Gastrointestinal Health: Peptic ulcers Flashcards
Q: What are peptic ulcers?
A: Peptic ulcers are sores in the stomach (gastric) or duodenum, characterized by the breakdown of the mucosal barrier and erosion of the wall by stomach acid (HCl).
Q: What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers?
A: Symptoms include epigastric pain (which may radiate to the back), gnawing pain between meals, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, and dyspepsia.
Q: What are the complications of peptic ulcers?
A: Complications include gastrointestinal bleeding (small or large hemorrhage) and perforation, which can lead to peritonitis.
Q: When should you seek urgent medical attention for peptic ulcers?
A: Seek urgent care if there is sudden sharp abdominal pain, vomiting blood (haematemesis), or black tarry stools (melaena).
Q: What are the key risk factors for peptic ulcers?
A: Risk factors include stress, low antioxidant and gastric acid levels (increasing susceptibility to H. pylori), NSAID use, smoking, caffeine, and alcohol.
Q: What is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)?
A: H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium associated with peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, and gastric cancer. It burrows through the protective mucus layer in the stomach, causing inflammation, and secretes enzymes like urease, which releases ammonia, damaging the mucosal barrier.
Q: What is the natural approach to treating peptic ulcers?
A: Avoid alcohol, smoking, fizzy drinks, spicy foods, and caffeine. Increase fiber intake (especially for duodenal ulcers), address stress, and consider calming nervine teas like chamomile and passionflower.
Q: How can the mucosal/mucin barrier be supported in peptic ulcer treatment?
A: Use demulcent herbs like slippery elm, marshmallow, and liquorice, increase dietary polyphenols, and consume seaweeds/algae (for fucoidan content).
Q: What are some natural remedies for peptic ulcers?
A: Raw cabbage juice (stimulates mucin production), turmeric (anti-inflammatory), and aloe vera juice (anti-inflammatory, promotes wound healing).
Q: What are natural methods to eradicate H. pylori?
A: Use Saccharomyces boulardii (boosts SIgA and mucosal barrier), mastic gum (anti-bacterial, ulcer-healing), liquorice (inhibits H. pylori protein synthesis), and cinnamon, berberine, or curcumin (which inhibit H. pylori growth).
