Around 90,000 new cases of peptic ulcers are diagnosed each year in France and two causes are particularly responsible.
Painful, stomach ulcer also called “peptic ulcer” reflects a wound at the level of the inner wall of the stomach. According to the French National Society of Gastroenterology, approximately 90,000 new cases peptic ulcers are diagnosed each year in France. Various causes are responsible.
Helicobacter Pylori, primary cause of stomach ulcers
The main cause of stomach ulcers is a stomach infection caused by the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori. This bacteria is notably responsible for chronic inflammation of the stomach called “gastritis”. Some people can carry this bacteria, which colonizes the organ for several years before causing possible symptoms, indicating inflammation of the gastric mucosa. The presence ofHelicobacter Pylori weakens the stomach wall, making it more vulnerable to acid attacks from gastric juices. Thus, Helicobacter Pylori causes a reduction in the protection of the stomach wall against acidity, which can cause gastric ulcers.
Medication: non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, aggressive for the stomach
Some medications cause stomach ulcers, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin. NSAIDs fight against all the symptoms of inflammation and some of them are available without a prescription. Although they are effective, they are not without side effects. “Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are not corticosteroids, are directly aggressive on the stomach. NSAIDs damage the gastric mucous membraneswhich can then cause more or less serious ulcers, explains Doctor Sophie Bauer, surgeon and President of the union of private doctors. It can also be aspirin taken in high doses. The typical ulcer pain caused by medications is “painful hunger”, pain relieved by ingestion of food.”
Tobacco increases stomach acid
Tobacco consumption increases stomach acid, causing damage to the stomach. “Smoking is the leading risk factor for stomach ulcers, says Doctor Sophie Bauer. Tobacco causes gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. Indeed, tobacco is linked to a procession of aggression in the body. A patient suffering from an ulcer should stop smoking. Otherwise, this deep wound will not heal.” Healing is slower and patients are likely to relapse.
And stress?
Stress turns out to be a risk factor to develop a stomach ulcer. However, this is not about the stress we face on a daily basis. “There is a stress ulcer, but it is more linked to major traumatic illnesses. A road accident or a major surgical procedure, for example, stresses the body. The stress must be very severe to trigger an ulcer. Moreover, In people with multiple trauma, we tend to prevent ulcers by taking medication.” On the other hand, daily stress can aggravate and maintain the ulcerative site of the person.
A diet that is too acidic
“Certain acidic foods can end up attacking the esophageal and stomach mucosa, like chili peppers for example,” says Dr Sophie Bauer. A excessive consumption of coffee and tea is, ultimately, irritating to the mucous membranes. “Alcohol is also one of the elements that is toxic to the body and harmful to the esophagus, digestive tract and liver (alcoholic hepatitis).”
Diseases and abnormalities of the digestive system
“Inflammatory diseases rarely cause ulcers in the stomach, but rather damage in the duodenum and intestines,” specifies our expert. There are also esophageal ulcers, caused by a malformation anomaly or by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The valve helps prevent acidic fluid from the stomach from coming up through the esophagus. This valve then presents an anomaly: it is too smooth and functions poorly, hence acid reflux, which can lead to esophageal cancer when GERD is not treated. Esophageal damage or chronic vomiting, in cases of anorexia for example, are also potential causes of ulcers. According to Doctor Sophie Bauer, the rolling hernia is also a risk factor in the occurrence of gastric ulcer. “The stomach forms an additional pocket, causing reflux phenomena, with a sensation of acid reflux when lying down. Rolling hernia can cause unexplained coughing, because reflux is irritating.”
Pancreatic tumor, a rare cause
A stomach ulcer may indicate a more serious health condition, such as a tumor in the pancreas (gastrinoma) or duodenum (Zollinger Ellison syndrome). The presence of these tumors promotes the secretion of gastrin, which in turn causes acid hypersecretion, potentially responsible for ulcers. However, this is exceptional.
A persistent pain in the epigastric region should lead you to consult your doctor. Gastric ulcer can also be asymptomatic and detected incidentally during an examination such as endoscopy. “Oeso-gastro-duodenal fibroscopy is the examination to confirm the diagnosis of ulcer, allowing visualization of the esophagus, duodenum and stomach at the same time. This examination can be supplemented by a bacteriological sample, particularly in the event of recurrence of ulcer or ulcer linked to the presence of germs.” And the doctor concludes, “when symptoms are indicative of a digestive disorder, it is important to consult your doctor in order to make the diagnosis and implement appropriate treatment to treat the ulcer, often treated by taking PPI medications, belonging to the omeprazole family. .
Thanks to Doctor Sophie Bauer, surgeon and President of the union of private doctors.