:::Pro-Homoepathy:::

H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) :Infection in the stomach with H.Pylori bacteria. The bacteria irritate the lining of the stomach and cause ulcer.
NSAIDs : Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen etc.
Stress: Mental stress
Smoking.
Excess alcohol intake.
Infections such as herpes simplex, tuberculosis.
In case of duodenal ulcer, some other causes are:
Zollinger –Ellison syndrome is caused due to tumor of the pancreas which secretes a hormone called gastrin. High levels of gastrin cause increase in the production of acid in the stomach and leads to ulcer formation.
Blood group ‘O’
Family history of peptic ulcer.

SYMPTOMS:

Abdominal pain may be mild, moderate or severe. In case of duodenal ulcer the pain is often described as gnawing or burning.
Relation to food: In case of duodenal ulcer, pain comes 2-3 hours after meals and the patient feels better after eating.
In case of gastric ulcer pain starts after eating food and is not relieved by eating food.
Nausea and vomiting.
Weight loss.
Vomiting of blood is more in gastric ulcer and in duodenal ulcer blood is present in the stools. (Haemetemesis and melena)
Heartburn.
Indigestion.

INVESTIGATIONS:

Complete blood count.
Barium meal X ray – The patient is asked to drink a liquid called Barium and then the X rays are taken.
Endoscopy- Endoscope is a thin tube with a small camera on the end. The tube is inserted through the mouth into the stomach. This helps the doctor to visualize the lining of oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.
Stool examination.

MANAGEMENT

Regular hours of rest and sleep.
Bland diet. Small feeds should be given. One glass of milk should be included in the diet.
Avoid tobacco, alcohol and foods that irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
Avoid NSAIDs and steroids.
If peptic ulcer perforates it is an abdominal emergency and surgery is essential.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Mental stress is one of the reasons for peptic ulcer formation. Homeopathic medicines act on the mind and body thus helping the patient mentally and physically. Once his mind is relaxed, he starts feeling better and it becomes easy to treat the physical symptoms.

A careful follow up is necessary in case of peptic ulcer.