Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers
Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers
Nicole Navarro
Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers Gastric and duodenal ulcers are both fall into the category of peptic ulcer disease and can be defined as “a break, or ulceration, in the protective mucosal lining of the lower esophagus, stomach, or duodenum”(Dudley-Brown & Huether, 2012, p. 903). Increased secretion of gastrin and gastric acid can cause gastric and duodenal ulcers to form. Some contributing factors that may lead to ulcers include infection of the mucosa with Helicobacter pylori, chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol, smoking, advanced age, and chronic disease such as emphysema, rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis, obesity and diabetes. Gastric ulcers are those that form in the stomach and occur in patients” usually between the ages of 55 and 65 years old and are about one fourth as common as duodenal ulcers” (Dudley-Brown & Huether, 2012, p. 904). Duodenal ulcers occur more frequently than other types of ulcers and occur in younger populations.
Acid, pepsin, and H. Pylori play and important role in the cause of gastric ulcers. Gastric mucosal lies over the epithelium. The secretion of mucus and bicarbonate serve as the first line of defense in the stomach and work to maintain a normal pH. Mucus and bicarbonate both protect the stomach against acid, while gastro-mucosal prostaglandins increase this barrier. Its important that the stomach receives a rich blood supply to keep its integrity. When a break in the mucosal lining occurs hydrochloric acid is able to reach the epithelium. When the epithelium is injured dysfunction of the pyloric sphincter can result. If this occurs bile now backs up into the stomach and can potentially break the mucosal barrier. Regurgitation of duodenal contents is often seen in patients with gastric ulcers. Decreased gastric emptying and regurgitation of duodenal contents can further injure the gastric mucosal lining (Dietzen, 2006). Gastric ulcers are seen most
Nicole Navarro
Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers Gastric and duodenal ulcers are both fall into the category of peptic ulcer disease and can be defined as “a break, or ulceration, in the protective mucosal lining of the lower esophagus, stomach, or duodenum”(Dudley-Brown & Huether, 2012, p. 903). Increased secretion of gastrin and gastric acid can cause gastric and duodenal ulcers to form. Some contributing factors that may lead to ulcers include infection of the mucosa with Helicobacter pylori, chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol, smoking, advanced age, and chronic disease such as emphysema, rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis, obesity and diabetes. Gastric ulcers are those that form in the stomach and occur in patients” usually between the ages of 55 and 65 years old and are about one fourth as common as duodenal ulcers” (Dudley-Brown & Huether, 2012, p. 904). Duodenal ulcers occur more frequently than other types of ulcers and occur in younger populations.
Acid, pepsin, and H. Pylori play and important role in the cause of gastric ulcers. Gastric mucosal lies over the epithelium. The secretion of mucus and bicarbonate serve as the first line of defense in the stomach and work to maintain a normal pH. Mucus and bicarbonate both protect the stomach against acid, while gastro-mucosal prostaglandins increase this barrier. Its important that the stomach receives a rich blood supply to keep its integrity. When a break in the mucosal lining occurs hydrochloric acid is able to reach the epithelium. When the epithelium is injured dysfunction of the pyloric sphincter can result. If this occurs bile now backs up into the stomach and can potentially break the mucosal barrier. Regurgitation of duodenal contents is often seen in patients with gastric ulcers. Decreased gastric emptying and regurgitation of duodenal contents can further injure the gastric mucosal lining (Dietzen, 2006). Gastric ulcers are seen most
References: Dietzen, K. K. (2006). Assesement of gastrointestinal system. In Ignatavicius, & Workman (Eds.), Medical-surgical nursing; Criticial thinking for collaborative care (5th ed., pp. 1230-1247). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Dudley-Brown, S., & Huether, S. E. (2012). Alteration of digestive function. In S. E. Huether, & K. L. McCance (Eds.), Understanding pathophysiology (5th ed., pp. 894-937). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.