Ulcers
By Gage Thompson
Causes and Origins
Two Australian scientists by the names of Robin Warren and Barry Marshall disproved the standing theory from the early 1920's on that ulcers was a disease caused by stress and dietary factors in 1982. Their findings were that Ulcer's was actually a disease caused by bacterium, known as Helicobacter Pylori, or H. Pylori.
peptic ulcer in the stomach
other types of ulcers
ulcers location regarding the muscles
Body System and Description
A peptic ulcer occurs when the lining of organs is corroded by the acidic digestive juices which are secreted by the stomach cells. The organs affected by Ulcers depend on where the ulcers are found. They can be found in your stomach(gastric ulcers), in your duodenum(duodenal ulcers; which develop first in the small intestine), esophagus(esophageal cancer), refractory ulcers(peptic ulcers that have not been treated after at least 3 months), and stress ulcers; only found in severely stressed patients.
Prevention
One prevention technique
Avoid foods that irritate your stomach. Use common sense: If it upsets your stomach when you eat it, avoid it. Everyone is different, but spicy foods and fatty foods are common irritants.
Another Prevention technique
Practice moderation. Heavy consumption of alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS including aspirin and ibuprofen) has been shown to contribute to the development of ulcers, so keeping intake to a minimum is key.
In cases where the Ulcers is mild or moderate, medications can be used. If the cause is bacterial, antibiotics can cure the ulcer. For recurrent, severe cases that do not respond to medication, surgery may be necessary.
Quiz
Question 1. What is the name of the bacterium associated with Ulcers?
Question 2. What are the names of the two scientists who discovered this?
Question 3. What is one prevention technique?
Question 4. What is one type of Ulcer?
Question 5. What is one type of treatment?