Overview: Peptic Ulcer and GERD

In the human body, the stomach produces very strong gastric acid (hydrochloric acid), which helps digest or break- down food, before it enters the small intestines or duodenum (the first part of the small intestines). Within the stomach, a thick protective mucous layer protects the lining of the stomach, from the acid and digestive enzymes, from injuring the stomach wall. An ulcer occurs when an open sore or hole forms, in the lining of the stomach, intestines or esophagus (The muscular tube through which ingested food, passes from the mouth to the stomach). Depending on the location of the ulcer has an associated name. Peptic Ulcer that appears in the stomach is called Gastric ulcers, and common in people over the age sixty. When an ulcer develops in the first part of the small intestines, referred to as Duodenal Ulcer. This type of ulcer is twice as common in men than women, and between the ages 30 and 50. Esophageal Ulcer develops in the lower section of the esophagus, and often related to chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Estimated, approximately ten percent of Americans will develop an ulcer at some time in their lives.

In 2002, seven million people in the United States were diagnosed having Gastroesophagel reflux disease or acid reflux, which occurs when liquid content of the stomach, regurgitates back into the esophagus. The liquid inflames and damages the lining of the esophagus, because it contains acid and pepsin (an enzyme that begins to digest proteins in the stomach), produced in the stomach. Also, the liquid may contain bile (a yellow-green fluid made in the liver, stored in the gallbladder and passes through the bile duct into the duodenum, where it helps digest food), that is backed-up into the stomach from the duodenum. This disease causes patients to experience heartburn, chest pain, breathing difficulty, chronic cough with increased production of saliva, acid or bitter taste in the mouth, and other symptoms. People that smoke or alcoholics that have GERD, are more likely to develop cancer of the esophagus. Treatment for GERD includes medication, surgery or combination of both. Some patients manage to relieve the symptoms of GERD, by taking magnesium hydroxide (Phillips’ Milk of Magnesium), aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate (Tums) or anyone of these, over the counter combinations. Also, low fat diets, and avoiding obesity, are recommended for treating GERD patients.

Peptic Ulcers is a stomach infection, primarily

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