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A digestive ulcer is any sore¹ that develops in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (sores in the lower esophagus occur less frequently). Because these sores form in areas where gastric juice is present, they are generally referred to as peptic ulcers (pepsin is an enzyme in gastric juice). Peptic ulcers found in the stomach are more specifically called gastric ul­cers. Those in the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers. Of the two, duodenal ulcers are the most common type, accounting for about 80 percent of all digestive ulcers. They tend to be smaller than gastric ulcers and heal² more quickly. Any ulcer that heals leaves a scar.

The symptoms for gastric ulcers include feelings of heartburn³, nausea, weight loss, and stomach pain. That pain is described as gnawing, dull, aching, or resem­bling hunger pangs. About one-third of those individuals suffering from gastric ulcers are awakened by pain at night.

The symptoms for duodenal ulcers differ slightly. They include heartburn, stomach pain that is relieved by eating or antacids, and a burning sensation at the back of the throat. Pain is most often felt two to four hours after a meal. Citrus juices, coffee, and aspirin bring on pain more quickly. About 50 percent of individuals suffering from duodenal ulcers are awakened by pain at night.

Before the 1980s, physicians believed ulcers were caused by several fac­tors — including stress and a poor diet — that resulted in excess stomach acid. Medical research has since shown that a certain bacterium that can live undetected in the mucous membrane of the digestive tract is the culprit⁴. This bacterium (called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)) irritates and weakens the lining, making it more susceptible to damage by gastric juice. About 95 % of duodenal ulcers and 70 per­cent of gastric ulcers are caused by this bacterium.

Treatment for peptic ulcers includes antibiotics to eliminate the bacterium and other drugs to reduce the amount of gastric juice secreted in the stomach. Very few ulcers fail to respond to the medications that are currently used to treat them. Also you should remember some points to prevent ulcers: Don't smoke.

Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. *" Avoid caffeine and alcohol (or have them only in small amounts and on a full stomach).

Avoid spicy foods if they cause heartburn. ®° Reduce stresses and modify your lifestyle.

Notes:

¹sore — виразка, рана, запалення

²to heal — лікувати, загоювати

³heartburn — печія

⁴culprit — винуватець

4. Answer the following questions.

1. What is digestive ulcer?

2. How do we call peptic ulcers found in the stomach?

3. Ulcer found in the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers, aren't they?

4. What is the most common type of ulcer?

5. Is there any differences between the symptoms for gastric ulcer and duodenal one?

6. What is the cause of ulcers?

7. What is the treatment for peptic ulcer?

8. How can we prevent ulcers?

5. Fill in the table. Compare your answers with your partner’s.

6. Make a dialogue between a doctor and a patient, who has ulcer symp­toms. Act it out.