Chronic Benign Gastric Ulcer - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction:

Gastric ulcers, also known as stomach ulcers, are painful ulcers on the stomach's lining and the upper part of the intestine. Gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers are also termed peptic ulcers. They get their name from the digestive juice pepsin, which is found in the stomach and occasionally leaks into the duodenum. These juices play a role in the development of peptic ulcer disease. Breakdown of the mucus layer that shields the stomach from digestive juices. This allows gastric acids and digestive enzymes to eat away at the walls of the stomach and duodenum, resulting in ulcers. As a result, the acid eventually causes ulcers that are constantly irritated. They can develop significant consequences, like internal bleeding, if left untreated. They may eventually even develop a hole that is completely through leading to a medical emergency.

What Is Chronic Benign Gastric Ulcer?

Chronic benign gastric ulcers are also termed as benign tumors which are located in the stomach and also seen in the upper part of the intestine .They are small round oval punched out lesions with flat base. A cancer is an uncontrolled, abnormal cell proliferation. Benign tumors will grow abnormally but they are not malignant (cancer). Benign lesions do not migrate to other parts of the body or attack neighboring tissue compared to cancer cells. The prognosis for benign tumors is generally quite good. However, if benign lesions press against vital organs or tissues like blood vessels or nerves, they can become dangerous. As a result, sometimes they need treatment and other times they do not.

What Causes Chronic Benign Gastric Ulcer?

Chronic benign gastric ulcer is caused by the breakdown of the mucus layer that shields the stomach from digestive juices. This allows gastric acids and digestive enzymes to eat away at the walls of the stomach and duodenum, resulting in ulcers. The ulcer is commonly caused by:

• Helicobacter Pylori Infection - Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can infect the duodenum or stomach. It is the main contributor to peptic ulcer disease. The gut lining can also become irritated and inflamed by Helicobacter pylori.

• Overconsumption of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) - Long-term consumption of drugs such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen causes chronic benign gastric ulcer. They suppress some proteins that protect and repair the mucous membrane and quickly irritate the stomach lining.

• Physical Stress - Stress ulcers in the stomach can develop from severe disease, burns, or injuries. The pH balance in the body is altered by physiological stress, which raises stomach acid.

• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome - Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, increases the body's acid production, occasionally resulting in stomach and intestine ulcers.

What Are the Risk Factors of Chronic Benign Gastric Ulcer?

The risk factors of a chronic benign gastric ulcer include:

• Alcohol Consumption - Alcohol consumption is a primary risk factor causing gastric ulcers. It increases the amount of stomach acid produced and potentially irritates and erodes the stomach's mucous lining.

• Smoking - For those with Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking may increase their chance of developing a benign gastric ulcer.

• Excessive stress.

• Spicy food consumption.

What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Benign Gastric Ulcer?

The signs and symptoms of a chronic benign gastric ulcer include:

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Bloating.

• Heartburn.

• Stomach pain.

• Gastritis.

• Weight loss.

• Indigestion.

• Burning sensation in the stomach.

• Bleeding in stool.

• Loss of Appetite.

What Are the Complications of Chronic Benign Gastric Ulcers?

The possible complication in chronic benign gastric ulcer includes:

1. Hole Formation in the Stomach Wall - The stomach or intestinal wall can eventually get damaged by an ulcer continually eroded by acid. It enables digestive tract pathogens to infiltrate the abdominal cavity, increasing the risk of abdominal cavity infection, also known as peritonitis.

2. Internal Bleeding - Internal bleeding is the most common complication in chronic benign gastric ulcers. Slow internal bleeding leads to anemia that may require a blood transfusion. In addition, black or bloody feces or vomit may result from severe blood loss.

3. Stomach Cancer - Benign gastric ulcers gradually become malignant over time if untreated. It is frequently observed in persons who are infected with Helicobacter pylori infection.

4. Obstruction - The gastric ulcer can block the tiny pathway that connects the stomach to the duodenum and prevent food from passing into the small intestine.

What Is the Diagnostic Test To Be performed for Chronic Benign Gastric Ulcer?

The diagnostic tests for chronic benign gastric ulcer include:

• Endoscopy - The diagnostic test performed to diagnose chronic benign gastric ulcers. This examination is done by inserting a mini tube with an attached camera by numbing the throat. It is inserted through the mouth into the stomach. With the help of this test can detect abnormal tissues and ulcers inside the stomach.

• Computed Tomography - If the doctor wants a closer look at the organs, they can suggest a computed tomography scan. This test may reveal the hole formations in the stomach wall or intestine. The patient lies on a table inside a scanner device during the examination as X-rays are passed.

• Stool Examinations - Stool examination can help to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stool.

• Blood Tests - Testing for Helicobacter pylori infection can be done quickly and easily by a blood test. The blood test can help to detect any presence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the blood samples.

• Biopsy - An endoscopic biopsy can be performed by collecting a sample from the stomach, which can be examined in the laboratory.

What Are the Treatment Options Available for Chronic Benign Gastric Ulcers?

Depending on the symptoms and severity, the treatment plan can be determined.

1. Medications - Medications such as antibiotics such as Metronidazole or antacid drugs like Rabeprazole can treat the ulcers caused by the Helicobacter infection. Such medication help to prevent acid production from stomach cells.

2. Surgery - The doctor may advise the following cases for surgery:

• .Non-healing ulcers.

• Possibilities of recurrence (coming back).

• Excessive bleeding.

• Indigestion.

Surgery may include:

• Excision of ulcer.

• Tie off a bleeding artery.

• Cut off the nerve supply to the stomach.

• Patch the ulcer location with tissue from another area of the intestines.

• Limit stomach acid production.

How to Prevent Chronic Benign Gastric Ulcer?

• Quit Habit - Stop the habits like consumption of alcohol and smoking that may increase the risk of getting gastric ulcers.

• Reduce the Dosage of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs - Discuss with a doctor about lowering the dosage or switching medications if someone takes medicine for medical reasons.

• Maintain healthy diet

• Do regular exercises.

Conclusion:

Painful ulcers that are formed on the lining of the stomach or part of the intestine are called chronic benign gastric ulcers. Chronic benign gastric ulcer is caused by the breakdown of the mucus layer that shields the stomach from digestive juices. This allows gastric acids and digestive enzymes to eat away at the walls of the stomach and duodenum, resulting in ulcers. Although gastric ulcers are common and manageable, they are not a favorable sign, even if they don't result in symptoms. Although lifestyle modifications may be helpful, the underlying cause must still be treated. It is most likely non steroidal inflammatory drugs use or widespread bacterial infection.