Gastroduodenal ulcer disease is a disease that affects the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the initial part of the small intestine). It arises as a result of an imbalance between aggressive and protective factors. When the protective layer of mucus is weakened, due to the increased production of hydrochloric acid, the mucous membrane may be affected and, subsequently, an ulcer may develop.

Symptoms:

• abdominal pain (for gastric ulcers early after a meal, for duodenal ulcers on an empty stomach or at night),
• anorexia,
• heartburn,
• nausea,
• belching etc.

Factors increasing the likelihood of an ulcer:

• long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, etc.),
• Helicobacter pylori infection
• smoking, alcohol, coffee, spicy foods,
• long term stress,
• irregular eating,
• extensive injuries or burns,
• overproduction of gastric secretion in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

If you suspect a stomach ulcer, do not hesitate too long to see a doctor. You will avoid unpleasant complications such as bleeding, penetration (deep penetration of the ulcer), perforation (puncture of the stomach wall) or stenosis.

Conservative treatment is complex in nature. In addition to drug therapy, it also includes regimen (physical and mental rest, reasonably long sleep, smoking ban) and dietary measures (restriction of spicy foods, coffee and alcohol).

Medical treatment:

• drugs that reduce the production of hydrochloric acid (suitable for short-term use):
• proton pump inhibitors
• H2 receptor antagonists

Medicines with the active substance omeprazole, pantoprazole and famotidine can be purchased in pharmacies in a lower strength and in a smaller number of tablets without a prescription. The duration of treatment without a doctor's supervision must not exceed 14 days.

• antacids – neutralize hydrochloric acid in the stomach (suitable for occasional/shock use)

These preparations can reduce the absorption of other medicines. Therefore, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If the presence of Helicobacter pylori is confirmed, the doctor indicates eradication therapy (a triple combination of a proton pump inhibitor with two selected types of antibiotics) for 7-14 days.

Individual herbs (e.g. chamomile, hibiscus, rapeseed, etc.) or herbal mixtures (e.g. stomach teas) can be used as additional treatment to calm the gastric mucosa.

Free according to the web portal of the Czech Chamber of Pharmacy for the public Lékárnické kapky, 29/10/2024