Peptic ulcer disease

A person is affected by peptic ulcer disease when there is an open sore in the stomach lining or duodenum. When the ulcer is located in the stomach, it is gastric ulcer while an ulcer found in the duodenum is a duodenal ulcer and an ulcer in the esophagus is an esophageal ulcer. Some of the causes of peptic ulcers are H. pylori bacteria and NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen. Peptic ulcers are not caused by spicy food or alcohol or smoking. But they can worsen existing ulcers. While stress and personality types can worsen a peptic ulcer but it may not be cause for one. Often chronic ulcers are due to gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Persons suffering from peptic ulcer disease feel a dull ache that keeps coming and going. Typically the pain is felt when the stomach is empty. Vomiting and nausea are other symptoms of peptic ulcer disease. In severe cases, the patient suffering from peptic ulcer disease has black, tarry stools and unexplained weight loss. There might be blood in vomit. Upper GI endoscopy and x-rays of the stomach can help diagnose peptic ulcer disease. Antibiotics are used to destroy bacteria that cause peptic ulcer disease. Antacids help in neutralizing the acid in the stomach. H-2 Blockers are medication that control the production of acid thereby allowing the body time to heal.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness that is characterized by rapid weight loss and dehydration. Women suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum usually have unrelenting vomiting that can lead to electrolyte imbalance and malnutrition. Severe cases of Hyperemesis Gravidarum have to be hospitalized to monitor the nutrition and hydration levels of the expectant mother. While hormonal changes are the likely cause Hyperemesis Gravidarum, pancreatitis, hepatitis, hyperthyroidism or peptic ulcer disease may also be the cause. Women suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum are tested for thyroid function, liver function and blood urea and creatinine. Intravenous fluids are administered to prevent dehydration.

Upper endoscopy

Upper endoscopy test allows a physician to view the esophagus, stomach and deudenum. Upper endoscopy is also referred to as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or panendoscopy. Patients suffering from persistent upper abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea or difficulty in swallowing may need to undergo upper endoscopy to identify the cause. Upper endoscopy can also be used for collecting biopsy sample. Polyps can be removed and possible causes for upper GI bleeding can be located. Upper endoscopy aids in diagnosing peptic ulcer disease. Upper endoscopy is invaluable in detecting H. pylori infection. A patient scheduled for upper endoscopy must come on a empty stomach. The patient is asked to lie on his left side. A small bite block is inserted into the mouth. The endoscope is passed through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. A numbing solution is sprayed on the throat and sedative and pain alleviating medicine is also given to the patient. Images of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum can be seen by the physician on a monitor. Air is blown into the stomach to aid examnation. Patients on medications for hypertension, heart condition or thyroid problems must keep the physician informed.