Peptic ulcer disease is as a result of a sore in the lining of your stomach, small intestine, or esophagus. It is generally associated with an infection of the stomach by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and can be excruciatingly painful. If left untreated, an H. pylori infection can cause gastritis.
A peptic ulcer in the stomach is also called a gastric ulcer. According to the NIH, peptic ulcers affect more than 4 million people in the United States annually.
Following is information related to ulcers, how they are caused, including due to extensive burn injury, and the resulting damage.
As burn injury attorneys in New York City, our experience and success at Ronemus & Vilensky are unparalleled. Our firm has represented hundreds of fire injury victims, including those suffering from peptic ulcer disease and injured from chemical burns, helping them to navigate a challenging legal system.
Gastric Ulcers
Gastric ulcers are open sores that form on the stomach lining. Ulcers can also develop in the intestine just above the stomach. These are known as duodenal ulcers. Peptic ulcers refer to both stomach and duodenal ulcers. The following information applies to both.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a symptom of an underlying disorder and can be very serious. A peptic ulcer is the most common cause of upper GI bleeding. When severe, most ulcers can put a person at high risk and require surgical intervention. As with any bleeding vessels, this condition could damage your gastric mucosa or gastric acid secretion and often requires emergency surgery.
Gastric and duodenal ulcers are jointly referred to as peptic ulcer disease. Symptoms can include pain, nausea, heartburn, or itching. A duodenal ulcer is a peptic ulcer, with recommended treatment including antibiotics, acid reducers, antiviral drugs, surgery (depending on the extent of damage), or lifestyle changes.
Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin IB, as well as Aleve can cause peptic ulcer disease. In addition, possible side effects of NSAIDs include indigestion (stomach aches), nausea and diarrhea, or stomach ulcers, all of which can cause internal bleeding and anemia.
Extensive burn injuries can also cause peptic ulcer disease — see below.
Note: A stress ulcer is not the same as a peptic ulcer, which is usually made worse by stress. Stress ulcers come on suddenly, usually due to physiological stress. Both cause sores in the lining of the stomach and the intestines.
Severe Burn Injuries and Peptic Ulcer Disease
A peptic ulcer can also be the result of severe burns. In fact, a person who is burned while trapped in a building fire can wind up with peptic ulcer disease, which can often be debilitating and require immediate medical treatment. If a peptic ulcer perforation goes untreated, it is life-threatening.
Without treatment, an individual will require extensive surgical procedures, particularly for younger patients. Older patients lacking proper treatment may also find themselves at higher risk. Waiting or putting off treatment can result in even more problems internally, so anyone experiencing internal pain associated with being a fire victim should seek medical advice immediately.
Extensive Burn Injuries and Curling Ulcers
A curling ulcer is a stress-induced ulcer of the stomach or duodenum that occurs from extreme physical stress, such as in massively burned patients. According to clinical findings, an extensive burn can cause more pressure on the entire body than any other injury, leading to a lifetime of health problems.
Contact the Law Firm of Ronemus & Vilensky
If you have been a fire victim and are suffering from ulcers due to severe burns, contact the attorneys at Ronemus & Vilensky for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury lawyers handle cases related to critically ill patients suffering from gastric ulcers as a result of being injured in a fire. We have recovered millions of dollars in damages for fire victims to cover financial losses, including past and future medical bills, loss of earnings, pain, suffering, and more.
