In 1984, there were few effective ulcer therapies available and many patients required hospitalisation or even surgery. In search of answers, an enterprising Australian doctor named Barry Marshall ingested a murky stew of microorganisms taken from one of his patients’ stomach. Dr. Marshall soon began to suffer from the same abdominal pain, bloating, and vomiting. A camera called an endoscope peered his inside his stomach ten days later. Marshall had the same bacteria in his stomach as his patient. He had also developed gastritis, or acute stomach inflammation, which is a common prelude to ulcers. Dr. Marshall’s approach contradicted a long-held belief that ulcers are caused by stress, food, or too much stomach acid.
Marshall suspected bacterial infections as the source of the problem. His plan was initially dismissed by the world’s most brilliant medical brains. But in 2005, he and Dr. Robin Warren were given the Nobel Prize for Medicine, which served as the ultimate validation.
Our stomachs are J-shaped organs with incredibly complex ecosystems that are flooded in hormones and chemicals. Digestive enzymes, bile, proteins, bacteria, and the stomach’s own acid are all constantly attacking the stomach. To keep the integrity of its own lining, it produces bicarbonate, mucus, and phospholipids called prostaglandins. Mucosal defense is the name given to this delicate balance that is constantly regulated.
Since the mid-nineteenth century, doctors have believed that stress was the primary cause of stomach ulcers. Antidepressants or tranquilisers were prescribed and patients were advised to visit health spas. This view was ultimately replaced by the concept that hot meals and stress were the culprits. Despite this, no conclusive research has ever shown that emotional discomfort, psychological distress, or spicy foods induce ulcer disease.
It was commonly understood by the mid-twentieth century that too much hydrochloric acid caused the stomach to consume itself. Antiacids only provide brief relief, which was the major flaw in this argument. We now know that too much hydrochloric acid can cause some uncommon ulcers. However, they account for fewer than 1% of all instances.
Dr. Marshall and Dr. Warren identified Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, a spiral-shaped bacteria. pylori, as the true culprit. H. pylori is one of humanity’s oldest and most common companions, having arrived at least 50,000 years ago and now infecting 50% of the population.
We used to believe the stomach was sterile since it was such an acidic, unfriendly environment. Despite this, H.Pylori survives the stomach’s acidic tumult thanks to a range of characteristics that disrupt mucosal defenses in its favor. It makes an enzyme called urease, for example, that protects it from the acid in the stomach. H.Pylori may produce approximately 1,500 proteins, many of which are devoted to increasing the pathogenicity of the bacteria.
There are still unresolved questions, such as why certain people develop ulcers at specific times. Individual genetics, other medical issues, the use of certain medications, smoking, and the genetic variety of Helicobacter strains all have a role, according to research. Certain pain relievers that are used to alleviate joint inflammation have been discovered to work with H.Pylori to cause more serious stomach ulcers.
Simple antibiotic treatment for a sickness that formerly required surgery is a modern success.
