Ulcer
Of course! Here's a simple and informative note on **Ulcer**:
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### **Ulcer - Notes**
**Definition:**
An **ulcer** is an open sore or lesion that forms on the skin or mucous membrane due to **tissue breakdown**, commonly found in the **stomach, small intestine**, or **esophagus** (in the case of peptic ulcers).
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### **Types of Ulcers:**
1. **Peptic Ulcer** – includes:
- **Gastric ulcer** (in the stomach)
- **Duodenal ulcer** (in the small intestine)
- **Esophageal ulcer** (in the esophagus)
2. **Mouth ulcer (aphthous ulcer)**
3. **Pressure ulcer (bed sore)**
4. **Venous/arterial ulcers** – often seen in legs
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### **Causes of Peptic Ulcer:**
- **Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection**
- **NSAIDs** (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen, aspirin
- **Excess stomach acid production**
- **Smoking and alcohol**
- **Stress** (may worsen symptoms)
- **Spicy foods** (can irritate but not cause ulcers)
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### **Symptoms:**
- Burning stomach pain (especially when stomach is empty)
- Bloating, burping
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Blood in vomit or stool (in severe cases)
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### **Diagnosis:**
- **Endoscopy** (to view the ulcer directly)
- **H. pylori tests** (breath test, stool test, biopsy)
- **Upper GI barium X-ray**
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### **Treatment:**
1. **Medications:**
- **Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)** – e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole
- **H2 blockers** – e.g., ranitidine (less commonly used now)
- **Antibiotics** – for H. pylori infection
- **Antacids** – for quick relief
2. **Lifestyle changes:**
- Avoid NSAIDs
- Stop smoking and alcohol
- Eat balanced, non-irritating meals
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### **Complications (if untreated):**
- Internal bleeding
- Perforation (hole in the stomach or intestine wall)
- Gastric outlet obstruction
- Increased risk of **stomach cancer** (especially with chronic H. pylori)
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Let me know if you'd like a diagram, a comparison between ulcer types, or a summarized version for quick revision!
