Perforated Ulcer

Perforated ulcer or gastric perforation or peptic ulcer is a medical condition that occurs due to a hole in the stomach wall, small intestine and esophagus. It is a dangerous condition and in this disease, foods and blood leak into the abdomen causing severe inflammation of the stomach.

Causes
According to medical experts, this medical condition has various causes. The most common cause is bacterial infection that is caused due to the helicobacter pylori infection. These bacteria are responsible for spreading near about 60% stomach ulcers. In some cases, where these are not caused due to internal trauma or diseases of the stomach, possible reasons for this condition may include regular intake of medicines like aspirin in heavy doses. According to a research, anti-inflammatory medications have been found to cause around 50% of perforate stomach ulcers.

Symptoms
The most common symptom is a burning pain or a sensation in the abdomen between the navel and the breastbone. Many people have reported to complain of abdomen pain in between meals and generally in the morning. The pain can be erratic and it varies in intensity. Some other less occurring signs include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and loss of weight. Another common sign is bleeding that occurs in the stomach. In many cases, there is less bleeding in the stomach and so people are generally unaware of the possibility of such ulcers. However, if there is blood in the stool then it can be a possible sign.

Diagnosis
There are various methods for diagnosing perforated ulcers. They are endoscopy, barium meal, biopsy and C14 breath tests. In endoscopy tests, that has become popular in recent years, a flexible tube is inserted in the esophagus. The endoscope is observed under a camera fitted in it that helps the doctor in observing the disease. In the biopsy test, a small tissue sample is tested and after the test, the ulcer is confirmed.

Treatment
The treatment generally includes medications, lifestyle changes and surgery. Since surgery and medications always carry with them the risk of side effects, it is best to prefer changes in the lifestyle. People suffering from this medical condition must avoid foods that cause irritation and must discuss the problem with their doctors.

A proper diet recommended by a medical expert is essential for treating these ulcers. Medicines like antibiotics, H2 blockers, acid pump inhibitors are used for medications. This surgery is generally recommended for patients who don't respond to medications. Some of the common surgeries that are recommended for treatment are vagotomy, antrectomy and pyloroplasty. An expert medical practitioner is necessary for giving adequate advice on the surgery that would be best for this treatment.

Complications
Perforated ulcers may show various complications if the ulcer is not treated timely. Some of the most common problems related to this medical condition include bleeding, perforation (hole) and narrowing and obstruction of the stomach end. Bleeding ulcers erode the stomach walls, blood may slowly seep into the digestive tract. The person may feel dizzy and weak. Peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal cavity wall is another disease caused by a hole in the stomach. Swelling and scarring of the duodenum at the end of stomach occurs due to these ulcers.

Perforated ulcers can be treated by surgery and seeking medical treatment before the disease advances in severe stages is necessary for it to be treated timely.