characteristic of people with peptic ulcers:

high ambitions;
workaholism;
perfectionism;
increased excitability;
mood swings and sudden changes in emotions;
self-examination;
doubtfulness;
problems expressing yourself and feelings;
manic focus on one aspect of life;
disgust.

A set of measures to get rid of the disease

In addition to medicinal methods of treatment, duodenal ulcers in the early stages can be cured forever with both medications and the addition of traditional methods (after the doctor’s approval) and a complete change in lifestyle. Eliminating stress factors, changing your diet and having a healthy lifestyle always lead to improved well-being and recovery.

The choice of treatment method depends on the cause that caused erosive damage on the surface of the digestive organs. For bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics is recommended. To increase effectiveness, drugs from different groups are prescribed together. In conditions of increased acidity, antibacterial therapy is supplemented with antienzyme agents. In case of a stressful cause of the disease, the main component is sedatives and antidepressants with mandatory consultation with a psychotherapist. To accelerate the healing of damage to the surface of the digestive organs, it is recommended to supplement therapy with drugs with regenerating properties.

In case of a complicated course with intestinal perforation or bleeding, a duodenal ulcer can only be cured by surgical intervention. The postoperative period is spent in a hospital under the supervision of doctors. A multicomponent approach to the treatment of the disease with adherence to dietary nutrition and improvement of the functioning of the nervous system is the basis for a successful recovery.

During an exacerbation of the disease, the patient must be in a hospital facility with bed rest for at least the first two weeks.

In cases of bacterial etiology of the disease, the basis of treatment is antibiotics. The following active ingredients of drugs are active against the cause of Helicobacter pylori peptic ulcer: metronidazole, azithromycin, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, josamycin.

Antibacterial therapy for the treatment of ulcers is prescribed in several regimens: two-component, three-component, four-component. After the full course, it is necessary to undergo a re-examination for the presence of Helicobacter pylori. In cases of unsatisfactory tests, the group of antibiotics is changed, combined and a second course is prescribed.

To prevent the development of dysbiosis while taking antibiotics, probiotics are prescribed to maintain normal intestinal microflora. Popular effective products: Linex, Hilak Forte, Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin, Bak Set.

In order to finally get rid of bacterial infection in case of peptic ulcer, the course of antibiotics must be completed completely, observing the dosage and regimen.

Mandatory components in the treatment regimen for peptic ulcers are agents that reduce or prevent the production of hydrogen chloride and disable histamine receptors and the proton pump. The choice of drugs depends on the etiology and the presence of contraindications. Multidirectional action accelerates the healing of damage and promotes rapid onset of relief. Antisecretory agents help suppress the production of aggressive gastric secretions, relieving inflammation.

Increased production of hydrogen chloride is detrimental to the surface of the digestive organs. High acidity disrupts the functioning of the stomach and corrodes the mucous membrane.

To relieve pain, heartburn and protect the inside of the stomach and duodenum, antacids and bismuth preparations are recommended.

Bismuth-based medications are harmful to Helicobacter pylori; they cover the inner surface of the digestive organs with a protective coating, protecting them from aggressive factors. Trade names of bismuth-based products: De-nol, Vikair.

Antacids eliminate excess hydrogen chloride, relieve inflammation, and protect the mucous membrane. For ease of use, dosage forms are produced in the form of lozenges that quickly dissolve and suspensions. Combined antacids not only relieve pain, but also eliminate bloating and flatulence.

Medicines to speed up healing

Minor damage to the mucous membrane heals on its own when taking enveloping agents. In cases of extensive ulcers or slow regeneration, agents are recommended to accelerate epithelization and repair of ulcers. Preparations based on protein-free blood of young calves have a minimum of contraindications and side effects. For peptic ulcers with this active ingredient, injections of Actovegin and Solcoseryl are prescribed. Methyluracil stimulates the restoration of damaged epithelium, but has more side effects and contraindications and is prescribed less frequently.

Relief of nausea and vomiting

Prokinetic agents help improve peristalsis, relieve attacks of nausea and eliminate the urge to vomit. Metoclopramide (another trade name Cerucal) disables the vomiting and nausea center in the brain. Prescribed in the form of tablets and injections (in cases where it is impossible to take the drug orally). Motilium promotes better peristalsis and relieves the creeping feeling of nausea. Trimedat relieves spasms, improves peristalsis in both diarrhea and constipation, and eliminates nausea.

Drugs to eliminate spasms

Spasmodic pain in peptic ulcers is relieved using approved drugs: No-shpa (Drotaverine), Duspatalin (Veremed, Dutan, Mebeverine, Sparex), Spasmol, Spazoverine. Drugs in this group relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and reduce its contractile functions. To relieve pain and spasms during peptic ulcer disease, only certain groups are allowed that do not affect the condition of the mucous membrane; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prohibited.

Stabilization of the nervous system

Research into the causes of the disease suggests that it most often occurs against the background of nervous disorders. To improve the psychological state, doctors prescribe sedatives, antipsychotics, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. The choice of group depends on the nervous disorder and the patient's condition. All drugs in these categories are strictly prescribed by a doctor.

For peptic ulcers of the duodenum and stomach, especially during exacerbations, therapeutic procedures are indicated. The multidirectional effects of physiotherapy act on different causes of the disease.

During exposure to currents, spasms are relieved, blood supply is improved, and inflammation is eliminated. With an ultrasound procedure and electrophoresis with novocaine, excessive secretion formation is reduced and pain is relieved. After procedures with therapeutic mud, blood circulation becomes better and inflammation goes away. Microwave and heat therapy combats inflammation and pain.

Only the attending physician, after a full comprehensive examination, prescribes a category of physiotherapy in order to enhance the effect of drug treatment for duodenal ulcers.

Therapeutic diet therapy

Anyone who is diagnosed with a stomach or duodenal ulcer must understand that for a complete recovery it is necessary to change their lifestyle and eating habits, which led to this disease. An obligatory component of the complex of treatment of the disease is dietary nutrition, especially at first and during exacerbation.

The basis of therapeutic nutrition is the exclusion of foods that irritate the surface of the internal digestive organs.

The first two weeks of therapy are prohibited:

alcohol;
smoking;
fried;
seasoned with spices;
pickled and salted;
indigestible and rough food;
carbonated drinks;
rich broths.

Allowed:

milk and dairy products;
porridge;
eggs;
lean, easily digestible meat;
light, lean vegetables;
all food must be pre-boiled and chopped;
the temperature of hot dishes is about 50, cold - 40;
eat six times a day in small portions.

At the next stage, vegetables, fruits, and fruit juices are gradually introduced. In any case, every patient must understand that in order to cure a duodenal ulcer forever, it is necessary to change both the diet (do not eat junk food, fast food) and give up bad habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking. Switching to a healthy diet will prevent the recurrence of the disease and ensure comfortable well-being and digestion.

Traditional treatment recipes

Official medicine does not prohibit resorting to traditional methods. In home treatment, if you follow the doctor’s recommendations for taking medications, physiotherapy, and following a diet, taking natural remedies will increase the effectiveness of the entire complex.

All doctors agree that it is unlikely that duodenal ulcers can be cured forever using traditional medicine alone; without drug therapy, the course of the disease can only be alleviated.

To heal damage to the mucous membrane of the digestive system, sea buckthorn oil is taken 1-2 teaspoons after meals for ten to fourteen days.

Bee products help restore the mucous membrane, relieve inflammation and pain. Honey and propolis are used to treat peptic ulcers at home. Alcohol solutions are avoided to avoid irritation of the digestive organs. Mix honey with olive oil and drink a teaspoon half an hour before meals. Propolis is diluted with butter or vegetable oil and drunk before meals for at least a month.

An effective folk remedy is a decoction of flax seeds. The herbal remedy is infused in a water bath and drunk 50 ml before meals for two months.

Mumiyo or stone oil has multidirectional effects on duodenal ulcers:

bactericidal against Helicobacter pylori;
promotes rapid healing;
strengthens the immune system;
protects the gastric wall from aggressive environments;
neutralizes high acidity.

Mumiyo is drunk in its pure form in tablets or diluted with milk and water. The duration of use depends on the severity of the symptoms. To enhance the therapeutic effect, alternate with freshly squeezed cucumber juice.

During illness, it is useful to include bananas in your diet. They have a calming effect on the mucous membrane, relieve inflammation, and normalize digestive processes. Due to the high content of potassium, magnesium and beneficial compounds, they improve the functioning of the nervous system.

Freshly squeezed juices from potatoes and cabbage restore the functioning of the digestive system and help in the treatment of ulcers. Take on an empty stomach two to three times a day.

Phytotherapy

To cure duodenal ulcer permanently, in addition to medication, both traditional medicine and herbal medicine are added.

Chamomile decoction is drunk to relieve inflammation, spasms and regulate peristalsis. Flowers help eliminate nervous disorders.

Yarrow has analgesic and healing properties. The herb is infused for five minutes in a water bath and taken on an empty stomach, half a glass in the morning and evening.

The collection of medicinal herbs has multidirectional effects: yarrow, chamomile, St. John's wort, mint, centaury. The components are taken in equal proportions and left in a water bath for half an hour. Take twice a day, half an hour before meals in the morning and evening.

Clover flowers help relieve symptoms of peptic ulcers. They are brewed with fireweed and drunk half a glass twice a day.

Before taking any medicinal herbs, you should consult your doctor.

Regulation of psychosomatics

Constant chronic stress, depression, and scrolling through negativity in the head do not always respond to treatment with sedatives and antidepressants. Working with a psychologist to identify the reasons that led to the disorder comes first. To improve the situation, you need to change your attitude towards people and situations that cause attacks of anger and stress. Every patient with a psychosomatic cause of duodenal ulcer must learn to easily and calmly assimilate and “digest” information from the outside world. Fear and lack of self-confidence, according to psychologists, lead to damage to the digestive organs. After normalization of the psychosomatic sphere, ulcer healing occurs quickly.

To cure a stomach or duodenal ulcer quickly and permanently, you must strictly adhere to the recommendations of a gastroenterologist for taking medications, physical therapy, combining this with the normalization of the emotional state and traditional methods. A single-component approach gives unsatisfactory results, so doctors resort to complex therapy. To avoid the re-development of peptic ulcers, patients are advised to change their lifestyle, eating habits, normalize the functioning of the nervous system and all body systems, and consult a doctor promptly if any ailment occurs.