Gastric Ulcers

How does the disease occur?

For many years before the cause was discovered, scientists believed that peptic ulcers (gastric or duodenal ulcers) were caused by stress, smoking, alcohol or caffeine consumption and a poor diet. It was thought that these factors were the cause of the build-up of stomach acids that eroded the lining of the stomach and duodenum. Because of this all the treatment options for these ulcers were directed at controlling and preventing the secretion of the stomach's acids.

However, a study in 1982 by Australian scientists Robin Warren and Barry Marshall showed that although the factors mentioned above do have a role in the development of these ulcers, most peptic ulcers occur because of infection by a corkscrew-shaped bacterium in the inner lining of the stomach known as "Helicobacter pylori" (H. pylori).

Many people with H. pylori may suffer from gastritis after being infected, although very few people actually develop peptic ulcers. However it is not entirely clear why some people with the infection do not develop ulcers whilst others do. Researchers believe that the development of stomach ulcers may depend on their personal conditions such as environmental circumstances or genetic factors.

The stomach contains a very powerful acid known as gastric acid that helps with digesting food particles. Because it is so strong, the stomach has a protective lining of mucus to prevent the gastric acid from eroding the tissue lining. However, H. pylori can penetrate the protective lining of mucus in the stomach and settles there. When the bacterium has settled in the stomach or duodenum, it is able to interfere with the protective mechanism which causes the gastric acid to attack the protective mucus lining. When the acid attacks the lining, it creates breaks and holes, leaving it open to erosion which ultimately causes gastric ulcers.

There are other factors that contribute to the formation of gastric ulcers such as:

    •    NSAIDs - Frequent or long-term use of pain relievers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen can cause the development of gastric ulcers. They are thought to increase the vulnerability of the stomach lining to gastric acid and pepsin.

    •    Smoking - It is believed that smoking increases the risk of gastric ulcer occurrence. It is also thought to slow the healing of existing ulcers.

    •    Other Factors - Although it is believed that caffeine, alcohol and stress are contributing factors, there is no conclusive evidence that proves this, though they are thought to aggravate the existing ulcers.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

Gastric ulcers can cause severe pain half an hour to two hours after a meal in the epigastrium (upper abdomen). Other symptoms of gastric ulcers include:

·        Loss of appetite

·        Weight loss

·        Bleeding

·        Vomiting

What Western treatments are there to help with the disease?

•   Undergoing Surgery - the section of the stomach with the ulcer is removed.

•   Medication - including antibiotics used to kill the H. pylori colony and other drugs to help with accelerating the healing process. Drugs can often cause side effects such as diarrhoea and rashes.

•   Reducing Acid - tablets are available for reducing the acid content in the gastric juices.

•   Lifestyle Modifications - such as quitting smoking and alcohol which are known to reduce the natural defences in the stomach and impair the healing process.

How do you avoid getting the disease in the first place?

To prevent a gastric ulcer, it is good to try to guard the body from inflammation of H. pylori and to avoid activities that damage the protective lining of the stomach. You can do this by avoiding the use or consumption of NSAIDs, tobacco, alcohol and also by being more hygienically aware.

What Chinese treatments are there to help with the disease?

Chinese medicine uses natural medicine and acupuncture to treat peptic ulcers effectively, reducing symptoms and promoting healing of the ulcers. Chinese medicine also works to eliminate the bacteria which causes peptic ulcer, effectively treating the condition. Such treatment methods can minimise the occurrence of complications such as internal bleeding or perforation, and are without side effects.

In my practice, I treat many patients with peptic ulcers, and the results have been very good. Should you suffer from peptic ulcers, then please do not hesitate to contact me.