Question

Gary, a middle aged salesman, complains of a burning pain in the pit of his stomach, usually beginning about two hours after eating and abating after drinking a glass of milk. When asked to indicate the site, he points to the epigastric region. the GI tract is examined by x-ray. A gastric ulcer is visualized and drug therapy using an antibiotic-bismuth approach is recommended.
a) why is this treatment suggested
b) what are possible consequences of non-treatment?

Answer 1

Solutions

1. Gastric ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are open sores that are found on the inside lining of the stomach and small intestine. The most common root cause of these ulcers is due to infection by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which leads to inflammation of the stomach’s inner lining.
   The antibiotic is prescribed to kill the infection. Bismuth also acts as an anti-microbial agent and aids in killing the bacterium. However, the treatment should not last no longer than 6-8 weeks.
   
2. If left untreated, these ulcers can increase the risk of internal bleeding, spread of H.pylori infection, and obstruction of the gastric passage. As the infection progresses, the bacteria perforate deeper and deeper into the stomach’s inner lining. This increases the inflammation and can cause small holes in the lining. Bleeding can occur as a result, which if left untreated, can cause severe loss of blood. Moreover, the inflamed passages obstruct the digestive tract, which can have negative health effects in the future.