*PEPTIC ULCERS : WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG TO HEAL?* The first step in achieving a cure for peptic ulcer is identifying the type of ulcer. Is it Stomach Ulcer or Duodenal Ulcer ? Let’s build upon our first extract and continue, I hope I will address a bit more of the questions I’ve been receiving in my inbox. *TYPES OF PEPTIC ULCERS* A peptic ulcer is classified based on the location of the sore in the gastrointestinal tract. The two major locations where peptic ulcer occurs the most are the stomach and duodenum. Hence, giving us the two major types of Peptic ulcer ; 1. Gastric or Stomach ulcer 2. Duodenal ulcer Other types include; Esophageal ulcer and jenunal ulcers. Our focus however is on the two major types. *WHAT MAKES THEM DIFFERENT?* Some people may have stomach ulcers and others may have duodenal ulcers. In some cases other people may experience both at the same time, and that’s called Gastroduodenal ulcers. *STOMACH ULCERS* In stomach ulcers, once you eat, you feel the pain because food makes contact with the sores. Also, remember that gastric acid is more produced when food comes into the stomach so it further causes more irritation. In stomach ulcers, people may lose weight due to the fear of eating and vomiting is common Specific symptoms include ; - Abdominal pain that comes soon as you finish eating - ⁠Abdominal pain that worsens once you start eating. - ⁠Nausea and vomiting. - ⁠Weight loss due to fear of eating. - ⁠Pain that easily radiates to the back (can be mistaken for a heart attack) - ⁠Vomiting blood (Hematemesis may occur) *DUODENAL ULCERS* While people with stomach ulcer may feel pain while eating or just immediately after eating, it’s different for people with duodenal ulcer. Remember, it’s the content of the stomach that enters the duodenum. When you start eating, the valve between the stomach and duodenum closes and food from the stomach won’t enter the duodenum for the time being. At this point the duodenum ulcer is happy and taking some breaks. Once digestive starts and food starts emptying into the duodenum again, the sores become irritated and you begin to feel the pain. In duodenum ulcers, the pain comes much later after eating. Most people believe it’s happening because they need to eat again. So, they tend to eat more with the aim to relieve the pain. In duodenal ulcer there are chances of weight gain Many people feel the duodenal ulcer kind of pain and it’s generally more common than stomach ulcers. Most of its occurrence is due to the bacteria H. Pylori, while Pain medications cause stomach ulcer more. Other times, both factors can cause either ulcer specific symptoms of duodenal ulcer ; - Abdominal pain when your stomach is empty. - ⁠Abdominal pain a few hours after eating. - ⁠Abdominal pain at nighttime. - ⁠Pain that is relieved when you eat. - ⁠Weight gain due to frequent eating. - ⁠Pain that relieves when the food you ate do not digest properly. - ⁠Dark tarry stool may be observed These revealed signs and symptoms do not rule out carrying out the required tests in diagnosing PUD. They are simply tips to help you modify your lifestyle while adhering to your medications. They are aimed at helping you seek medical help on time. #beintheknow #ndlalanehealth