Esophageal Ulcer

Esophageal ulcer are sores that form in the lining of the lower esophagus. The esophagus is also referred to as the gullet. It is the passageway for food that connects the throat to the stomach. This type of ulcers occurs when mucus in the gullet wears off, allowing stomach acid to rise and burn up the gullet walls.

Esophageal Ulcer Causes

Sores in the gullet may be caused by;

• Infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
• Erosion by stomach acid through acid reflux.
• Genetics
• Taking toxic and corrosive substance
• Inflammation of the esophagus due to medication such as ibuprofen.
• Yeast and virus infections such as candida and herpes

Esophageal Ulcer Symptoms

This form of peptic ulcers is characterized by the following symptoms;

• Burning pain in the chest and heartburn.
• Bloating.
• Sour taste in the mouth.
• Lack of appetite.
• Dry cough.
• Severe symptoms may include vomiting blood.

Esophageal Ulcer Pain Relief

Sores in the esophagus can be very discomforting and extremely painful. Esophageal ulcers patients may use the following to ease this pain;

• Use of H2 Blockers such as ranitidine
• Pain medications that can be gargled or swallowed
• Medications that contain calcium carbonate e.g. tums

These medications are not effective when taken alone, rather, doctors prescribe these medicines together to suppress H. pylori growth and production of gastric acid.

Esophageal Ulcer Treatment

The mode of esophageal ulcer treatment depends on the respective causing factor of that ulcers. They include;

• Ulcers caused by H. pylori is treated by antibiotics which kill this bacteria.
• Use of drugs that decrease stomach acid production such as Lansoprazole. These drugs are known as proton pump inhibitors.
• In severe cases, surgery may be conducted.

Esophagus Ulcer Treatment Natural

Other than the above medical treatment plan, esophageal ulcer can be treated and prevented through the following natural means;

• Observing high levels of hygiene to inhibit the spread of H. pylori bacteria.
• Eliminating medications that may be contributing to increased stomach acid production.
• Drinking a lot of water.
• Taking food rich in Vitamin C, fruits, and fiber.
• Avoiding citrus, milk, food high in sugar, garlic, and caffeine that may increase acids produced.
• Refraining from smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Reducing stress through exercising and meditation.
• chewing gum after meals to help increase saliva production.
• staying upright for a couple hours after eating.

Esophageal Ulcer Healing Time

Esophageal ulcer takes several weeks to heal. However, people react differently to medication as others heal faster than others. Some may heal after 2 weeks of taking medication while others may take up to 8 weeks. This difference is due to genes and different severity of reflux esophagitis.

Medications such as rifampicin and antituberculous medications can take 7-9 months for total healing.

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal Cancer occurs along the esophagus. It is more prevalent among men compared to women. It is mainly caused when ‘abnormal cells‘ form a tumor in the gullet or chronic irritation of cells in the gullet.

Types of Esophageal Cancer

• Squamous cell carcinoma- This is the most prevalent esophageal cancer in the world.
• Adenocarcinoma; It starts in mucous gland cells that line the lower part of your esophagus.
• sarcoma; This form of cancer occurs in the bones and soft tissues.
• Small Cell Carcinoma; This is a rare type of ulcers that begins in neuroendocrine cells.

Causes and risk factors of esophageal cancer.

• Old age.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Severe H. pylori bacterial infections.
• Genes and family history of stomach cancer.
• Obesity.

Prevention for esophageal cancer.

• Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.
• Quit smoking and alcohol drinking.
• Regular exercising.

Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer

• Difficulty in swallowing due to tumor in the gullet.
• Chest pain.
• Hiccups.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Feeling satisfied and full after eating small amounts of food.
• Vomiting blood.
• Egesting dark black stool.

Esophageal cancer treatment

This form of cancer is treated by 3 main processes. However, the choice of treatment is dependant on the causing factor and stage of the cancer. These treatment methods include;

• • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Surgery

FAQ

What is Gastric Ulcers?

Gastric ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. The layer protecting the stomach from stomach acid is broken down by H. pylori bacteria, leaving it unprotected from acid irritation. It is also called stomach ulcers.

Gastric Ulcers Types

The 4 types of stomach ulcers include;

• Type 1 -Occurs in the gastric antrum near lesser curvature.
• Type 2 -This is a combined ulcer of the duodenum and stomach.
• Type 3 (Prepyloric ulcer) – Occurs on the anterior to the pylorus.
• Type 4 – Ulcers in the proximal stomach and cardia.

Gastric Ulcers Causes

Stomach ulcer may be caused by either of the following;

• An infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria
• Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killer drugs for long periods
• Alcohol and cigarette smoking also increase the risk of stomach ulcers.

Gastric Ulcers Symptoms

Gastric ulcer is characterized by these symptoms;

• Burning pain in the stomach after food intake.
• Heartburn.
• Loss of appetite.
• Stomach discomfort.
• Bloating

Stomach Ulcers diagnosis

Gastric ulcer diagnosis vary from simple physical examination to complex laboratory tests. They include;

• Using a stethoscope to listen to sounds in the abdomen.
• Biopsy used to investigate the presence of H. pylori bacteria.
• Visualization of the gullet and stomach using esophagogastrodeodenoscopy (EGD).
• Urea Breath testing.
• USG- Ultrasound of the abdomen.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan

Gastric Ulcers Pain Relief

Research shows that the common over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers may not be very effective for stomach ulcers pain relief. This is because painkillers_ ibuprofen tend to irritate the mucosa lining in the stomach resulting in more sores on the stomach lining.

Instead of OTC painkillers, patients can use acetaminophen and antacids for their pain. However, this drug should only be taken after consultation from your medical expert. This is because when taken in excess, it may result in liver damage. Patients may also use yoga and meditation to ease stress and ultimately stomach pain.

People with severe ulcer pain may take OxyContin and Vicodin painkillers.

Gastric Ulcers Natural Remedy

Gastric ulcers and pain can be eased by natural home remedies and lifestyle changes such as;

• Avoiding alcohol and cigarette smoking.
• Eating foods rich in bioflavonoids such as fruits and vegetables.
• Taking probiotics rich foods e.g. yogurt.
• Taking honey, which suppresses the growth of H. pylori bacteria.
• Ingesting garlic.

Gastric Ulcers Treatment

Stomach ulcer is treated through;

• Antibiotics use such as Amoxil and Flagyl.
• Using proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole, that block gastric acid production
• Use of antacids that counterbalance the stomach acid
• Surgery e.g. antrectomy is used to treat severe gastric ulcer

Gastric Ulcers Medication

1. Antacids– that neutralizes acids produced.
2. Mucosal barrier fortifiers– forms a protective lining on stomach walls.
3. Proton Pump Inhibitors– Suppresses acid production.
4. Prostaglandin Analogs– reduces gastric acid production and stimulates mucous resistance to injury.

Gastric Ulcers Diet

Patients with stomach ulcers are encouraged to eat healthy foods. A healthy diet consists the following;

• Fruits and vegetables-cabbage, broccoli.
• Foods rich in vitamins A and C.
• Avoiding alcohol and other toxins.
• Foods rich in antioxidants
• Probiotics rich foods such as yogurt, kefir

Stomach Ulcer Ultrasound

stomach ulcer yogurt

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQ)

Duodenal Ulcers

Duodenal ulcers are sores that form in the lining of the duodenum. It is a form of peptic ulcer that mostly erodes the gastroduodenal artery. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine.

Duodenal Ulcer Causes

This form of peptic ulcers may be as a result of;

• H. pylori bacterial infection.
• Use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
• Digestive imbalances.
• Use of anticoagulants and steroids and other medications.

Duodenal Ulcer Symptoms

They include;

• Burning pain in the abdomen
• Nausea
• Bloating

In extreme cases, patients may experience;

• Blood in the stool
• Vomiting blood
• Back pain

Nevertheless, duodenal ulcer is more prevalent in people with blood group O.

Duodenal Ulcer Symptoms Back Pain

Severe duodenal ulcers may result in back pain. To suppress this pain, patients are advised to take gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) medications and antibiotics. Taking a rest is also recommended as it reduces strain on the back.

Diagnosis of duodenal ulcer

• Physical examination using a stethoscope
• Urea breath test
• a blood test
• a gastroscopy

Treatment For Duodenal Ulcers

• Triple therapy is used in treating H. pylori caused duodenal ulcers.
• Taking antacids.
• Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs e.g. ibuprofen and aspirin.
• Reducing alcohol and cigarette smoking.

Duodenal Ulcer Diet

Patients suffering from this type of ulcers need to take healthy foods to restrain its spread. This diet may include;

• Foods rich in probiotics bacteria e.g. yogurt, which helps in fighting H. pylori bacteria.
• Fiber-rich diet that helps lower the amount of acid in the stomach and ileum e.g. apples.
• Foods rich in vitamin A e.g spinach, sweet potato

Duodenal Ulcer Pain

Pain due to this type of ulcer is characterized by;

• Pain occurs 2-4 hours after meals.
• Pain is relieved by ingesting food.
• Pain radiates to the back.
• Duodenal pain may wake up the patient.

medication for duodenal ulcer

FAQ