Doctor's Notes on Peptic Ulcer Symptoms and Treatment
A peptic ulcer is an erosion of the lining of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. The development of peptic ulcers is related to the presence of H. pylori bacteria in the stomach or taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) in about half of cases. Other possible causes of peptic ulcers can include smoking, severe psychological stress, or certain drugs. Sometimes, the exact cause is not known.
Symptoms of a peptic ulcer do not necessarily relate to the degree or severity of the ulceration. The most common symptom is pain in the upper abdomen, which can be felt as burning, sharp, stabbing, or dull. Associated symptoms can include feeling full when eating, and acid reflux (heartburn). The pain often occurs 1-3 hours after eating or during the night and is relieved by food or antacids that neutralize stomach acid.
Pancreatitis : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz
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Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety as a medical condition is characterized by worry, fear, nervousness, shortness of breath, sleep problems and other symptoms. Diarrhea, tremors, and rapid heart rate are some physical symptoms of severe anxiety, which may arise from a mental or physical condition, drug use, or some combination of these causes. Treatment can include medication and psychotherapy. -
Canker Sores
Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis) are among the most common causes of sores in the mouth. Causes of canker sores include heredity, oral trauma, hormonal changes, anxiety, stress, quitting smoking, medications, food allergies, toothpastes, and certain diseases. Symptoms of canker sores include painful but clear sores, deep painful ulcers, and herpetiforms. Treatment of canker sores include medication and herbal supplements. -
Gastrointestinal Bleeding (GI)
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding either comes from the upper GI or lower GI tract. Upper GI bleeding can be caused by ulcers, gastritis, varices, cancer, or inflammation. Lower GI bleeding is caused by diverticulitis, cancers, IBD, infection, polyps, hemorrhoid's, and anal fissures. Symptoms of GI bleeding include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, vomiting blood, rectal bleeding, anemia, or a pale appearance. Treatment of GI bleeding depends on the cause. -
H. pylori Infection (Helicobacter Pylori)
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are bacteria that cause widespread infection. H. pylori may cause symptoms such as inflammation of the stomach and duodenum, ulcers, upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and severe bleeding in the GI tract. However, H. pylori infection may cause no symptoms at all. H. pylori infection may be caused by unsanitary conditions, and is spread by saliva. Treatment includes medications. -
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Drugs (Side Effects)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be thought of as an inflammatory process involving different areas of the central nervous system (CNS) at various points in time. Examples of medications for treating MS include corticosteroids, for example, methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol); immuno-dilating drugs (interferons and glatiramer acetate (Capaxone); immunosuppressants, for example, Mitoxantrone (Novantrone), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), azathioprine (Imuran), or methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall); optional therapies, for example, fingolimod (Gilenya); and investigational drugs. -
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that causes joint inflammation. Medications for RA include salicylates, NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, DMARDs, biologics, and corticosteroids, among others. -
Smoking (Cigarette)
Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of death and illness among Americans. Effects of smoking can cause cancers, emphysema, bronchitis, COPD, chronic cough, and more. Smoking cessation includes nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral therapy.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.