Category: Diseases & Conditions
Pronounced – POL-ee-SISS-tik KID-nee dih-ZEEZ
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder characterized by many grapelike clusters of fluid-filled cysts that make both kidneys larger over time. These cysts take over and destroy working kidney tissue.
Polycystic kidney disease may cause chronic kidney disease and kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). About one-half of people with the most common type of PKD progress to kidney failure.
Pronounced – Allz-high-merz duh-zeez
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a disease that causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die.
When nerve cells in the brain die, it is hard for a person to remember things, have clear thinking, and make good judgments.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease begins slowly and gets worse over time. .
Treatment for Peptic Ulcers
Treatment recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology are based on the realization that peptic ulcer disease is usually the result of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, or is caused by taking prescription or non prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. The first step is to stop taking NSAIDs or aspirin if they are used. Successful eradication of the infection cures most people who are not taking aspirin or a NSAID.
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic ulcer disease can start when the protective barrier that lines the stomach or intestines is injured, exposing the underlying tissue to stomach acid. A variety of things can harm the protective lining of the stomach or intestines. Risk factors are characteristics that may increase your chance for developing a condition.
Total or nearly total and permanent kidney failure (loss of kidney function) is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). If a person’s kidneys stop working completely, the body fills with extra water and waste products. This condition is called uremia. Hands or feet may swell. A person will feel tired and weak because the body needs clean blood to function properly.
Untreated uremia may lead to seizures or coma and will ultimately result in death. A person whose kidneys stop working completely will need to undergo dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Peptic Ulcer Disease and NSAIDs
NSAIDs stands for NonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.
A peptic ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum – the beginning of the small intestine.
An ulcer can cause:
- A gnawing, burning pain in the upper abdomen.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
Abdominal discomfort is the most common symptom of ulcers. This discomfort usually:
- Is a dull, gnawing ache.
- Comes and goes for several days or weeks.
- Occurs 2 to 3 hours after a meal.
- Occurs in the middle of the night, when the stomach is empty.
- Is relieved by eating.
- Is relieved by antacid medications.
Peptic Ulcer Disease and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
There are two types of ulcers related to peptic ulcer disease:
- Gastric Ulcers – a sore on the lining of the stomach.
- Duodenal Ulcers – a sore formed in the duodenum (the first part of the samll intestine).
Ulcers Can Cause Serious Complications
If left untreated, serious complications can include:
- Bleeding
- Holes in the stomach or intestine that causes digested food and bacteria to spill into other areas of the body.
- Narrowing or blockage of the intestinal opening.
Barrett’s esophagus has no cure, short of surgical removal of the esophagus, which is a serious operation. Surgery is recommended only for people who have a high risk of developing cancer or who already have it.
Most physicians recommend treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with acid blocking drugs, since this is sometimes associated with improvement in the extent of the Barrett’s tissue. This approach has not been proven to reduce the risk of cancer. Treating reflux with a surgical procedure for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also does not seem to cure Barrett’s esophagus.
If a person with Barrett’s esophagus is found to have dysplasia or cancer, the doctor will usually recommend surgery if the person is strong enough and has a good chance of being cured. The type of surgery may vary, but it usually involves removing most of the esophagus and pulling the stomach up into the chest to attach it to what remains of the esophagus.