Peptic ulcer disease is a common condition that affects the stomach or small intestine. It is characterised by the formation of open sores or ulcers in the lining of the digestive tract, which can cause a range of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and heartburn. Peptic ulcer disease can be cured by the Ayurvedic doctor online consultation.
Peptic ulcer disease can be caused by several factors, including bacterial infections, long-term use of certain medications, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. While it can be a chronic condition, with proper diagnosis and peptic ulcer treatment, most people with peptic ulcer disease can manage their symptoms and prevent complications.
What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is a condition in which painful sores or ulcers develop in the lining of the stomach, oesophagus, or small intestine. These ulcers occur when the protective lining of the digestive tract is damaged and the acid and digestive enzymes produced by the stomach and intestines begin to erode the tissues.
What are the main factors that cause Peptic Ulcer?
Several factors can contribute to the development of Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). These include:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: This bacterium is the most common cause of PUD. It can be transmitted through contaminated food and water and can live in the lining of the stomach and small intestine, causing inflammation and ulcers.
- Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Long-term use of NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can irritate the lining of the stomach and small intestine, leading to the formation of ulcers.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol use can damage the lining of the stomach and increase the production of stomach acid, leading to the development of ulcers.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase the production of stomach acid and delay the healing of ulcers, making them more likely to recur.
- Stress: Although stress does not directly cause PUD, it can increase the production of stomach acid and make existing ulcers worse.
- Other factors that may contribute to PUD include a family history of ulcers, being over the age of 50, and certain medical conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
How does Peptic Ulcer affect your body?
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) can affect the body in several ways:
- Abdominal pain: The most common symptom of PUD is a burning or gnawing pain in the abdomen, which may occur between meals or during the night.
- Bleeding: PUD can lead to bleeding from the ulcers, which can cause black, tarry stools or vomiting of blood.
- Perforation: In some cases, the ulcers can perforate or create a hole in the lining of the stomach or intestine, which can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, and rapid heartbeat.
- Obstruction: PUD can also lead to obstruction or blockage in the digestive tract, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.
- Malnutrition: If PUD is left untreated, it can interfere with the absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract, leading to malnutrition and weight loss.
- Increased risk of stomach cancer: Although rare, PUD can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer, especially in individuals with untreated H. pylori infection.
Where do symptoms of Peptic Ulcer appear on my body?
The symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) typically appear in the upper abdomen, between the navel and the breastbone. The most common symptom is a burning or gnawing pain in this area that may occur between meals or during the night.
If you are facing any issues mentioned above you can take a free Ayurvedic Doctor Consultation at Dr Axico.
What are the risk factors for Peptic Ulcer?
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD), including:
- Helicobacter pylori infection: H. pylori is a type of bacteria that can infect the lining of the stomach and small intestine, leading to inflammation and ulcers.
- Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can irritate the lining of the stomach and increase the risk of developing ulcers.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase the production of stomach acid and decrease the amount of protective mucus in the stomach, making it easier for ulcers to form.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach and increase the production of stomach acid, increasing the risk of developing ulcers.
- Family history of PUD: Genetics may play a role in the development of PUD, and individuals with a family history of the condition may be at higher risk.
- Age: PUD is more common in individuals over the age of 50.
- Stress: Although stress is not a direct cause of PUD, it can worsen existing symptoms.
Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may increase the risk of developing PUD.
When to see a Doctor for Peptic Ulcer and how it is diagnosed?
It's important to see a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) or if you have any risk factors for the condition. Your healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation and determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
To diagnose PUD, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Upper endoscopy: This test involves inserting a small, flexible tube with a camera into your mouth and down your oesophagus and stomach to examine the lining for ulcers.
- Blood test: This test can detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria in the blood.
- Stool test: This test can detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria in a stool sample.
- Breath test: This test involves drinking a solution containing radioactive carbon and breathing it into a bag, which is then tested for the presence of H. pylori bacteria.
- X-ray: This test can help detect stomach ulcer and other abnormalities in the digestive tract.
Ayurvedic Say on Peptic Ulcer
In Ayurveda, Peptic Ulcers can be correlated to parinama shula and annadrava shula. They are the subtypes of Shoola. Shula is a term for pain or colic, specifically used to indicate abdominal pain.
Vata becomes excessively vitiated after ingesting or being exposed to the causes that aggravate it. These two doshas then obstruct this vitiated Vayu as a result of its relationship with morbid pitta and kapha. Severe shoola results from this vitiated Vata being combined with and inhibited by pitta and kapha. It's known as Parinama Shula.
Ayurveda recommends several remedies for managing Parinamashula, including:
- Following a Pitta-pacifying diet: A diet that is cooling, soothing, and Pitta-pacifying can help alleviate Parinamashula symptoms. This may include consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products.
- Consuming herbs and spices: Certain herbs and spices, such as licorice, aloe vera, turmeric, and fennel, may have anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the digestive system.
- Practising stress-reducing techniques: Stress can exacerbate Parinamashula symptoms, so practising stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can be helpful.
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco: Alcohol and tobacco can irritate the digestive system and exacerbate Parinamashula symptoms, so avoiding these substances is recommended.
- Taking Ayurvedic formulations: Ayurvedic formulations such as Amalaki Churna, Avipattikar Churna, and Yashtimadhu Churna may be recommended by an Ayurvedic practitioner to help manage Parinamashula symptoms.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Peptic Ulcer
Ayurveda offers several remedies for managing Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). Some of these remedies include:
- Licorice root: Licorice root has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat digestive disorders, including PUD and acidity. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the lining of the stomach and intestines.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and healing properties and can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with PUD.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe the digestive system and promote the healing of the stomach lining.
- Fennel: Fennel has been traditionally used in Ayurveda to treat digestive disorders. Its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic qualities can aid in easing PUD symptoms related to stomach ulcers.
- Indian gooseberry (amla): Indian gooseberry is rich in vitamin C and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the digestive system and promote healing.
- Ghee: Ghee is a type of clarified butter that is used in Ayurveda for its healing properties. It can help soothe the digestive system and promote healing of the stomach lining.
- Triphala: Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal formula made up of three fruits - amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki. It is known for its digestive properties and can help soothe the digestive system and promote the healing of the stomach lining.
What to eat and not eat
Foods to eat:
- Cooked vegetables, especially bitter and astringent ones like kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts
- Cooling fruits like sweet apples, ripe pears, and melons
- Whole grains like quinoa, barley, and brown rice
- Mung dal (split mung beans), a protein-rich and easily digestible pulse
- Ghee (clarified butter), which is cooling and helps lubricate the digestive tract
- Herbal teas like licorice, fennel, and chamomile
Foods to avoid:
- Spicy and acidic foods like chilli peppers, tomatoes, and vinegar
- Fermented foods like pickles, sauerkraut, and yoghourt
- Sour fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons
- Fried and greasy foods
- Alcohol and caffeine
- Red meat and processed meats
Recommended Ayurvedic single Herbs and medication for Peptic Ulcer
Here is some of the best peptic ulcer ayurvedic medicine:
It is important to note that these Ayurvedic remedies should be taken under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
A Short Note from Dr. Axico
The greatest thing you can do for your health is talk to an Ayurvedic doctor online if you've been taking a lot of antacids. Lately, if you're continuously nibbling to relieve a gnawing discomfort in your stomach, or if you have any other stomach ulcer symptoms. An ulcer can be cured with Ayurvedic treatment in a few weeks and you can buy Ayurvedic medicine online or offline from Dr. Axico.