Patient was educated on measures to avoid H. Pylori infection as follows: Hand hygiene This bacterium can be present in feces, saliva, and vomit of healthy individuals, as not all individuals with H. pylori in them show up with symptoms of peptic ulcer disease. So, the bacterium can be transmitted unknowingly and accidentally from one to the other. Observing good hand hygiene helps with avoiding getting infected with the bacterium. Always drink water from a [...]

Patient was educated on measures to be taken for the management of peptic ulcers as follows: Avoid using NSAIDs. Rely on alternate pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications for any issues of pain and inflammation. Observe compliance with any probiotics prescribed. Probiotics compete with H. pylori, the bacterium responsible for the development of peptic ulcers, for resources such as, nutrition and, help with controlling the inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Observe compliance with medications, such [...]

Patient was educated on complications of peptic ulcer development as follows: Infection Chronically inflamed stomach and intestines offer poor immunity and are susceptible to frequent infections, thus complicating the case. Blood loss Peptic ulcers can often bleed secondary to extensive damage to the inner layers of the stomach and intestines. The blood loss can be prolonged and overtime, result in anemia. Patients often present with black stool, secondary to the partially digested blood in the [...]

Patient was educated on complications of peptic ulcer development as follows: Non-healing peptic ulcers Peptic ulcers could be resistant to healing in patients with noncompliance to smoking and alcohol cessation and noncompliance with the medication prescribed to promote healing. Recurrent exposure to H. pylori infection and poor dietary habits also contribute to poor healing of the ulcers. Unexplained weight loss Non-healing peptic ulcers can result in long term indigestion and contribute towards poor nutrient absorption, [...]

Patient was educated on symptoms of peptic ulcer development as follows: Dyspepsia and indigestion H. pylori, the bacterium causing the peptic ulcers, breaks down urea in the stomach and will produce ammonia. The ammonia produced will neutralize the acid in the stomach. Gastric acid is needed for digestion of food and neutralization of the acid results in poor digestion of food and dyspepsia. Abdominal pain Damage to the mucus layer provides access for the acid [...]