Be aware of digestive problems from common signs.

The patient was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness, and black stools. Doctors concluded that the patient had gastrointestinal bleeding due to a duodenal ulcer, with a risk of anemia, shock, and death if not treated promptly.

Recently, a 61-year-old male patient from Hai Duong came to Hanoi for examination at Medlatec General Hospital with symptoms of fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, and black stools.

Illustrative image

Mr. T. underwent a clinical examination and necessary tests and functional investigations by the doctor. The results of the esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a 1.5cm ulcer with edematous edges and a deep base covered with a white pseudomembrane.

The test results for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) were positive – this is the leading cause of gastritis and duodenal ulcers, which can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding.

The doctor diagnosed the patient with gastrointestinal bleeding due to duodenal ulcer (Forrest III), which, if not treated promptly, can lead to massive bleeding, anemia, shock, and death.

Given the critical condition, the patient was quickly admitted to the hospital for inpatient treatment. After 4 days of intensive medical treatment and close monitoring of his condition, Mr. T. recovered well and was discharged from the hospital.

However, patients still need regular follow-up appointments as instructed by their doctor to prevent recurrence. Commenting on the case, Dr. Luu Tuan Thanh, a specialist in Gastroenterology at Medlatec General Hospital, stated that gastrointestinal bleeding caused by H. pylori bacteria is a disease that easily recurs, therefore it requires proper and thorough treatment to prevent drug resistance, which can lead to repeated reinfections.

At the same time, doctors advise people not to be complacent when passing black stools, as this could be a warning sign of abnormal gastrointestinal diseases that require vigilance and timely examination.

Helicobacter pylori (HP) bacteria – the leading culprit causing gastritis and duodenal ulcers, often resulting in gastrointestinal bleeding complications. Helicobacter pylori (also known as HP bacteria) is the primary cause of gastritis and duodenal ulcers.

Additionally, the disease can also be caused by side effects from the long-term use of anti-inflammatory/pain-relieving drugs that inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins – substances that protect the stomach lining – leading to gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Statistics from the Ministry of Health indicate that in Vietnam, the rate of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is high, affecting approximately 70-80% of the population. HP bacteria can easily spread through the respiratory tract due to eating and lifestyle habits.

Upon detecting H. pylori infection, patients need to be examined, risk factors assessed, and gastric and duodenal lesions checked. Based on this, a treatment strategy can be developed, along with close post-treatment monitoring to prevent frequent relapses.

People should be aware that if they experience the following symptoms, they should see a doctor to accurately determine if they have gastritis or duodenal ulcers:

Upper abdominal pain (above the navel); bloating, indigestion, nausea; flatulence, heartburn, burning sensation in the upper abdomen; black stools; anemia of unknown cause.

If not detected and treated promptly, severe complications from peptic ulcers, as warned by MSc. Dr. Luu Tuan Thanh, include gastric and duodenal perforation, a condition that causes patients to experience sudden, severe abdominal pain.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding: This involves lesions causing inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding. It is a medical emergency requiring prompt intervention; otherwise, it can lead to severe blood loss and be life-threatening.

Pyloric-duodenal stenosis: This is a type of fibrotic inflammatory tissue that develops over an ulcer in the pylorus or duodenum, causing narrowing of the lumen of the bowel below the stomach, making it difficult for food to pass through the digestive tract.

Learn about the two methods currently used to accurately detect H. pylori bacteria. In cases where symptoms suggestive of gastritis or duodenal ulcers appear, doctors will initially prescribe the following two methods during a medical examination:

Gastroscopy: The doctor assesses the condition of gastric and duodenal ulcers through endoscopy, and also performs a urease test, or takes tissue samples for histopathological biopsy, or bacterial culture.

Testing: This includes methods such as breath tests or stool sample collection to detect H. pylori bacteria.

To prevent digestive cancers, experts recommend that people adopt a healthy diet including plenty of green vegetables and fruits, reduce fat intake, limit acidic, spicy, and hot foods, processed foods, and alcohol. Quitting smoking also reduces the risk of digestive tract cancers and related diseases.

Regular daily exercise improves health and creates a healthy body surface, reducing the risk of diseases, including gastrointestinal cancers.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms such as loss of appetite, bloating, sudden weight loss, small or flattened stools, bloody stools, constipation, or diarrhea.

Undergo regular gastrointestinal cancer screenings at reputable medical facilities, or even when you have no unusual symptoms, to detect and treat gastrointestinal cancer in its early stages. Screening methods may include cytology tests, ultrasound, endoscopy, and high-tech imaging.

In addition to implementing preventive measures to stop gastrointestinal cancer early, we should also undergo regular gastrointestinal cancer screenings.

Regular screening for gastrointestinal cancers allows healthcare professionals to assess your health and detect problems early. Early detection leads to prompt treatment and increases the chances of a cure.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/canh-giac-benh-ly-tieu-hoa-tu-dau-hieu-thong-thuong-d225219.html