THE DEADLY STOMACH IRRITANT
▪️ An ulcer is an open sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the duodenum. This article summarizes the two types of ulcers we have, that is, Gastric ulcers that occurs in the stomach and Duodenal ulcer that occurs in the upper first part of the small intestine.
First, let's look at the anatomy of the stomach:
Location: Upper abdomen on the left side of the body
Size: Varies between people since the stomach expands when full and deflates when empty.
Structure: The stomach has 4 layers namely:- mucosa (inner lining containing rugae), sub mucosa (protects the mucosa), Muscularis externa (the primary muscle), and Serosa(membrane layer covering the stomach)
📌The stomach is a muscular organ that digests the food it receives through the esophagus. The stomach is a part of the gastrointestinal tract( GI tract), which refers to a long passage that starts at the mouth and runs up to the anus. This means that the tract facilitates food intake, digestion and even elimination of the waste.
📌The stomach produces enzymes and acids which help in the breakdown of foods before they move into the small intestine. Normally, gastric acid/juice, which has a high concentration of HCL(Hydrochloric acid), is a digestive fluid formed within the stomach lining. It has several functions such as killing bacteria in food and help in break down of food into very small nutrients that can be absorbed.
▪️ However, the stomach lining can develop sores once irritated. Ulcers occur when there's an imbalance between the digestive juices produced by the stomach and the other factors such as food and drinks.
It is also important to note that H. Pylori infection is the most common cause of ulcers. The bacteria is called Helicobacter pylori. It works by causing the sores to be more open and painful, hence severe cases of cancer causes bleeding, blood vomiting, and even holes called perforations in the stomach.
Other contributing causes include:
Diet rich in spices or grease, Stress, Acidic foods, fruits and drinks, Alcohol, Dairy Milk, Caffeine, and Smoking.
Signs and Symptoms of Ulcer Patients include:
Nausea, Heartburn, Feeling pain on the stomach, Fatigue, Bloody vomiting, Bloody stool, and Chest pains.
Remedies involve:
Correction according to causes, use of plant based milk and other alternatives, use of herbs and spices like basil, cloves and cinnamon in our diet, and much bananas and cabbage on the fruit/veggies section, ensuring proper hygiene on foods to prevent bacterial infection triggers, use of protocol treatment to return the stomach to a healthy state, and drinking enough water.
Other stomach complications that may arise from ulcers include:
📍Gastric Cancer:- This occurs when H. Pylori infection is left untreated for a long time.
📍Hole in the stomach:- This is what we call a perforation. It can lead to serious infections to other surrounding organs.
📍Internal bleeding:- This can cause anemia and eventually death.
📍Obstruction:- Once ulcers are inflamed they can block passage of food hence making the patient to vomit it out and lose weight easily.
Ulcers prevention is better than cure, take caution!😊
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Our Standard Review
Date created: 16 Aug 2024 06:15:15
Critical Evaluation:
The article provides a basic overview of ulcers, specifically gastric and duodenal ulcers, and discusses their causes, symptoms, and potential complications. The arguments presented are generally coherent, but the evidence supporting these claims is limited. For instance, while it mentions H. Pylori as a common cause of ulcers, it does not delve into how this bacteria operates or the mechanisms behind its effects. The reasoning is somewhat clear but lacks depth, making it difficult for readers to fully understand the complexities of ulcer formation.
The article does not appear to show significant bias; however, it could benefit from a more balanced view by including alternative perspectives on ulcer treatment and prevention. The implications of the article's ideas are relevant, as they highlight the importance of understanding ulcers for better health management, but they could be expanded to discuss broader health implications.
Quality of Information:
The language used in the article is mostly straightforward, making it accessible to a general audience. Some technical terms, such as mucosa and H. Pylori, are introduced without adequate explanation. For example, mucosa refers to the moist tissue lining certain organs, which could be clarified for better understanding.
The information presented appears to be accurate, but the article lacks citations or references to support its claims, which raises questions about the reliability of the information. There are no evident signs of fake news or logical fallacies, but the absence of citations may lead to skepticism about the validity of the content. The article does not introduce new ideas; rather, it summarizes existing knowledge about ulcers, which may limit its contribution to the field.
Use of Evidence and References:
The article does not provide any references or sources to back its claims, which diminishes the credibility of the information presented. While it mentions H. Pylori as a primary cause of ulcers, it fails to cite studies or expert opinions that could strengthen this assertion. Additionally, the discussion of remedies and complications lacks supporting evidence, leaving gaps in the argument that could be addressed with more robust research.
Further Research and References:
Further exploration could focus on the following areas:
- The role of diet in ulcer formation and management.
- The impact of stress on digestive health and ulcer development.
- Long-term effects of untreated H. Pylori infections.
- Advances in ulcer treatment and prevention strategies.
Readers may find it beneficial to explore literature on gastrointestinal health, particularly studies that examine the relationship between diet, stress, and ulcer formation.
Questions for Further Research:
- What are the long-term effects of untreated H. Pylori infections on overall health?
- How do different dietary patterns influence the risk of developing ulcers?
- What are the psychological factors that contribute to ulcer formation?
- How effective are various herbal remedies in treating ulcers?
- What are the latest advancements in medical treatments for ulcers?
- How does the prevalence of ulcers vary across different populations?
- What role does genetics play in ulcer susceptibility?
- How can lifestyle changes help in the prevention of ulcers?
- What are the differences in symptoms between gastric and duodenal ulcers?
- What are the potential complications of ulcer treatments?
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