Ulcer Clinic Brisbane Northside
Ulcers are a very common disease that affects a lot of people in Brisbane and all over the world. It is important to visit an ulcer clinic to get proper diagnosis and treatment.
Ulcers are an open sore on an external or internal surface of the body that does not heal. This affects many areas of the body. The causes, symptoms, and treatments vary depending on which part of the body has been compromised by the disease.
Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers, or peptic ulcers, is the most common of type of this disease. This happens when the body’s natural digestive juices harm the stomach walls, small intestines, or the oesophagus, resulting in painful sores or wounds that require treatment to heal.
The main cause of stomach ulcers is the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. They live in the stomach lining and produce chemicals that cause irritation and inflammation. Another cause of this illness could be blamed on pain medications like aspirin and those categorised as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which also have the tendency to inflame the stomach lining and small intestines.
Symptoms of stomach ulcers include:
- Burning stomach pain
- Feeling full, bloated, or belching
- Fatty food intolerance
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
Stomach ulcers are treatable by taking medications. The goals of treatment usually include killing the Helicobacter pylori bacterium (if present), reducing acid production, and healing the wounds or sores around the stomach lining and the small intestines.
Arterial Ulcers
Arterial ulcers, or ischemic wounds, are open sores in the ankle, feet, toes, and heels. This happens when arteries get damaged and there is not enough blood flow, causing the wounds not to heal.
Patients with arterial ulcers have a swollen, open wound around their feet. Often these are very painful, especially at night, and the sores are highly at risk of infection. The most common cause of ischemic wounds is atherosclerosis or the thickening of the arteries due to the build-up of fatty materials. Atherosclerosis can be developed through an unhealthy lifestyle (obesity, smoking, etc.) and having diabetes and hypertension, among others.
Arterial ulcers, if left untreated, can lead to complications like infection and tissue necrosis, and, in worst cases, amputation of the damaged limb. The main treatment for this disease is to restore blood circulation to the affected area and antibiotics to decrease the risk of infection.
Venous Ulcers
Venous ulcers are the most common type of skin ulcer found in the leg or above the ankle. These wounds develop when there is high blood pressure in the veins of the legs, causing swelling and damage to the skin and form an ulcer.
Symptoms of venous leg ulcers include:
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Itchy skin
- Scabbing
- Foul-smelling fluid discharge
Venous ulcers usually take more than six weeks to heal but are treatable given the right medication. Since the wounds are prone to infection, treatment includes cleaning and dressing the wound properly and controlling blood pressure in the legs through compression bandages.
Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers, or canker sores, are painful lesions in the mouth and gums. Patients with this disease have a hard time with their oral functions such as eating, drinking, and talking. Mouth ulcers are non-contagious and usually heal in a week or two, but if they last for more than three weeks, best to consult a doctor.
While the exact causes for canker sores are unknown, there are ways to prevent them from happening:
- Avoid foods that irritate the mouth like acidic and spicy foods
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Regular visit to a dentist
At Ubuntu Medical, we also help with Diabetes.