PEPTIC ULCER - DEFNITION, CAUSES, SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS & DIETARY MANAGEMENT
DEFINITION:
Peptic ulcer is an erosion of mucosal lining of those portions of alimentary tract that come in contact with gastric juice. This disintegration of tissues can lead to necrosis. The majority of ulcers are found in duodenum, although they occur also in esophagus, stomach or jejunum.
CAUSES:
Bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori) is the chief cause of ulcer. It is spiral shaped, with gram negative unipolar flagellum. It is found in the stomach in about 50 percent of the population. Only in one percent of the people does the infection leads to stomach cancer.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
- Discomfort and flatulence can be found in upper part of abdomen.
- Epigastric pain and heart burn, due to reflux of acid into esophagus occurs as deep hunger contractions.
- Low plasma protein levels often delay rapid and complete ulcer healing.
- Weight loss and iron deficiency anemia is common.
- Bleeding ulcer results in vomiting known as haematemesis (dark brown in color).
DIETARY MANAGEMENT:
Usually bland diet is recommended for ulcer patients. The bland diet should be mechanically, chemically, thermally non-irritating. Mechanically irritating foods include those with indigestible carbohydrate, such as whole grains and most raw fruits and vegetables.
Foods believed to be chemically irritating are alcohol, caffeine, some spicy foods and meat extractives. The capsaicin present in chillies causes shedding of surface stomach cells and may cause peptic distress. Foods served at extreme temperatures, such as very hot or iced liquids can cause pain due to their thermal effect.
PROTIEN FOODS:
Protein provides the necessary amino acids for synthesis of tissue protein which helps in ulcer healing. Milk should be included as source of nutrient factor for healing purpose. Milk products and egg (not fried) can be provided.
GOOD FAT:
Moderate amount of fat helps to suppress gastric secretion and motility through the enterogastrone mechanism. Fats such as cream, butter and olive oil can be particularly helpful for thin patients. Avoid fried foods.
VITAMIN-C:
It is assumed that low antioxidant levels predispose H. pylori infectio . Vitamin-c helps in would healing. Hence citrus fruit juice and tomato juice can be given.
GAS FORMERS:
Strongly flavoured vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, onions, turnips and fried foods should be eliminated. Restriction of these foods can reduce distress.
FIBER:
A regular diet, including good sources of dietary fiber, has proved to be beneficial.
FOODS TO BE INCLUDED:
- Dairy products
- Eggs (not fried)
- Green leafy vegetables
- Steamed fish
- Rice
- Cooked pulses (non gas forming)
- Malted drinks
FOODS TO BE AVOIDED:
- Alcohol
- Pickles
- All fried foods
- Cakes
- Heavy sweets
- Raw unripe fruits
- Spices & condiments
- Meat soups
- Gravies & curries
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Tags:
Health