Top 10 Symptoms of Gastric and Intestinal Ulcers

3. Causes of gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal

Gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal occur when there is an imbalance between protective factors (integrity of the covering epithelium, mucosal defense mechanisms, and the condition of the mucous layer, role of nerves and circulation) and attacking factors (hydrochloric acid, pepsin).

According to WHO statistics, in gastric ulcers, the role of protective factors is predominant, while in intestinal ulcers, the role of attacking factors is predominant.

Gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal are usually caused by the following reasons:

• Infection with Helicobacter Pylori (H.pylori): about 75 - 85% of gastric ulcers and 90% of intestinal ulcers are caused by H.pylori infection. This is a gram-negative spiral bacterium, mainly residing in the mucous layer and adhering to the surface of epithelial cells of the stomach and intestines. H.pylori causes erosion and necrosis of epithelial cells. At the same time, it secretes urease enzymes causing the backward diffusion of H+ ions, inhibiting the synthesis, distribution, and alteration of mucus components. Therefore, the integrity of protective factors is compromised, leading to direct attacks by attacking factors on epithelial cells and causing ulcers.
• Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): this is a common group of pain relievers in clinical practice (aspirin, steroids). However, they are harmful to the digestive organs, especially the stomach. The mechanism of NSAIDs is to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins - intermediate substances in inflammation reactions. Thereby reducing swelling, inflammation, and noticeable pain. At the same time, they also inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 - a substance that plays a role in cell repair and mucus production, leading to a reduction in protective factors, creating favorable conditions for gastric acid from food to attack and destroy epithelial cells.
• Prolonged stress: nervous tension, psychological trauma will cause vasoconstriction and increased acid secretion, causing mucosal damage, leading to gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal. Ulcers then stimulate the brain and the brain stimulates the stomach again through a feedback mechanism.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: alcohol contains high concentrations and harmful components for health. Alcohol can thin the mucus layer of the gastric mucosa and stimulate gastric contraction and acid secretion. This leads to inflammation and deep ulcers in the gastric and intestinal mucosa.
• Genetic factors: patients with gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal with a family history account for 60%, blood type O group has a higher disease incidence than other blood groups by 1.4 times.
• Risk factors: excessively hot or cold food, inadequate nutrition, vitamins. Occlusion, venous congestion, arteriosclerosis, high blood urea levels, severe sepsis...

There are many causes and contributing factors for gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal. Among them, the three most common causes are infection with H.pylori bacteria, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and prolonged stress.

4. Non-pharmacological treatment for gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal

Non-pharmacological treatment involves several methods to eliminate factors that damage the gastric and intestinal mucosa. Non-pharmacological treatment methods for patients with gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal include:

• Avoiding the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. In cases where long-term medication is necessary, it is advisable to inform the doctor to consider replacing with other medications or adjusting the dosage to reduce unwanted effects on the digestive system
• Avoiding alcohol and other alcoholic beverages
• Avoiding foods that can irritate the gastric and intestinal mucosa such as spicy and hot foods (chili, pepper, garlic, mustard...) and foods high in acid (lemons, oranges, tamarind, sour mangoes, ...)
• Avoiding prolonged stress, taking rest, increasing regular physical activity, and getting enough sleep
• Following a balanced diet, supplementing with adequate nutrients in the diet. Avoiding skipping meals regularly and irregular eating times
• Quitting smoking and avoiding passive smoking
• Limiting the consumption of beverages that are harmful to the gastric mucosa (coffee, strong tea, carbonated drinks...)

5. Diagnosis of gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal

When visiting healthcare facilities, patients will be diagnosed with gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal based on:

• Medical history: may help doctors diagnose acute or chronic ulcers. Also determines the cause of the ulcer
• Physical examination: patients clearly manifest upper abdominal pain accompanied by belching disorder, sour belching, nausea, vomiting
• Barium X-ray of the stomach: the patient drinks barium, then undergoes X-ray of the stomach in different positions and postures. This is an indirect examination to find drug deposits in the stomach. However, this method is currently less used
• Gastrointestinal endoscopy: the doctor will insert an endoscope into the patient's esophagus into the stomach and intestines. The camera will transmit images to the screen for detailed examination of the digestive mucosa. Endoscopy detects signs, locations of inflammation, erosion, and ulcers
• Tests: used to determine the presence of H.pylori, including diagnostic serum tests, urease tests, C13 breath tests, and stool tests. Stool tests and breath tests are more accurate in detecting H.pylori. This test is very important because the treatment of gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal caused by H.pylori will differ from digestive ulcers caused by other reasons

6. What to Eat with Gastric Ulcers and Gastrointestinal Problems

Improper diet is also a cause of gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal and can worsen the condition. Therefore, a proper diet will help patients support treatment and prevent ulcer recurrence.

When suffering from gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal, patients should increase the intake of foods that protect the gastric mucosa, support ulcer healing, and reduce gastric acid secretion. Some foods that patients can include in their diet are:

• Foods that reduce gastric acid secretion to mitigate the impact of acid on the gastric mucosa: sweet substances, fatty substances. Some fruits and vegetables such as bananas, watermelon, water spinach, beets, leeks, spinach... are considered effective in limiting gastric secretion
• Foods that coat the gastric mucosa, absorb gastric secretions, and are easy to digest: include starchy foods such as rice porridge, bread, milk biscuits, arrowroot flour, various tubers...
• Foods that neutralize gastric acid: excess acid in the stomach can be balanced by consuming dairy products, eggs, cheese, butter... They also significantly alleviate pain
• Protein-rich foods: lean meat, chicken, duck, fish should be boiled for easy absorption
• Foods that accelerate digestion and reduce gastric stasis: nutritious foods rich in vitamins A, B, D, K, folic acid, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium found in cereals, red and dark green vegetables, need to be increased in the diet to improve vitamin deficiencies, mineral deficiencies due to poor absorption in gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal. In addition, patients should consume yogurt daily to supplement beneficial bacteria, while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, especially H.pylori
• A mixture of turmeric and honey: is the main traditional medicine in treating gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces gastric secretion, neutralizes stomach acid. Honey regulates stomach acid concentration, prevents stomach irritation, and promotes ulcer healing

In addition, it is also advisable to supplement foods with antioxidant effects in the daily diet such as broccoli, kale, peas, sugar beets to inhibit the growth of H.pylori bacteria and prevent ulcer formation in the stomach and intestines.

7. Treatment of Gastric Ulcers and Gastrointestinal Disorders with Medications

The medications used in the treatment of gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal disorders have the ability to reduce ulcer-causing factors, protect and heal ulcerated areas. In cases of H.pylori positivity, medications also have the effect of eradicating the bacteria.

Commonly used medications in the treatment of gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal disorders include:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): including Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Esomeprazole... These are drugs that are rapidly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, specifically inhibit and irreversibly block proton pumps, thereby reducing acid secretion due to any cause. The drugs act quickly and effectively compared to other types of medications. With just one dose, gastric acid secretion will be inhibited for about 24 hours. The rate of ulcer healing can reach up to 95% after 8 weeks of treatment
• H2 receptor antagonists - histamine at the stomach: including Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine... These drugs have a chemical structure similar to histamine, so they compete with histamine at the H2 receptor in the stomach, indirectly reducing both the amount and concentration of HCl secretion. The drugs prevent acid secretion due to any cause that increases histamine secretion in the stomach (prolonged stress, foods containing strong acids...)
• Acid-suppressing drugs: including Maalox, Gastropulgite, Phosphalugel... These drugs neutralize gastric acid in the stomach, create conditions for ulcer healing and quickly reduce pain and accompanying symptoms
• Gastric mucosal protective agents: including Teprenone, Sucralfate, Misoprostol... This group of drugs has the ability to combine with the stomach's mucus to form a strong protective layer over the ulcer, preventing gastric juice from corroding the mucosa. Additionally, the drugs stimulate stomach cells to produce mucus
• Drugs that stimulate the regeneration of surface epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa: this group of drugs includes B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12) and vitamin U. These vitamins protect the gastric mucosa, regulate acid levels, and help the body quickly absorb nutrients
• Antibiotics to eradicate H.pylori: when the presence of H.pylori in gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal disorders is confirmed, H.pylori eradication regimens must be used to quickly heal the ulcer and prevent recurrence. Depending on the treatment regimen, multiple antibiotics may be used in combination. Especially, antibiotics often have reduced activity in acidic environments, so it is necessary to combine antibiotics with proton pump inhibitors for effective results reaching 85 - 90%. Common antibiotics used to eradicate H.pylori include Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin, Tinidazole...
• Bactericidal agents: used in cases of gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal disorders caused by H.pylori infection. This group of drugs includes Bismuth salts used as colloidal pastes (Colloidal Souscotrate Bismuth, Sous Salicylate Bismuth...). The drugs protect the gastric mucosa by increasing mucus secretion and inhibiting pepsin activity, stimulating prostaglandin synthesis, eradicating H.pylori bacteria. Especially, when combined with antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors, up to 95% eradication of H.pylori can be achieved

Treatment with medications is the most common and effective method for gastric ulcers - gastrointestinal disorders. However, for the treatment to be most effective, patients need to adhere to the doctor's instructions. Avoid self-medication or adjusting doses, and do not stop medication prematurely.

8. Prevention of Gastric Ulcers and Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders can negatively impact health, affecting quality of life. Once afflicted, these conditions are prone to recurrence and becoming chronic. Therefore, individuals should equip themselves with knowledge about this condition and its causative factors to prevent it for themselves and their families.

Preventive measures for gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders include:

• Avoiding overuse of western medicine: Prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids can damage the gastric mucosa, leading to gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, it's important to avoid overusing these medications. In cases where they are necessary, patients should consult their doctors and avoid self-medication.
• Maintaining a relaxed mindset: Prolonged stress stimulates increased gastric acid secretion and stronger contractions, increasing the risk of gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, it's essential to maintain an optimistic, relaxed, and positive mindset, seeking out positivity in daily life. Relaxation techniques, listening to music, engaging in sports, and traveling can help temporarily set aside worries and reduce the risk of illness.
• Establishing healthy eating habits: Eating meals on time, not skipping meals, and avoiding late-night eating. Avoiding overeating or allowing oneself to feel too hungry. Limiting vigorous exercise and work after meals. Avoiding excessive consumption of spicy, hot, fried, and oily foods. Increasing intake of green vegetables, vitamins, and minerals in daily meals.
• Getting enough sleep, avoiding staying up late: The stomach increases acid secretion at night. Therefore, going to bed early and getting enough sleep helps reduce the risk of gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders.
• Regular health check-ups: Helps monitor personal health and detect gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders early. Especially, if the cause of the disease is Helicobacter pylori bacteria, patients should promptly apply H.pylori eradication therapy as directed by their doctors.

In addition to foods that help support the treatment of gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders, patients should also avoid certain types of foods:

• Spicy and hot foods: Avoid dishes containing chili, garlic, pepper, and mustard. These foods can irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to the spread and deepening of ulcers.
• Foods high in acidity: The main cause of gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders is excessive gastric acid secretion. Supplementing with acidic foods such as lemon, orange, tamarind, and plum can exacerbate ulcer conditions, causing rapid erosion and destruction of the gastric mucosa.
• Fatty foods: Fried and oily foods like fried chicken and french fries make digestion difficult and can easily damage the gastric mucosa, causing ulcers to worsen.
• Alcoholic beverages: Consuming alcohol increases the risk of gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders. For those already suffering from the condition, alcoholic beverages can worsen ulcers. Alcohol increases gastric acid secretion and gastric contractions.
• Coffee: Caffeine-containing foods increase gastric acid levels and can cause symptoms like acid reflux or gastric irritation. Not only should regular coffee be avoided, but decaffeinated coffee should also be avoided as it also increases gastric acid secretion.

Diet plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders. It also helps improve the digestive function and nutritional status of patients. Therefore, individuals with gastric ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders need to have a proper and scientific diet.

Key points in the dietary guidelines for gastric ulcer and gastrointestinal disorder patients include:

• Minimize consumption of raw, unprocessed foods: Raw foods cause the stomach to increase acid secretion and enhance contractions, negatively affecting ulcer conditions
• Limit intake of spicy, hot, acidic foods, and fried foods high in fat such as chili, mustard, fried chicken, fried shrimp...
• Supplement with green vegetables, antioxidant-rich foods, and fresh fruits in daily meals
• Eat slowly, chew thoroughly: Helps food to be finely crushed for easier absorption by the body
• Avoid overeating, opt for smaller meals throughout the day: Helps limit stomach distension, ensuring the stomach is always neutralizing acid when there is food present
• Avoid working, studying, or engaging in vigorous activity immediately after eating
• Minimize alcohol, beer, alcoholic beverages, and stimulants