A peptic ulcer is erosion in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Peptic refers to pepsin, a stomach enzyme that breaks down proteins. Small ulcers are not dangerous but can cause recurring discomfort. Large ulcers can cause serious bleeding. Most ulcers occur in the first layer of the inner lining. A hole that goes all the way through is called a perforation of the intestinal lining. A perforation is a medical emergency. Normally, the lining of the stomach and small intestines have protection against the irritating acids produced in your stomach, but for a number of reasons these protective mechanisms may not work properly, leading to a breakdown of the lining. The most common cause of peptic ulcer is infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Most people with peptic ulcers have this organism living in their gastrointestinal (GI) tract; however, many people have this organism living in their GI tract but they don't get an ulcer. Other risk factors include use of aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking or tobacco use. Family history and blood type O are other risk factors.

Abdominal pain is the most common symptom but does not occur in every case. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, heartburn, indigestion, chest pain, vomiting blood, and dark, tarry stools. Diagnosis may involve an upper GI series of X-rays after barium or endoscopy (visual inspection of the stomach and duodenum with a small scope).

Treatment often involves a combination of medications to kill the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, reduce acid levels, and protect the GI tract. This treatment allows your ulcer to heal and reduces the chance it will come back. It is important to take all of the medications exactly as prescribed to maximize the effectiveness of the therapy. Medications include antibiotics to kill the bacteria, acid blockers (such as ranitidine) and/or proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole) to reduce acid, stomach lining protectors (such as sucralfate), and bismuth (to coat the lining and kill the bacteria). Other measures to help reduce the liklihood of recurrence of peptic ulcers include avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and limiting or avoiding aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, DGL, is a natural product used to improve the health of the stomach lining. DGL is preferred over regular licorice extract because it does not cause elevated blood pressure associated with long term use of licorice extract. DGL can be used with other treatment medications. DGl is used as a chewable form to allow it to mix with the saliva which activates the protective components.

Reference: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000206.htm

PICK OF THE WEEK: DGL TO SOOTHE MUCOUS MEMBRANES OF THE INTESTINAL TRACT. GET 10% OFF THROUGH AUGUST 3, 2006.

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