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In Peptic ulcer disease, ulcers (holes) develop in the inner lining of the esophagus, part of the small intestine closest to the stomach. Digestive secretions that irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract have been considered the major culprit in peptic ulcer disease. Current research showed that a bacterial infection, such as helicobacter pylori can set the stage for Peptic ulcer disease at times. People with arthritis and other common diseases who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as NAIDs or Aspirin on a regular basis are likely to develop peptic ulcers, as well as people who drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes frequently. Caffeine can aggravate ulcers as well. In people, who do shift work, Peptic ulcer disease and other gastrointestinal disturbances such as gastritis are common reactions to erratic schedules changing frequently from night shift to a day shift and back again. During a time shift, digestive juices are secreted at the usual mealtimes, even when food is not present in the stomach. If no neutralizing effect of food is present, digestive juices act against the stomach itself, leading to damage to the lining that may cause an ulcer. The symptom of Peptic ulcer disease is a burning sensation in the upper middle abdomen. In case of gastric ulcer, the pain can come right after eating. In people with a duodenal ulcer, the pain usually occurs 2 to 3 hours after meals and is relieved by eating. Other symptoms of ulcer are nausea, vomiting, bloating. If a blood vessel near the ulcer bursts, bleeding may occur. In many cases the amount of blood loss is slight and may be detected only in the stool. Sometimes, massive bleeding may occur, leading the person to vomit blood frequently in the form of black small particles. In this situation, people need medical emergency. These conditions of Peptic ulcer disease are evaluated by a gastroenterologist by asking patients about their eating habits, antacid intake and asking the individual to hold their breath. Also, patients will be asked about his or her previous medical history, dietary habits, smoking history, caffeine, alcohol use, and work schedule. After, the patient will be ordered a series of tests that include: x-rays, endoscopic examination, and blood work. People with Peptic ulcer disease must exclude fatty or spicy foods, and use bland diets including milk. Peptic ulcers and any types of gastritis can usually be treated with Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac. Medications such as sucralfate (carafate) or misoprostol (cytotec) may also be given to patients to protect the stomach lining. Peptic ulcer disease may be prevented by eliminating caffeine, alcohol, cigarette smoking, and Aspirin from their diets as well as avoiding stress.
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