Illustrated Series on Natural Therapies for Common Diseases - Gastric Ulcer

Author: Zhang Enhe / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-14
Features: Gastric ulcer is a common, frequent chronic digestive system disease. It often occurs on the lesser curvature of the gastric antrum and the angle of the stomach. This condition is primarily related to the digestive action of gastric acid and pepsin, hence it is classified as a peptic ulcer. In the 19th century, this disease was rare, but its incidence gradually increased in the 20th century. However, the incidence rates vary significantly among countries, indicating that factors such as geography, climate, ethnicity, genetics, and lifestyle may influence this condition. Its incidence is high, with estimates suggesting that about 10% to 12% of people will experience this disease at some point in their lives. Although the incidence rate is high, the mortality rate is low, approximately 2.5 per 1 million. Gastric ulcers can occur at any age, but are most common in middle-aged and elderly individuals (45–55 years old). The incidence is nearly equal between males and females. Clinically, it is characterized by chronic, periodic, rhythmic upper abdominal pain. If left untreated or improperly managed, it can lead to severe complications such as massive bleeding, gastric perforation, pyloric obstruction, or even cancer. The occurrence of gastric ulcer is related to seasons, with the incidence rate significantly higher during autumn and winter, as well as the transition period between winter and spring, compared to summer. Currently, the common understanding of the causes and mechanisms of this disease is that it is caused by multiple factors, resulting from an imbalance between ulcerogenic aggressive factors and defensive factors. The aggressive factors include gastric acid, pepsin, abnormal motility, bile acid, lysophosphatidylcholine, certain medications, alcohol, nicotine, and Helicobacter pylori, among others. The defensive factors include the mucosal barrier, mucosal blood flow, prostaglandins, bicarbonate secretion, and epithelial regeneration. The central nervous system and autonomic nervous system play a role in regulating this balance, and the regulation is related to neurotransmitters. Additionally, genetic factors, gender, and geographical environment also have an impact on the occurrence of this disease. P2