Ulcers

The leading cause of ulcers is a recently discovered bacterium.  This bacterium, Helicobacter pylori (photo on left), was discovered in the early 1990's by a veterinarian who was studying ulcers in pigs.   This bacterium resides in about 30% of the population; these individuals have a much greater risk of developing ulcers.  

The chances of any person getting an ulcer are increased if they are exposed to certain chemicals or emotions.  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or stronger medications used in the treatment of arthritis or chronic inflammatory disease and ethyl alcohol (alcohol in alcoholic beverages) can weaken or break the mucus barrier that normally protects stomach cells from the acid.  An ulcer can also be caused by stress and anxiety because these emotions cause an increase in the amount of HCl secreted by the cells of the stomach.  Patients that suffer from severe infections or injuries are at a much greater risk of developing ulcers due to a breakdown in the mucus lining of the stomach.  

Treatment
Treatment of ulcers includes the use of drugs to treat bacteria, reduce stomach acid, and protect the stomach lining.  Antibiotics are used to treat bacteria, antacids are used to reduce stomach acid, and bismuth subsalicylate, a component of Pepto-Bismol^®, is used to protect the mucus lining of the stomach.  The most effective way to combat ulcers is a two-week treatment of these three types of drugs. 

To learn more about ulcers visit the following websites:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/hpylori/hpylori.htm
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/summary/nsaids/index.htm
http://www.sleh.com/FactSheets/fact-d12-peptic.html
http://www.maxinet.com/mansell/helico.htm

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