One of the leading causes of stomach ulcers is an infection from the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. Peptic ulcers are open sores on the stomach lining, the duodenum (the upper part of small intestine) and lower esophagus. Hpylori are bacteria that can enter the stomach and thrive inside the organ. Some common H. pylori symptoms are severe and persistent stomach pain, bloating, bad breath, appetite loss, and nausea. It is a very common type of infection the world over. However, often people do not show any H. pylori symptoms for years.
How an H. pylori infection causes ulcers?
The stomach contains acid that breaks down food during the digestion process. A coating protects the stomach from the acid. But H. pylori bacteria damage this protective lining and make it possible for the acid to irritate the stomach. The irritation can cause inflammation and ulcers.
h.pylori symptoms that indicate presence of ulcers can be –
- Persistent stomach pain; can differ in intensity.
- Bloating
- Burping
How do these ulcers cause further damage in the stomach?
Peptic ulcers are open sores. These sores can cause a lot of damage inside the digestive tract.
- The ulcers can bleed and cause further infection. The ulcers can also cause blood vessel damage, which can lead to internal bleeding. Signs of internal bleeding can be bloody stools, bloody vomit, fatigue, dizziness, difficulty breathing and severe stomach pain.
- If the ulcers grow big, these sores can also block food from the stomach to enter the intestines.
- The ulcers also cause a burning or dull ache in the abdomen. The pain can be especially severe several hours after intake of food or on an empty stomach. The pain can last for hours.
Your doctor can perform diagnostic tests for peptic ulcers based on your H. pylori symptoms. These can be a breath test, endoscopy or a stool test. The treatment of peptic ulcers can be through antibiotics and other medicines that inhibit acid production, histamine (substances that produce acid) blockers and coat the ulcers to protect them from acid.
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4 effective treatments for heel spur relief
Read moreA heel spur is a bone growth that develops on the heel bone, specifically on the underside of the bone. It happens due to calcium deposit that causes a bony protrusion of nearly half-inch to develop on the heel bone. The calcium deposition occurs gradually over months. An extreme, persistent strain on the ligaments and foot muscles, repeated instances of heel bone membrane tearing, and plantar fascia stretching are some of the common causes of heel spur. Also known as help spur syndrome, the condition is detected and diagnosed based on X-ray test results.
Painless, heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis. Heel spur relief treatment options include cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, exercise, customized orthotics and so on. In certain cases, surgery may be required. Here are a few effective treatments for help spur relief:
- Stretching exercises: If the heel pain persists for more than a pain, consult a physiotherapist. The therapist will recommend a set of stretching exercises that will help to provide heel spur relief by alleviating the pain. The goal of such physical therapy is to treat and give relief from plantar fasciitis, which aggravates the symptoms of heel spur.
- Orthotics and shoe recommendations: Orthotic devices are used to correct biomechanical imbalances that cause arch and heel pain. The devices such as heel cushions, heel pads, insoles, shoe inserts, and special orthotic shoes give relief from the excess pressure exerted on heels and the Achilles tendon. Such devices also control additional movements that put a strain on the plantar fasciitis ligament. Special shoes help to alleviate the effects on inflammation on the tendons and muscles of the heel.
- Anti-inflammation medications: Most often heel spur is caused due to plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs due to inflammation of the plantar fascia that is located at the bottom of the foot. Popular over-the-counter medications such as naproxen, acetaminophen, and acetaminophen are often used to get heel spur relief. It is recommended that a doctor is consulted before taking any medications. Doctors may also suggest cortisone injections to alleviate the symptoms of pain.
- Surgery: When none of the non-invasive heel spur treatments work, doctors may recommend surgery. Surgery is done in only 10% of the cases since most people get heel spur relief from conservative treatments. Surgeries are done to release stress from the plantar fascia or to remove the spur. Post surgery, a person may be required to use surgical shoes, crutches, bandages, splints, and so on.
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The basics of the post menopause stage
Read moreMenopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life. During the years of transition the woman suffers symptoms like hot flashes, redness of skin, anxiety etc. Most of these symptoms fade off in a year or two. With the topsy-turvy menstrual patterns, it is extremely difficult to ascertain the exact date of ovulation and plan sex. It is easy to conceive in this milieu. This, if not exactly dangerous, is undesired as babies conceived during the transitional period run a very high risk of abnormalities like Down’s syndrome and many physical defects.
With the resetting of hormones at new levels, it is not uncommon to develop lingering chronic conditions. The conditions that linger on into post menopause are vaginal dryness and itching, vaginal discharge, insomnia, weight gain, stress incontinence and urinary infections. One becomes more susceptible to more serious ailments. There is increased chances of some major ailments such as heart diseases and osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis: Estrogen, a female hormone, has a beneficial effect on preserving the bone mass in women. Post menopause, the levels of this hormone come down, which results in loss of bone material. A systematic physical activity, like regular walking etc. helps control the loss of bone mass. A lot of conventional medications are available for treatment in severe cases.
Heart diseases: There is a theory that tendencies for atherosclerosis increases post menopause due the decreased estrogen levels. This is contested. However, there are increased tendencies for other heart diseases like myocardial infarct and other conditions. Conventional management practices like controlling hypertension, cholesterol with statins, lifestyle changes etc. are generally adequate. At one time MHT or menopausal hormone therapy was standard. Later research has revealed serious drawback to it. It is now resorted to only in extreme cases.
Regular exercise, and balanced diet are all that is needed in most cases.One need not develop a notion postmenopausal life is all a misery. There are a lot of positives to take. Set up a regular exercise regime like walking, indulge in a happy social life, eat a balanced diet and visit your healthcare provider regularly. There is enough evidence to support an active sex life is good for health in many ways. One has fulfilled all their responsibilities and no fear of a pregnancy. There are enough and more choices in the market to counter postmenopausal dryness of vagina. There are no reasons for anyone to have restrict their sex life. It is one of the blessings of menopause.