Peptic Ulcer

Submitted by admin on Wed, 2010-07-28 06:26

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Peptic ulcer, or ulcus pepticum (PUD), refers to a condition in which the gastrointestinal area becomes acidic. The ulcer spreads near the gastrointestinal tract and can cause severe pain. More than 80% of the ulcers are associated with a bacterium named Helicobacter Pylori (spiral shaped). A person showing symptoms of peptic ulcer is advised to consult a doctor without delay. Drugs like aspirin should be avoided as they may worsen the condition. In some cases, peptic ulcers are detected in the duodenum. Only 4% of these ulcers occur due to a malignant tumor.

sign symptoms: 

One of the common symptoms of a peptic ulcer is abdominal pain. A person suffering from this disease may suffer from hematemesis, or vomiting of blood, weight loss, loss of appetite, waterbrash and bloating. Symptoms of peptic ulcer may trigger before the meal, during the meal and after the meal. The problem may get aggravated if symptoms are noticed for more than two weeks. In some cases, the patient may suffer from melena (foul smelling, tarry feces caused due to iron from hemoglobin). But it is rare.
causes: 

The most common cause of peptic ulcer is chronic inflammation. It is caused by Helicobacter Pylori. The immune system fails to clear the infection. Chronic active gastritis occurs due to the bacterium. Old people are more prone to it. People with Type O and A blood group are at higher risk.

Other causes for this problem are stress, alcoholism, smoking and consumption of excessive fatty and oily foods.

Symptoms of peptic ulcer may trigger due to the use of NSAIDS. A layer of mucus helps the gastric mucosa to prevent gastric acid. Certain prostaglandins stimulate the secretion process. This process is hampered by NSAIDs. The function of Cyclooxygenase (essential for the prostaglandin production) is restricted by NSAIDs.

Head injury and burns may also, in some cases, be the cause of this malady. Stress ulcers may occur due to these factors.

Duodenal ulcers may be hereditary. But it is not counted as an important cause for the occurrence of gastrointestinal ulcers.
yogic management: 

Yogic poses or asanas can be of great help to a person suffering from peptic ulcer. Some of the effective asanas that can treat this disease include:

Regular practice of yoga helps to balance the doshas and build immunity that prevents inflammation. Join our Yoga Classes and feel the difference in your life.

ayurvedic management: 

Licorice, or Glycyrrhiza Glabra, is considered an effective Ayurvedic solution for the treatment of ulcers as it helps in the production of mucus (in the stomach).

Add 1 teaspoon of shredded Licorice root in 1 cup of water. Then boil it for at least fifteen minutes. Drink it thrice daily.

Ayurveda says vitiation of doshas is the root cause of a disease. Know how you can balance your Dosha through FREE Dosha Analysis .

Have a question on Ayurveda? For Ayurveda Consultation with our experts, Click Here
home remidies: 

People are advised to eat foods that are rich in fiber. Foods containing fiber help to keep cancer at bay. Duodenal ulcers can be prevented by a fibrous diet.

  • Alcoholism may trigger the symptoms of peptic ulcer. So, alcohol consumption should be reduced.
  • Intake of certain pain killers such as ibuprofen and aspirin should be reduced in order to prevent this malady.
  • Doctors advise patients to reduce milk consumption as it helps in acid production in the stomach.
  • It is important to consult a doctor if you observe any of these symptom.

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conclusion: 

Peptic ulcer can be treated with medical intervention. But one needs to make some changes in the diet. There are many Yogasanas that can also help. Ayurvedic herbs can be effective in the treatment of this malady.