Peptic Ulcers Disease - Essay Example

"Peptic Ulcers Disease" is a wonderful example of a paper on the gastrointestinal system.
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is an open wound caused by gastric acid in the stomach.  It involves perforation and damage to adjacent viscera leaving exposed nerves. It occurs in two ways; the duodenal ulcer which is found at the beginning of the duodenum or the small intestines and the gastric ulcer which is in the stomach. PUD affects people aged the 50s and above because their stomach lining has started becoming fragile. The insight contention would be the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures of PUD.

The 60-year patient is susceptible to contracting PUD experiences symptoms of nausea, stomach pain especially between meals, and heartburns after eating. PUD is caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria that can be transmitted through water sources and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin which is taken to reduce pain. This patient was using a lot of NSAIDs to relieve pain from his gout without the knowledge that a long-time usage of NSAIDs is a cause of peptic ulcers. The patient also suffered and had a medical history of high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, high cholesterol, and gout made him very susceptible to get ulcers. Depression and anxiety contribute much as a cause of ulcers. Other signs of peptic ulcers are loss of weight and appetite, vomiting, frequent bloating, and black or tarry stool (MAYO Clinic, 2015).

Actions that ought to be followed to prevent ulcers are; reducing alcohol intake and especially when taking medication, smoking less, reduce the amount of cholesterol intake and use unsaturated fatty foods and trying different NSAIDs use to reduce the risk of getting a peptic ulcer. The patient would be required to follow the doctor’s prescription and instructions carefully in order to reduce the amount of NSAIDs intake (Mynatt, Davis & Romanelli, 2009).

When pain persists, the patient should consult with the doctor, and prevent gout flare-ups. H. pylori are the primary source of peptic ulcers and can be prevented by regular washing hands, less contact with fluids, and can be treated by the use of acid suppression and specific antimicrobial regimens. Nutrition is a preventive measure for peptic ulcers. The patient has to ensure that he takes small meals regularly which contain high vitamin c and proteins to facilitate the healing process (N.I.H, 2015).

In conclusion, PUD affects people from the ages of 50 and above because their bodies are weak. PUD can be a result of a lot of alcohol consumption, tobacco intake a patient and the patient might have had ulcers in the past, take NSAIDs more than recommended by the doctor and regularly take medication that has or contain aspirin. Hypertension, anxiety, and depression can cause PUD but have not yet been taken as a cause by doctors. PUD can be prevented by the limited intake of NSAIDs such as aspirins, alcohol, cholesterol, and taking medication seriously. Any further consultation can be through nutritionists, gastroenterologists, surgeons in case of complications, cardiologists for high blood pressures, and dieticians. Rheumatologists can be used for gout, rehabilitation for emotional support, and a psychologist for patients with depression and anxiety (Ryan, George & Frank, 2009; Escott-Stump, 2009).