Introduction
Gastric ulcer aka peptic ulcer.
Literature Review
Gastric ulcer Epidemiology, etiology, and pathophysiology Stress has been associated with stomach ulcers for many year; however, research shows that stress does not cause ulcers. There are two main causes for a gastric ulcer according to University of Maryland Medical Center (2012a). The most common cause is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. This specific bacteria has a corkscrew shape and grows in the mucus gel layer of the coating of the gastric mucosa (Obiajuru and Adogu, 2013). The bacteria will attach itself to the lining where the mucosa becomes weak and the stomach acid passes though, causing an ulcer. This is shown in shown in Figure 2. Genetics, immune abnormalities and lifestyle factors can increase the chances of an ulcer if H. pylori is present. Another cause for a gastric ulcer is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These are drugs include aspirin, Aleve, and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). NSAIDs are beneficial in the treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders but approximately 25% of chronic users will develop ulcers (Lanza, Chan, & Quigley, …show more content…
Gastric ulcers may cause dyspepsia, a chronic pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen that may cause nausea, bloating or a burning sensation (Talley & Vakil, 2005). Older patients are less likely to get any symptoms which can cause severe complications. Another symptom for gastric ulcers is ulcer pain. This can include a piercing pain in the stomach and chronic pain in the upper abdomen. These pains usually come after eating. Some severe symptoms of a gastric ulcer are black or blood stool, severe vomiting with or without blood, emesis with a coffee ground looking substance (which is a sign of hemorrhaging), and severe abdominal pain (University of Maryland Medical Center,
Gastric ulcer aka peptic ulcer.
Literature Review
Gastric ulcer Epidemiology, etiology, and pathophysiology Stress has been associated with stomach ulcers for many year; however, research shows that stress does not cause ulcers. There are two main causes for a gastric ulcer according to University of Maryland Medical Center (2012a). The most common cause is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. This specific bacteria has a corkscrew shape and grows in the mucus gel layer of the coating of the gastric mucosa (Obiajuru and Adogu, 2013). The bacteria will attach itself to the lining where the mucosa becomes weak and the stomach acid passes though, causing an ulcer. This is shown in shown in Figure 2. Genetics, immune abnormalities and lifestyle factors can increase the chances of an ulcer if H. pylori is present. Another cause for a gastric ulcer is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These are drugs include aspirin, Aleve, and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). NSAIDs are beneficial in the treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders but approximately 25% of chronic users will develop ulcers (Lanza, Chan, & Quigley, …show more content…
Gastric ulcers may cause dyspepsia, a chronic pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen that may cause nausea, bloating or a burning sensation (Talley & Vakil, 2005). Older patients are less likely to get any symptoms which can cause severe complications. Another symptom for gastric ulcers is ulcer pain. This can include a piercing pain in the stomach and chronic pain in the upper abdomen. These pains usually come after eating. Some severe symptoms of a gastric ulcer are black or blood stool, severe vomiting with or without blood, emesis with a coffee ground looking substance (which is a sign of hemorrhaging), and severe abdominal pain (University of Maryland Medical Center,