Ulcers (ulcers) – causes, symptoms & therapy

A sore or ulcer is a defect in the skin and/or mucous membrane, the depth of which varies depending on the extent of the damage. If an ulcer penetrates all existing wall layers, in the worst case it can break through in organs such as the stomach or intestines. The contents of the gastrointestinal tract enter the abdominal cavity, which can lead to both a serious systemic infection and internal chemical burns.

However, the development of an ulcer is not limited to the internal organs: the skin in particular is susceptible to the painful formation of an ulcer in areas with poor blood circulation or heavily stressed areas.

causes

The causes of an ulcer are varied. However , infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori plays an important role in gastric ulcers . Covered by a protective layer, this bacterium succeeds in penetrating the stomach acid and leading to gastric inflammation, gastric and duodenal ulcers and cancer. About 60% of people worldwide are colonized with Helicobacter pylori .If there is also an increased production of gastric acid due to stress , the mucous membrane is additionally irritated. The risk of ulcers increases. As beneficial as the consumption of coffee may be in the prevention of liver disease, it is harmful to the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum, especially when combined with cigarettes and painkillers .

Another cause of ulcers is the inadequate positioning of people in care facilities. The pressure on the very thin, vulnerable skin when lying down also restricts its blood flow. This initially leads to pressure points, but a little later to an ulcer. Age, diabetes or chronic venous weakness are also relevant risk factors for the development of an ulcer.

When to the doctor?

People over the age of 55 should have regular check-ups to detect ulcers early. Apart from that, a medical clarification makes sense if concrete warning signs are noticed. For example, anyone who feels indefinable pain or suffers from general exhaustion should have these symptoms clarified. In most cases, long-lasting symptoms have a serious cause that needs to be medically clarified and treated.

The doctor can determine whether this is an ulcer by means of an ultrasound examination or a blood test. In general, if you suspect an ulcer, it is best to consult a doctor immediately. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the sooner therapy can be started and the better the chances of recovery. If the ulcer is left untreated, it can spread and cause malignant tumors. Symptoms such as peritonitis or an intestinal blockage indicate that an ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract has opened. In this case, the rescue service must be alerted immediately.

diagnosis and course

An ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract is manifested by cramping, pressing or stabbing pain below the costal arch, which often radiates to the left. Typical of a stomach ulcer is the significant improvement in symptoms after eating. If the pain occurs primarily during periods of hunger, it is very likely a duodenal ulcer.

For the diagnosis of the ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract, a discussion with the doctor must take place. Questions about medication, coffee and cigarette consumption are useful here. You should also ask about your dietary habits. However, the definitive confirmation of the diagnosis is made by the gastro – intestinal endoscopy . A complication of ulcer formation is bleeding, which must be stopped surgically. Malignant ulcers can also develop.

Skin ulcers are noticeable as open, weeping areas, some of which can also bleed. A visual diagnosis is usually sufficient. To rule out a dangerous wound infection, a swab can be taken from the wound secretion.

complications

Ulcers can appear on different parts of the body and cause a feeling of tension or tightness. Unwelcome scars can remain when the tissue changes are removed. If the ulcers spread, they can affect important organs, reducing their ability to function. Defects occur and bodily functions are restricted.

If the ulcers press on blood vessels, nerves or muscle fibers, organs or body regions are undersupplied. Stagnations in the organism are possible, which lead to a life-threatening condition. Pain and internal bleeding occur when there is intense pressure inside the body.

If cells or parts of the ulcer detach, internal bleeding is also triggered. Bruising and discoloration of the skin are the consequences. Dizziness, nausea and general weakness may occur. In the case of large detachments of the tissue, surgical removal must be carried out, since the body cannot cope with the removal on its own.

Depending on the location and position of the ulcer, there can be particular challenges during an intervention. There is a risk of unintentionally injuring healthy areas or of not being able to completely remove all unwanted tissue changes. Ulcers can grow back at a rapid pace. In some cases, malignant tissue changes occur that require immediate intervention.

treatment and therapy

Treatment of ulcers, unless of cutaneous origin, is primarily with proton pump inhibitors. Your family doctor prescribes these medications for a period of 14 days. They reduce acid production by inhibiting special pumps in the gastric mucosa. If symptoms persist or even worsen, a gastrointestinal examination is essential. During this examination, bleeding, ulcers or even malignant changes can be detected while the patient is anesthetized.

At the same time, tissue is removed and examined for the bacterium Helicobycter pylori. The latter is a common trigger of chronic gastritis , which can cause painful ulcers to form over time. If the doctor finds a bleeding ulcer during the examination, which cannot be stopped spontaneously, an operation may be necessary. The same applies to the discovery of malignant neoplasms.

However, the goal of long-term elimination of the ulcer cannot be achieved with medication alone. In addition to changing your diet, an essential factor is to completely avoid nicotine. In everyday life, space must be made for breaks and rest so that the ulcer can heal completely and the symptoms cannot worsen or the ulcer form again.

Skin ulcers are treated by applying a padding bandage. In particular, regular positioning when bedridden is necessary for proper healing of the ulcer.

prevention

There are many ways to prevent an ulcer. Some health insurance companies offer free relaxation courses, cooking courses or lectures on healthy eating . Regular relaxation exercises reduce the production of stomach acid in the long term, even in stressful situations. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption has a positive effect on the production of aggressive acidity, as does avoiding very hot, greasy or heavily seasoned foods.