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Healthy Diet Plans >>  Health Issues and Diet >>  Burst Ulcer In Stomach

Burst Ulcer In Stomach


Peptic ulcers, also commonly known as stomach ulcers are sores in the stomach lining and sometimes even in the duodenum, that is, the upper part of the small intestine. These ulcers are caused when the amount of acid is increased in the digestive tract and or there is a decrease in the mucous coating protecting the digestive tract. Peptic ulcers can be caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, frequent use of pain killers and several other medications. Can stomach ulcers burst or when does a peptic ulcer burst are commonly asked question. Yes, a burst ulcer in the stomach is highly possible if the peptic ulcer is left untreated.

This is also known as a perforated peptic ulcer.

When Does A Peptic Ulcer Burst & What Are The Symptoms?


When this happens, the ulcer can actually eat into the stomach lining and stomach walls or the small intestine. This leads to the leakage of digestive fluids and food into the abdominal cavity. The abdominal is at a high risk of developing an infection. Untreated burst stomach ulcers have also caused death in some cases. The symptoms of a burst stomach ulcer include bleeding, epigastric pain, melena, narrowed digestive passages, sudden weight loss, loss of appetite and waterbrushes. Internal bleeding takes place since the stomach muscles and stomach lining start rupturing and damage blood vessels. The person experience severe abdominal pain. Pain may also be experienced while eating. Melena is extremely bad smelling feces. Waterbrushes is excessive saliva in the mouth.

Treatments & Diet For Ulcer


Treatment of burst ulcers is most often immediate surgery. Surgery can involve a full gastrectomy or a partial gastrectomy. Gastrectomy signifies removal of the stomach. Other surgical options for perforated peptic ulcers include ulcer patching, peritoneal lavage and truncal vagotomy. Only in case of a burst ulcer is an ulcer operated. Otherwise treatment includes medications and dietary changes. In a few cases treatment may also involve non-surgical procedures such as administering antibiotics and medication.

When and why does a peptic ulcer burst is still not very clear. Fortunately, this occurs only in rare and extreme cases. Not all peptic ulcers burst. What to eat after a burst stomach ulcer? It is important to follow a strict diet prescribed by the doctor. The diet will be formulated based on the severity of the burst ulcer and based on what foods are beneficial to that particular patient and what foods are likely to be irritants.

In general, a peptic ulcer diet helps in soothing the discomfort and pain when one has peptic ulcers. The diet will not help prevent the illness. More so, a diet suitable for one patient may be hazardous for another patient. Fruits and vegetables, especially raw should be eaten in large quantities. High fiber foods are also important to cleanse the bowels. The diet should be low in fats. It is important to eat small and frequent meals. Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, carbonated drinks and colas should be off the stomach ulcer diet list. This list should essentially contain whole grains and cereals, lean meats, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. Nuts, flatulence producing vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, potatoes and fruits and vegetables with a high citric acid content such as tomatoes, oranges, pineapples, lemon, berries and grapefruits must be kept away.

Other lifestyle and home remedies to reduce the risk of peptic ulcers are choosing the right diet which is well-balanced. Giving up unhealthy habits such as drinking and smoking also reduces the chances of developing these ulcers. Excessive self medication must also be avoided. If taking a pain reliever is absolutely necessary then consult your doctor about the right kind of medication. Avoid being overly anxious or stressed. Practice some form of relaxation and a regular physical activity.

Submitted on January 16, 2014