Peptic ulcer is a crate like lesion in the wall of gastrointestinal tract that is exposed to gastric juice. It arises when normal mucosal (a layer of gastro-intestinal tract) defensive factors are impaired or are overwhelmed by aggressive luminal factors such as acid and pepsin. Peptic ulcer occasionally develops in the lower end of oesophagus, but mostly occurs on the lesser curvature of the stomach, where they are called gastric ulcers, or in the first part of the duodenum, where they are called duodenal ulcer.
The usual basic cause of peptic ulceration is too much secretion of gastric juice in relation to the degree of protection afforded by the mucous lining of the stomach and duodenum and by the neutralization of the gastric acid by duodenal juices. All areas of gastro-intestinal (GI) tract normally exposed to gastric juice are well supplied with mucous glands, beginning with the compound mucous glands of the lower oesophagus, mucous cell coating of the stomach mucous, the mucosa neck cells of the gastric glands, the deep pyloric glands that secrete mainly mucus, and finally the glands of Brunner of the upper duodenum, which secrete a highly alkaline mucous.
In addition to the mucous protection of the mucosa, the duodenum is also protected by the alkalinity of the pancreatic secretion, which contains large quantities of sodium bicarbonate that neutralizes the hydrochloric acid of the gastric juice, thus inactivating the pepsin and thereby preventing digestion of the mucosa.
Among the factors believed to stimulate an increase in acid secretion are emotions, cigarette smoking, certain foods or medications (alcohol, coffee, aspirin), and overstimulation of the vagus (Xth) nerve. Ulcer occurs slightly more commonly in men than in women. Although ulcers can occur in any age group, duodenal ulcers most commonly occur between the ages of 30 and 55, whereas gastric ulcers are more common between the ages of 55 and 70. Ulcers are more common in smokers and in patients receiving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on a chronic basis. Alcohol and dietary factors do not appear to cause ulcer disease. However, the role of stress is uncertain, although it is assumed to be a significant cause.
The most common complication of peptic ulcer is bleeding. Another is perforation, erosion of the ulcer all the way through the wall of the stomach or duodenum. Perforation allows bacteria and partially digested food to pass into the peritoneal cavity, producing peritonitis. A third complication is haemorrhage. When ulcer exposes and penetrates into blood vessels, it causes a heavy and rapid blood loss, which ultimately leads a condition of shock and may prove to be fatal.
Preksha — Yoga management
Shat kriyas – Neti and laghu Shankhaprakshalan
Yogic exercises – Of abdomen
Asanas – Surya Namaskara, Pawan Muktasana, Shashankasana and Shavasana
Pranayama – Bhramari and Nadi shodhan
Kayotsarga – 25 minute daily
Preksha – Perception of body with visualization of white colour
Anu preksha – Contemplation of the recovery andhealing of ulcer wound
Dietary recommendations
• At the beginning to consume fruit juices and milk only
• Thereafter to consume light liquid diet, khichery
• To avoid completely the intake of spices, heavy food, smoking and alcohol