SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF PEPTIC UlCER

Peptic ulcer is a term indicating an ulcer in the stomach or doudenum( the first part of the small intestine into which the stomach empties). The cause of this ailment is a combination of nervousness, wrong food and individual susceptibility. Some people take life too seriously and are very tense. In such cases the stomach is often affected by this tension. The muscles become tight and the secretions are disturbed. This interferes with digestion. A tense outlet from the stomach becomes spastic and painful. In the course of time an ulcer develops. Sometimes this is in the stomach proper.
SYMPTOMS
It is possible to have a peptic ulcer with no pain at all; however, typically the first thing one notices is a pain or burning sensation in the epigastrium, which is just below the breastbone. This symptom is relieved by eating food, but it returns within an hour. These symptoms may become worse for a while, then stop for some weeks, returning later to be repeated in the same way.
TREATMENT
Sippy powders have been used for many years and are found to be very effective. In recent years, however, it was found that these disturb the acid-base balance of the body; so a search was made for something to neutralize the acids in the stomach, thus eliminating this objectionable feature.
Aluminium hydroxide and aluminium trisilicate were found to be suitable. They can be given without fear of overdose.
Outwardly ulcer patients may not appear to tense, but inwardly they are. This tension may be reduced by the use of half teaspoondul of tincture of belladonna every four hours to relax the muscle spasm; however, an objectionable feature of this remedy is that it tends to make the mouth dry, which limits its usefulness. Miltown, largactil and other tranquillizers may be used two or three times a day to relax the general nervous tension during periods of special stress.
The diet should be bland. The patient may follow a strictly milk diet for a month, but usually other bland foods such as eggs, bananas, strained fruits and vegetables, are included. It is essential that alcohol, tea, coffee, tobacco and spices be discontinued.
Most important factor in the cure of ulcers is the mental attitude. When things are quite and serene the ulcer begins to heal. The opposite occurs in times of stress and strain. It should be the studied purpose of the patient to avoid personalities and situations that upset him. When he is unable to do this, he should learn to adjust his thinking so as not to become upset no matter what happens.