Venous ulcer Health Dictionary

This disorder is related to gastric ulcer (see STOMACH, DISEASES OF), both being a form of chronic peptic ulcer. Although becoming less frequent in western communities, peptic ulcers still affect around 10 per cent of the UK population at some time. Duodenal ulcers are 10–15 times more common than gastric ulcers, and occur in people aged from 20 years onwards. The male to female ratio for duodenal ulcer varies between 4:1 and 2:1 in di?erent communities. Social class and blood groups are also in?uential, with duodenal ulcer being more common among the upper social classes, and those of blood group O.

Causes It is likely that there is some abrasion, or break, in the lining membrane (or mucosa) of the stomach and/or duodenum, and that it is gradually eroded and deepened by the acidic gastric juice. The bacterium helicobacter pylori is present in the antrum of the stomach of people with peptic ulcers; 15 per cent of people infected with the bacterium develop an ulcer, and the ulcers heal if H. pylori is eradicated. Thus, this organism has an important role in creating ulcers. Mental stress may possibly be a provocative factor. Smoking seems to accentuate, if not cause, duodenal ulcer, and the drinking of alcohol is probably harmful. The apparent association with a given blood group, and the fact that relatives of a patient with a peptic ulcer are unduly likely to develop such an ulcer, suggest that there is some constitutional factor.

Symptoms and signs Peptic ulcers may present in di?erent ways, but chronic, episodic pain lasting several months or years is most common. Occasionally, however, there may be an acute episode of bleeding or perforation, or obstruction of the gastric outlet, with little previous history. Most commonly there is pain of varying intensity in the middle or upper right part of the abdomen. It tends to occur 2–3 hours after a meal, most commonly at night, and is relieved by some food such as a glass of milk; untreated it may last up to an hour. Vomiting is unusual, but there is often tenderness and sti?ness (‘guarding’) of the abdominal muscles. Con?rmation of the diagnosis is made by radiological examination (‘barium meal’), the ulcer appearing as a niche on the ?lm, or by looking at the ulcer directly with an endoscope (see FIBREOPTIC ENDOSCOPY). Chief complications are perforation of the ulcer, leading to the vomiting of blood, or HAEMATEMESIS; or less severe bleeding from the ulcer, the blood passing down the gut, resulting in dark, tarry stools (see MELAENA).

Treatment of a perforation involves initial management of any complications, such as shock, haemorrhage, perforation, or gastric outlet obstruction, usually involving surgery and blood replacement. Medical treatment of a chronic ulcer should include regular meals, and the avoidance of fatty foods, strong tea or co?ee and alcohol. Patients should also stop smoking and try to reduce the stress in their lives. ANTACIDS may provide symptomatic relief. However, the mainstay of treatment involves four- to six-week courses with drugs such as CIMETIDINE and RANITIDINE. These are H2 RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS which heal peptic ulcers by reducing gastric-acid output. Of those relapsing after stopping this treatment, 60–95 per cent have infection with H. pylori. A combination of BISMUTH chelate, amoxycillin (see PENICILLIN; ANTIBIOTICS) and METRONIDAZOLE – ‘triple regime’ – should eliminate the infection: most physicians advise the triple regime as ?rst-choice treatment because it is more likely to eradicate Helicobacter and this, in turn, enhances healing of the ulcer or prevents recurrence. Surgery may be necessary if medical measures fail, but its use is much rarer than before e?ective medical treatments were developed.... duodenal ulcer

A usually chronic condition, started by irritation, with congestion in time, leading to edema, blistering, and the formation of an ulcer. Hylobacter infections seem to prolong and aggravate the condition, but the presence alone of the bacteria, without functional impairment, will not begin the disease. Possessing a certain “workaholic” panache...even boasted of in some business circles as if to validate one’s work ethic, it nonetheless is fatal if untreated.... gastric ulcer

A stomach or duodenal ulcer, caused by excess or untimely secretions of gastric acid and pepsin, poor closure of the pyloric sphincter and digestive acid leakage into the duodenum, or poorly mucin-protected membranes resulting from infection or allergen irritation... peptic ulcer

A cutaneous ulcer seen particularly in malnourished individuals. The cause of these ulcers is often ascribed to a synergistic infection by the spirochaete Treponema vincentii and the anaerobic Gram negative rod, Fusobacterium nucleatum.... tropical ulcer

Single or multiple (and often recurrent) transiently painful ulcers in the oral mucous membrane that are usually self-limiting. The cause is unknown and treatment is symptomatic.... aphthous ulcer

A branching ULCER on the surface of the cornea of the eye, caused by HERPES SIMPLEX infection.... dendritic ulcer

A chronic form of BASAL CELL CARCINOMA, the most common form of skin cancer.... rodent ulcer

A visible break in the body’s surfaces; e.g. skin, gut, urinary tract, which is not caused by acute trauma.... ulcer

Chronic in?ammation of the lining of the COLON and RECTUM. The disease affects around 50 people per 100,000; it is predominantly a disease of young and middle-aged adults.

Symptoms The onset may be sudden or insidious. In the acute form there is severe diarrhoea and the patient may pass up to 20 stools a day. The stools, which may be small in quantity, are ?uid and contain blood, pus and mucus. There is always fever, which runs an irregular course. In other cases the patient ?rst notices some irregularity of the movement of the bowels, with the passage of blood. This becomes gradually more marked. There may be pain but usually a varying amount of abdominal discomfort. The constant diarrhoea leads to emaciation, weakness and ANAEMIA. As a rule the acute phase passes into a chronic stage. The chronic form is liable to run a prolonged course, and most patients suffer relapses for many years. SIGMOIDOSCOPY, BIOPSY and abdominal X-RAYS are essential diagnostic procedures.

Treatment Many patients may be undernourished and need expert dietary assessment and appropriate calorie, protein, vitamin and mineral supplements. This is particularly important in children with the disorder. While speci?c nutritional treatment can initiate improvement in CROHN’S DISEASE, this is not the case with ulcerative colitis. CORTICOSTEROIDS, given by mouth or ENEMA, help to control the diarrhoea. Intravenous nutrition may be required. The anaemia is treated with iron supplements, and with blood infusions if necessary. Blood cultures should be taken, repeatedly if the fever persists. If SEPTICAEMIA is suspected, broad-spectrum antibiotics should be given. Surgery to remove part of the affected colon may be necessary and an ILEOSTOMY is sometimes required. After recovery, the patient should remain on a low-residue diet, with regular follow-up by the physician, Mesalazine and SULFASALAZINE are helpful in the prevention of recurrences.

Patients and their relatives can obtain help and advice from the National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease.... ulcerative colitis

The pressure of blood within the right atrium of the HEART as measured by a catheter and manometer.... central venous pressure

A variety of drugs with di?ering actions are available for the treatment of peptic ulcer, the composite title covering gastric ulcer (see STOMACH, DISEASES OF) and DUODENAL ULCER. Peptic ulceration may also involve the lower OESOPHAGUS, and after stomach surgery the junction of the stomach and small intestine.

The drugs used in combination are:

The receptor antagonists, which reduce the output of gastric acid by histamine H2receptor blockade; they include CIMETIDINE, FAMOTIDINE and RANITIDINE.

ANTIBIOTICS to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection, a major cause of peptic ulceration. They are usually used in combination with one of the PROTON-PUMP INHIBITORS and include clarithomycin, amoxacillin and metronidazole.

BISMUTH chelates.

The prostaglandin analogue misoprostol has antisecretory and protective properties.

Proton-pump inhibitors omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantaprazole and rabeprazole, all of which inhibit gastric-acid secretion by blocking the proton pump enzyme system.... ulcer healing drugs

See: EYES, INFECTION. ... corneal ulcer

See bedsores.... decubitus ulcer

An abnormal communication between an artery and a vein. It is usually the result of an injury, such as a stab or a gunshot wound, which involves both a neighbouring artery and vein.... arterio-venous aneurysm

Pertaining to the veins, or more broadly to include both venous AND lymphatic circulation.... venous

Having congested venous blood and lymph. Usually a larger condition effecting tissue or organ function, as opposed to the more vascular implications of venosities and varicosities.... venous stasis

See: STOMATITIS. ... aphthous ulcers

Colitis is an affection of your larger bowel. When the problem gets worse, blood could appear, turning your problem into ulcerative colitis. This affection causes poor water absorption and it makes it harder for the nutrients and enzymes in both food and drink to be processed. Ulcerative Colitis is an autoimmune disease, but is usually linked to poor dieting and stress (an unbalanced nutrition and diet pills could trigger this disease faster). How a Tea for Ulcerative Colitis Works A Tea for Ulcerative Colitis’ main purpose is to make sure that your body increases the immunoglobulin level and directs all antibodies to the affected areas. In order to function properly, a Tea for Ulcerative Colitis needs to contain an important quantity of nutrients, enzymes, volatile oils and minerals (such as sodium, iron, magnesium and manganese) and be very low on acids (since they could induce irritable bowel and upset stomach). Efficient Tea for Ulcerative Colitis If you don’t know which teas could be effective for your condition, here’s a list to choose from: - Licorice Tea – has important health benefits, being able to treat not just Ulcerative Colitis, but many other disorders, such as upset stomach, irritable bowel syndrome and gastritis. However, this tea is not very safe so you need to talk to your doctor before starting a treatment based on Licorice Tea. Drinking less than 3 cups per day will give you an energy boost and restore your general well-being. - Wormwood Tea – is well known around the world thanks to its ability to treat infections and flush parasites out of your system. Other than ulcerative colitis, this decoction can be useful in case of Candida. Take a sip of this Tea for Ulcerative Colitis at every 5 minutes for about an hour every day (for a short period of time: 3-7 days) and enjoy its great benefits! - Chamomile Tea – has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic problems and it’s good for almost any health problem, from sore throats to colds and flu. Some specialists even say that Chamomile Tea has proven its efficiency in many cancer cases. If that is the case or not, the important thing is that this Tea for Ulcerative Colitis will calm your pain and energize your body. Tea for Ulcerative Colitis Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, exceeding the number of cups recommended per day can lead to a number of problems, from diarrhea, nausea, vomiting to gastritis and ulcers. If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and you’re experiencing some unusual symptoms, ask for medical assistance as soon as possible!Don’t take a Tea for Ulcerative Colitis if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners or anticoagulants. The same advice if you’re preparing for a surgery. If you have your doctor’s approval and there’s nothing that could interfere with your treatment, choose a Tea for Ulcerative Colitis that fits best your needs and enjoy its great benefits!... tea for ulcerative colitis

A type of stress ulcer that occurs specifically in people who have suffered extensive skin burns.... curling’s ulcer

An eroded area of skin on the genitalia.

The most common cause is a sexually transmitted infection, particularly syphilis and genital herpes (see herpes, genital).

Chancroid and granuloma inguinale are tropical bacterial infections that cause genital ulcers.

Lymphogranuloma venereum is a viral infection producing genital blisters.

Behçet’s syndrome is a rare condition that causes tender, recurrent ulcers in the mouth and on the genitals.

Cancer of the penis or vulva may first appear as a painless ulcer with raised edges.... genital ulcer

Ulcers are a medical condition, characterized by an inflammation on the lining of the digestive tract. The disease is associated with a constant upper abdominal pain, which may disappear after eating. Hunger is more intensively felt by a person with ulcers, because the protective mucus is destroyed and the stomach is not protected enough against its acids. There are different types of ulcers, depending on what part of the digestive tract is affected: peptic, gastric and duodenal ulcers. The external factors leading to ulcers are still the subject of studies. However, it has been scientifically proven that excessive smoking and drinking, a wrong diet and a stressful lifestyle, together with the abuse of painkillers may cause this disease. There were instances when a bacteria had led to the occurance of ulcers. Family history could also be responsible for developing this medical condition. Efficient Teas for treating Ulcers In case of ulcers, patients should look for teas with anti-inflammatory properties, which calm the sore and soothe the digestive tract. Chamomile tea , Calamus tea and Slippery elm bark tea are natural remedies which alleviate the unpleasant feeling caused by ulcers. Chamomile is a medicinal plant, successfully used to treat a large array of health issues. Due to its efficiency, the plant is known as a “cure-all” treatment. Chamomile tea has a long curative history, being used by ancient Egyptians and modern people as well. It is best known as a treatment for muscle and menstrual cramps, back pain and rheumatism. It acts as an immunity enhancer, boosting the body’s ability to fight against viruses and bacteria. Also, patients suffering from less severe ailments of the liver claim its beneficial effects for improving the function of this organ. To prepare Chamomile tea as Tea for Ulcers, add 2 tablespoons of the dried plant in a cup of hot water. Steep it for 8 to 10 minutes and strain it. Drink it warm, with no sugar (sweets may cause a feeling of burning in a stomach affected by ulcers). Calamus was used by ancient Chinese to restrain stress and to melt phlegm. Nowadays, due to this plant’s scent, it is an important ingredient in the perfume industry. Calamus tea may reduce the pain caused by ulcers, soothing the digestive tract. Also, it may relieve flatulence as well as chest congestion. When trying to give up smoking, Calamus brewing can help the process, by reducing the need for tobacco. To prepare Calamus tea, add a cup of boiling water on 2 tablespoons of the plant’s roots and leaves. Steep it for 15 minutes, strain it. Drink it before you eat. Slippery elmis a plant originating from the Unites States and Canada, used at first by Native Americans as a wound bandage. It has anti-inflammatory properties which help in the treatment of the urinary tract, the skin and the digestive system. It soothes the stomach and counters its acidity. To prepare Slippery elm bark tea, add 2 tablespoons of ground slippery elm bark in a mug of hot water. Steep it for 11-12 minutes and strain it. Drink it before eating. Tea for Ulcers: possible side effects Before consuming Tea for Ulcers, bear in mind to ask your doctor about its safe use for your medical condition. Rarely, when taken in large doses, Tea for Ulcers may lead to diarrhea and vomiting. Tea for Ulcers is a natural way to mitigate or even to treat the painful symptoms of this disease. Also, it is important that people reconsider their diet and bad habits to prevent ulcers.... tea for ulcers

Painful infection and ulceration of the gums due to abnormal growth of bacteria that usually exist harmlessly in small numbers in gum crevices. Predisposing factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, throat infections, and emotional stress. In many cases the disorder is preceded by gingivitis or periodontitis. The condition is uncommon, primarily affecting people aged 15–35.

The gums become sore and bleed at the slightest pressure. Crater-like ulcers develop on the gum tips between teeth, and there may be a foul taste in the mouth, bad breath, and swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes, the infection spreads to the lips and cheek lining (see noma).

A hydrogen peroxide mouthwash can relieve the inflammation.

Scaling is then performed to remove plaque.

In severe cases, the antibacterial drug metronidazole may be given to control infection.... gingivitis, acute ulcerative

An open sore on the leg that fails to heal, usually resulting from poor blood circulation to or from the area.

There are various types of ulcer.

Venous ulcers (also referred to as varicose or stasis ulcers) occur mainly on the ankles and lower legs and are caused by valve failure in veins; they usually appear in conjunction with varicose veins.

Bedsores (decubitus ulcers) develop on pressure spots on the legs due to a combination of poor circulation, pressure, and immobility over a long period.

Leg ulcers can also be due to peripheral vascular disease and diabetes mellitus.

In the tropics, some infections can cause tropical ulcers.... leg ulcer

An open sore caused by a break in the mucous membrane lining the mouth. The ulcers are white, grey, or yellow spots with an inflamed border. The most common types are aphthous ulcers (see ulcer, aphthous) and ulcers caused by the herpes simplex virus. A mouth ulcer may be an early stage of mouth cancer and may need to be investigated with a biopsy if it fails to heal within a month.... mouth ulcer

A type of peptic ulcer.... stomach ulcer

An acute peptic ulcer that develops after shock, severe burns or injuries, or during a major illness.

Stress ulcers are usually multiple and are most common in the stomach.

The exact cause is unknown.

Drugs are often given to severely ill patients in hospital to prevent the development of stress ulcers.... stress ulcer

The formation or presence of 1 or more ulcers.... ulceration

a congenital abnormality in which the pulmonary veins enter the right atrium or vena cava instead of draining into the left atrium. The clinical features are those of an *atrial septal defect.... anomalous pulmonary venous drainage

A small, painful ulcer that occurs, alone or in a group, on the inside of the cheek or lip or underneath the tongue. Aphthous ulcers are most common between the ages of 10 and 40 and affect more women than men. The most severely affected people have continuously recurring ulcers; others have just 1 or 2 ulcers each year.

Each ulcer is usually small and oval, with a grey centre and a surrounding red, inflamed halo. The ulcer, which usually lasts for 1–2 weeks, may be a hypersensitive reaction to haemolytic streptococcus bacteria. Other factors commonly associated with the occurrence of these ulcers are minor injuries(such as at an injection site or from a toothbrush), acute stress, or allergies (such as allergic rhinitis). In women, aphthous ulcers are most common during the premenstrual period. They may also be more likely if other family members suffer from recurrent ulceration.

Analgesic mouth gels or mouthwashes may ease the pain of an aphthous ulcer.

Some ointments form a waterproof covering that protects the ulcer while it is healing.

Ulcers heal by themselves, but a doctor may prescribe a paste containing a corticosteroid drug or a mouthwash containing an antibiotic drug to speed up the healing process.... ulcer, aphthous

a localized area of damage and breakdown of the skin due to inadequate arterial blood supply (*ischaemia). Usually it is seen on the feet of patients with severe atheromatous narrowings of the arteries supplying the legs.... arterial ulcer

a chronic, debilitating illness caused by Mycrobacterium ulcerans. It begins with a painless swelling, most often on the arm or leg, that develops into a necrotizing ulcer. The condition occurs most commonly in sub-Saharan Africa and Australia, with some 2 000 cases being reported annually. At present there is no vaccine; antibiotics are usually effective if prescribed at an early stage.... buruli ulcer

linear *erosion found on the lining of the stomach at or near the level of the diaphragm in patients with large hiatus *hernias. The cause is unclear but interruption in the blood supply (*ischaemia) is one of the likely explanations. Treatment involves *antisecretory drugs and treatment of anaemia, which is often present.... cameron’s ulcer

an intravenous catheter for insertion directly into a large vein, most commonly the subclavian vein, during its passage under the clavicle, or the jugular in the neck. Such catheters can also be inserted into the femoral vein at the groin. They enable intravenous drugs and fluids to be given and intravenous pressures to be measured, which is often useful during operations or in intensive care. Central venous catheters must be inserted under strictly sterile conditions using a local anaesthetic.... central venous catheter

the presence of thrombosis in the dural venous sinuses, which drain blood from the brain. Symptoms may include headache, abnormal vision, any of the symptoms of stroke (such as weakness of the face and limbs on one side of the body), and seizures. Treatment is with anticoagulants.... cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

a form of *leishmaniasis of the skin caused by the parasite Leishmania tropica mexicana. The disease, occurring in Panama, Honduras, and the Amazon, primarily affects men who visit the forests to collect chicle (gum) and takes the form of an ulcerating lesion on the ear lobe. The sore usually heals spontaneously within six months.... chiclero’s ulcer

see stress ulcers. [T. B. Curling (1811–88), British surgeon]... curling’s ulcers

see stress ulcers. [H. W. Cushing]... cushing’s ulcers

see interstitial cystitis. [G. L. Hunner (1868–1957), US urologist]... hunner’s ulcer

see peptic ulcer; Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.... jejunal ulcer

(JVP) the pressure in the internal jugular vein, which is an indirect measurement of *central venous pressure (CVP) in the right atrium. In clinical practice the JVP is estimated by visual inspection at the bedside with the patient reclining at 45 degrees.... jugular venous pressure

a carcinoma that develops at the edge of a chronic *ulcer of the skin, usually a venous ulcer in the ankle region. [J. N. Marjolin (1780–1850), French surgeon]... marjolin’s ulcer

a severe ulceration at the periphery of the cornea, characterized by an overhanging advancing edge and vascularization of the ulcer bed. It is usually very painful, progressive, and difficult to control. [A. Mooren (1829–99), German ophthalmologist]... mooren’s ulcer

see peptic ulcer; oesophagitis.... oesophageal ulcer

an uncommon anorectal condition that produces symptoms of anal pain, rectal bleeding, straining during defecation, and obstructed defecation (dyssynergic defecation). *Proctoscopy reveals one or more benign rectal lesions, which are thought to be due to abnormal straining during defecation leading to prolapse of the distal anterior rectal wall and internal anal *intussusception.... solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

gastric or duodenal ulcers that can be associated with physiological stress from severe head injury (Cushing’s ulcers) or major burns (Curling’s ulcers).... stress ulcers

acute painful gingivitis with ulceration, in which the tissues of the gums are rapidly destroyed. Occurring mainly in debilitated patients, it is associated with anaerobic microorganisms (see Fusobacterium; Bacteroides) and is accompanied by an unpleasant odour. Treatment is with *metronidazole and a careful and thorough regime of oral hygiene supplemented with oxidizing mouthwashes. In the past ulcerative gingivitis has been called acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), Vincent stomatitis, or Vincent’s angina. A rare complication of severe ulcerative gingivitis is a *noma.... ulcerative gingivitis

(VTE) the formation of a blood clot in a vein, which may become detached and lodged elsewhere. It includes deep vein thrombosis (see phlebothrombosis) and *pulmonary embolism. VTE is a leading direct cause of maternal death (see maternal mortality rate). See also thromboembolism.... venous thromboembolism