Sunday, March 17, 2013

Peptic Ulcer Symptoms in Women

Peptic ulcers, or peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a condition wherein ulcers are formed in the esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum lining. Esophagus is a muscular tube that carries the food and water we consume, to the stomach. Ulcers formed in this tube are known as esophageal ulcers. Ulcers formed in the stomach are known as gastric ulcers, and ulcers formed in the duodenum, which is the upper portion of the small intestine, are known as duodenal ulcers. Peptic ulcer disease is very common all across the globe, affecting approximately 4.6 million people every year, including both men and women. It is a very rare scenario when children and teenagers are affected by these ulcers.

Our digestive tract has a mucous membrane (mucosa), which is a lining that protects the tissues from the digestive juices and acids produced by the stomach. A damage to this lining can damage the tissues, thereby forming ulcers in the respective area. Unlike the common belief that an ulcer is an outcome of too much production of digestive acid in the stomach affecting the mucous lining, the fact is that an ulcer can form even in the presence of minimal acid.


The most common location of a peptic ulcer is the duodenum, whereas, ulcers in the esophagus are relatively rare. Research within the United States of America states that approximately 10% of the people are likely to develop a duodenal ulcer during their lifetime. Speaking of women, about 8%-11% women are likely to develop peptic ulcers at some point of time, the percentage of men under the risk being within the range of 11%-14%.

Symptoms
Not everyone will experience symptoms, or, the same kind of symptoms. However, ignoring peptic ulcer symptoms, if any, or not getting treated in time, may cause inflammation in the abdominal cavity. There may also be an obstruction and/or narrowing of the intestinal opening that can prevent food from leaving the stomach and entering the small intestine. These complications can be serious and life-threatening. Therefore, it is essential that one shouldn't ignore the warning signs, and consult a doctor as early as possible. Some noticeable symptoms include -

» Abdominal pain
This happens to be the most commonly observed symptom indicating the presence of peptic ulcers - be it in the stomach, duodenum, or the esophagus. Pain is mostly observed in the middle or upper abdomen, that may, at times, reach to the breastbone or the back. The pain usually arises while the stomach is empty (a few hours after eating). The intensity may vary from person to person, and so may the duration of the pain. While some people may experience it for a few minutes, others may endure it for hours. It is usually more prevalent in the night, or early in the morning. You may also notice that the pain might stay for several days, and then disappear suddenly. If the ulcer has developed to a point that it has perforated (made a hole) in the stomach, then this causes intense pain, wherein emergency surgical treatment may be needed.

» Heartburn
The gnawing abdominal pain is accompanied with a burning sensation in the chest. For example, if the stomach acid, due to some abnormality like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ends up entering the esophagus, it may cause heartburn. Another point to be noted is that peptic ulcers have been observed in people with GERD.

» Nausea and vomiting
For many people, vomiting relieves the intensity of the pain they experience. However, if one ends up vomiting blood, or if the vomit appears to be dark brown or black in color, then this is an alarming sign that may indicate internal bleeding caused by the ulcer. The vomit may also appear to be like coffee grains, which is nothing but the clotted blood. Immediate medical attention should be sought in this case.

» Indigestion
Indigestion is another common symptom of peptic ulcer that causes a burning sensation somewhere in the middle of the chest. It is often accompanied with burps, frequent hiccups, and abdominal bloating. The discomfort or uneasiness often disappears by taking an antacid.

» Unexpected weight loss
Peptic ulcers are nothing but sores in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or the duodenum. These ulcers can cause swelling in the stomach, thereby preventing the food to pass on to the small intestine. Because the food is not completely digested, the person may feel full, thereby decreasing the food intake. This eventually ends up in weight loss, or loss of appetite.

» Blood in stool
If the feces is dark in color, appear to be tarry or bloody, then it calls for an emergency visit to the doctor. This is one of the most serious symptoms of peptic ulcer disease, which might indicate that the ulcer has perforated the wall of the stomach or duodenum. This is a critical condition and may require a surgery.

» Other symptoms
Other symptoms which may be observed include - fatigue, paleness, and hunger pangs. Peptic ulcers may also lead to anemia, which is a consequence of the slow internal bleeding at the site of the ulcer. The loss of blood accounts for lack of adequate amount of red blood cells, thereby making the person anemic.

It is very important to keep a track on your symptoms, especially when you suspect the presence of a peptic ulcer. Taking a note of important details like - the duration of the pain, the medications that you consume, the frequency of the pain - if there are any specific situations that flare or subside the pain, or if you have any history of gastrointestinal diseases, and so on, is important. Also, it is mandatory for you to tell your doctor about each and every symptom, even if you think it is irrelevant.

Causes
The root cause for ulcer formation is the tissue break out due to an imbalance between the digestive juices, acids, and protective mucous layer in the digestive tract. There are many factors that can disturb this balance. Some of them include -

» Helicobacter pylori
Almost 60% of gastric ulcers, and 90% of duodenal ulcers are caused because of the bacterium H. pylori. The reason behind this is the simple fact that almost 50% of the world's population is infected by this bacterium. H. pylori doesn't always cause problem, in fact, only 10%-15% of the infected population is prone to get ulcer disease. During an infection, H. pylori builds colonies in the mucosa, thereby damaging it in the process, leading to inflammation and swelling in the area. The bacterium releases an enzyme called urease, which neutralizes the hydrochloric acid (HCl), a gastric acid in the stomach. As a result the hormone gastrin releases more acid at frequent intervals of time which causes the erosion of mucosa, leading to the formation of ulcers.

» Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen can also affect the balance between stomach acid and mucosa. These medications suppress the body's natural mechanism for releasing protective mucus and acid-neutralizing bicarbonate which disrupts the normal acid production. NSAIDs cause peptic ulcers in people who frequently take such pain relievers, especially on an empty stomach. Painkillers should always be consumed with meals to avoid damage to the mucous layer.

» Smoking
Cigarette smoking can also become a contributing factor in the development of peptic ulcers. Smoking aggravates the development of peptic ulcers. Also, if you are on medications for the treatment of ulcers, then smoking slows down the process of healing. The risk of developing peptic ulcer increases through smoking if you are infected by the H. pylori bacteria.

» Other causes
If some members of the family have this condition, then it is likely to occur in the rest as well. This is not because of genetics, but because of the risk of being infected by the bacterium H. pylori.

Other causes include - Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in which tumors in the duodenum and pancreas release excessive amount of stomach acid causing peptic ulcers. Medications used to treat osteoporosis can also develop peptic ulcers.

There was a time when it was considered that stress, alcohol consumption, caffeine, aerated drinks, and spicy food can cause ulcer formation. However, these factors do not cause PUD but can contribute in aggravating the condition.

Diagnosis
After understanding your symptoms, the doctor would conduct some tests to confirm the presence of peptic ulcer disease. The following tests are done for diagnosis.

» H. pylori test
The doctors will need to confirm the presence of H. pylori in your body. For this, a sample of your blood or stool may be taken and sent to the laboratory for detecting the presence of the bacterium.

H. pylori may also be detected through a breath test. For this, you may be asked to drink a small amount of liquid containing urea. It has no taste or color. The urea enters the body and the bacterium breaks it down into water and carbon dioxide. Later on, you will be asked to blow your breath into a bag. This bag is sent to the laboratory to check for the levels of carbon dioxide, which if found elevated, indicate the presence of H. pylori.

» Endoscopy
This test is usually done on patients showing severe symptoms of PUD like vomiting, weight loss, difficulty in eating, etc. A hollow tube with cameras attached in it, known as an endoscope, is inserted into the mouth, thereby passing through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The camera enables the doctors to see if there are any ulcers in the area. A small tissue sample may be collected for biopsy testing. The results would confirm the presence of ulcers.

» Upper gastrointestinal series (UGI series)
Also known as a barium swallow, this is a special type of X-ray, wherein you will be asked to drink a liquid containing barium. This substance coats the digestive tract and increases the contrast during X-ray, making the ulcers appear more visible.

Treatment
After determining the exact cause and condition of peptic ulcers, the doctor will suggest a treatment plan accordingly. For instance, your doctor may prescribe different medications if the ulcer is caused by pain relievers. Given below are the possible treatment options that are most likely to be prescribed by the doctor.

» Antibiotics: The bacterium H. pylori is known to cause peptic ulcers in a majority of cases. To kill this bacterium, the doctors are likely to prescribe a two-week course of antibiotics. These may include - amoxicillin, clarithromycin (Biaxin), metronidazole (Flagyl) and tetracycline.

» Acid blockers and antacids: It is not only important to kill the bacterium through antibiotics, but medications are also prescribed to reduce the level of acids in the digestive tract. Some drugs that are widely prescribed are Ranitidine (Zantac), Famotidine (Pepcid), Cimetidine or Tagamet. The use of antacids can provide rapid pain relief and neutralize existing stomach acid. These may also be included in your treatment plan.

» Medication to protect the mucosal lining of the stomach and small intestine: Sucralfate (Carafate), Misoprostol (Cytotec), and Bismuth Subsalicylate are a group of prescribed medication, known as cytoprotective agents, that protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine.

Periodic assessment and medical checkups help to keep a tab on the progress and elimination of ulcer from the body. If the ulcer symptoms persist even after following the prescribed medication, then there are chances that you may be suffering from refractory ulcers - peptic ulcers that don't heal. If that is the case, then your doctor will analyze the possibility of any other cause behind the ulcers, other than H. pylori or NSAIDs.

Your daily lifestyle plays a very important role in determining how healthy you are. Having discussed the causes and symptoms of peptic ulcers, you must have understood how important it is to follow a healthy lifestyle, not only for prevention, but also to enable faster healing. Eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking and drinking, avoid taking stress, and make sure that you control your consumption of painkillers. In case of any doubt, consult a doctor at the earliest and don't resort to self-diagnosis and self-medication.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.

Gallbladder Problems in Children

The organ present below the liver, which looks like a sac is the gallbladder. This organ secrets the very important bile juice that aids in digestion. When the flow of bile juice is blocked due to certain abnormalities, it leads to gallbladder problems. There is inflammation and pain in the gallbladder which is called cholecystitis or in simple words as gallbladder disease. It is very rare to observe gallbladder problems in children. However, gallbladder disease in children do occur and can be of two types, that we shall study in the following paragraphs.

Information on Gallbladder Disease in Children

The two types of gallbladder problems in children include calculous cholecystitis and acalculous cholecystitis. The calculous cholecystitis is a chronic condition and a long-term disease. There is the formation of gallstones that leads to inflammation of the gallbladder. The frequent episodes of inflamed gallbladder causes it to become scarred, thick and small. In case of acalculous cholecystitis, it occurs suddenly due to viral or bacterial infection. The gallbladder is filled with fluid due to the infection. In case of acute cholecystitis, the walls of gallbladder become thick. This disease is more commonly seen affecting younger children and is more serious than chronic calculous cholecystitis.

Causes of Gallbladder Problems in Children

Thought as more of an adult disease, gallbladder problems in children should not be overlooked. There are various gallbladder disease causes in children. These causes of gallbladder problems include:
Impaired or weak immune system
Hemolysis, where the red blood cells are destroyed
Obesity
Abdominal trauma
Acute renal failure
Prolonged fasting
Family history of biliary disease
Cholesterol crystals deposited in the gallbladder
Formation of polyp in gallbladder
Bile duct obstruction
High levels of estrogen during puberty in girls
Hepatobiliary disease
Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems in Children

The gallbladder symptoms in children are similar to those experienced by adults. The following symptoms of gallbladder problems in children may be seen in some patients:

Pain
The child may complain of an upper abdominal pain. This pain is generally felt after a meal or worsens after the child consumes a fatty meal. The pain suffered by the child may be very sharp or dull, and feels like cramps. The intensity of pain may alter and can last for about 30 minutes to even a few hours. In some children, the pain may radiate from the upper right side between the shoulder blades and back.

Jaundice
When the bile duct gets blocked, it does not allow the flow of bile juice into the intestines. This causes backflow of bile leading to change in color of skin and eye of the child. You may observe symptoms of jaundice in children such as yellowing of eyes and skin.

Fever
The child may suddenly develop high fever that is about 100.4° F (38° C). The fever is accompanied by chills. This symptom is very commonly observed in case of acute gallbladder problems in children.

Gastrointestinal Disorders
Children will develop many gastrointestinal problems due to gallbladder problems. They may become intolerant towards certain type of foods. You may observe the child often vomits, suffers from nausea, burping, bleaching, gas and indigestion, especially after meals.

Treatment for Gallbladder Problems in Children

The gallbladder problems in children can be treated in many ways. The child may be put on a gallbladder disease diet to avoid and control the symptoms. He will tell you about the foods to avoid gallstones from getting worse in children. If the gallstones do not cause any problems, no treatment is generally required. However, if the symptoms are too severe, the doctor may recommend a gallbladder surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) or gallstones in children.

This was some information on gallbladder disease in children. Although gallbladder problems in children are not life-threatening, they do require management to avoid complications. If you want to know more, speak to your child's pediatrician for more details.

Gallbladder Problems in Women

The gallbladder is a sac like organ related to the digestive system in the body and stores the bile juice produced by the liver. It is about 8 cm in length and 4 cm in diameter, located below the liver and connected to the pancreas through the common bile duct. Divided into 3 sections viz; fundus, body and the neck, the gallbladder is a crucial organ that helps in the digestion of foods, but its loss can be tolerated by the body. The main function of this organ in the body is to store the bile produced in the liver, and it can store about 50 milliliters of it. Like all the other organs, the gallbladder is also prone to certain diseases, which are known to be prominent in women even though men too, suffer from them. Here's some information on gallbladder problems in women.

Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is recognized as "inflammation of the gallbladder". Also called the gallbladder attack, there are many causes to this inflammation. Inflammation may occur due to gallstones or cholelithiasis. When these gallstones are formed, they block the cystic duct, which is a duct that connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct. Due to this there is thickening of the bile and infections caused by the gut organisms (E.coli), and this in turn leads to inflammation of the gallbladder. Cholecystitis is characterized by extreme pain in the abdomen area.

Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)
The condition of Cholelithiasis is when there are crystalline concentrations called gallstones found in the gallbladder. Gallstones differ in size and structure depending on the area where they are found. They are formed because of the retention of the bile liquid in the gallbladder and further lead to secondary infections in the organ because of microbes of the tract. When gallstones are found in the biliary tract, it is called the choledocholithiasis, and these can lead to inflammation or Cholecystitis. The compositions of gallstones also depend on the age and diet of the patient, thus there are 3 main categories of these stones. They are cholesterol stones, pigment stones and mixed stones where each of them have varying compositions.

Sclerosing cholangitis
Sclerosing cholangitis is a condition where the bile ducts inside as well as outside the liver are damaged severely. There is either swelling, destruction or scarring of these ducts that are observed. These abnormalities are usually seen in women who are patients of Sarcoidosis, Chronic pancreatitis and bowel diseases. This condition is however more often observed in men than women but there are risks to women who are over 50 years of age.

Other problems related to the gallbladder include;
Abnormal growths of tissue in the gallbladder, also called the polyps.
Chronic acalculous gallbladder disease, where there is cholecystitis without gallstones.
Tumors or cancers of the gallbladder as well as bile ducts.
Gangrene/abscesses and infections in the bile ducts are also very common diseases.
These were some of the medical conditions associated with the gallbladder. If you are suffering from any of these diseases, please do not ignore them. Seek medical help as soon as possible.

Flaxseed Oil Benefits for Women

Flaxseed oil is considered a rich healing oil. Also known as linseed oil, it is prepared from the seeds of the flax plant. It contains alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 essential fatty acid), lignans (phytochemicals), vitamins and magnesium. It is known for providing a number of health benefits and has been certified as 'good for the heart' by the American Heart Association. It can be taken directly or it can be used as an ingredient in salads, cereals or cooked vegetables. It can also be mixed with yogurt or combined with a blender drink.

Falxseed oil is very beneficial for women as they are prone to many diseases after menopause. It can be easily included in the daily diet as you can use it in salads or sprinkle it in other dishes. You can also have them in the form of capsule. For general well-being, any quantity between 800 mg - 1000 mg per day which is 2 teaspoons and in capsule form 1 to 2 capsules per day is sufficient for adults.

Flaxseed Oil for Women's Health
This oil is considered as a boon for women's health. Given below are some of the many benefits of flaxseed oil, especially to women, which will be followed by the common benefits to men and women.
The essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil help to minimize the risk of breast cancer. Researches have found that a high content of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the incidence of breast cancer.
It can be used to treat various women's health problems such as premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, pre-menopausal symptoms, endometriosis and female infertility. It can also improve uterine function and health.
It helps to regulate the menstrual cycle, balance the progesterone levels and reduce menopause problems such as sleep difficulties, headache, anxiety, mood swings, breast cysts, etc.
It consists of lignans, which are naturally occurring plant estrogens. They can effectively balance the hormonal levels as well as promote natural ovulation. Lignans in flaxseed oil are also helpful for prevention of estrogen-related cancers and prevention of metastasis of tumors.
The essential fatty acids present in this oil can prevent the production of prostaglandins, which when released in excess amounts can cause heavy bleeding during menstruation.
Phytoestrogens present in it, stabilize the estrogen-progesterone ratio and help to relieve hot flashes in perimenopause and menopause.
It also is an excellent dietary supplement for women who suffer from osteoporosis. Omega-3 essential fatty acids present in flaxseed oil can improve the absorption of calcium in the body and thus, lower the risk of calcium deficiency in women.
These were some properties of flaxseed oil that are especially beneficial for women. On a more general note, following are some of the most prominent benefits for everyone, irrespective of gender or age.
Alpha-linolenic acid present in this oil, helps to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this oil helps to reduce inflammation associated with lupus and gout. Lignans present in flaxseed oil act as antioxidants.
This oil is also one of the richest sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids lowers the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and minimizes the risk of heart attack.
It is used to treat various hormone-related problems and inflammatory disorders.
Omega-3 fatty acids also strengthen the immune system.
People who regularly take flaxseed oil tend to have healthy, glowing skin and hair. The essential fatty acids can contribute to healthy hair growth, therefore, making flax oil beneficial for hair.
This oil also plays a significant role in fat burning and thus, helps to maintain a healthy body weight.
These essential fatty acids can also reduce the risk of colon cancer, skin cancer and endometrial cancer.
Besides this, flaxseed oil reduces the risk of blood clot formation, immune and inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, and certain types of cancer.
Magnesium present in the oil helps to reduce the symptoms of asthma.
This oil can relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones and diverticular disorders.
It can also accelerate the healing of bruises and sprains.
The essential fatty acids also relieve a number of skin diseases such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and sunburn.

When to Avoid Flaxseed Oil
In a nutshell, daily intake of this oil definitely has many positive effects on women's health. Though it offers a number of health benefits, consumption of flaxseed oil should be avoided under some circumstances.
It is not recommended to pregnant and breast-feeding women. Studies have found that women who consume flaxseed oil in the second or third trimesters of pregnancy are at a higher risk of preterm labor and delivery
If you are undergoing any treatment or take any particular medicine regularly, then consult your physician before taking flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil may interact with the drugs used in diabetes, blood pressure, blood thinner, hormone treatments, NSAID painkillers, etc.
Though flaxseed contains soluble fiber flaxseed oil does not contain any fiber as it is filtered once the oil is extracted. In case of high dose it may cause constipation an bowel obstruction. People with digestive problems should also consult their physician before taking this oil as it may cause diarrhea, cramping, gas, etc.
Although this oil does not have as much Omega-3 fatty acids as fish oil, it is safer as compared to fish oil because fish oil may contain traces of mercury and heavy metals which can prove toxic for the body. Also, flaxseed oil is a good source of essential fatty acids for vegetarians and vegans. However beneficial this oil may be, it is not wise to overindulge in it. In case you are taking flaxseed oil supplements to treat chronic health conditions such as arthritis or hot flashes, your recommended dosage may be more or less. However, before you pop down those flax-seed oil pills, make sure to get your weight and BMI measured and consult a dietitian or your doctor for advise on your recommended daily intake. Be aware to stay healthy!

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.