Trauma and Aggravation of Pre-Existing Ulcers
Many people suffer from ulcers, and many of these take place in the GI tract, called peptic ulcers. A recent study published by the National Institue of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases showed that:
- Around a third of people in the United States have contracted a Helicobacter Pylori infection.
- In many of these cases, the infection remains dormant.
- On the other hand, this is one of the most common reasons why someone might develop an ulcer.
There are many causes of ulcers. However, trauma can also worsen pre-existing ulcers.
Ulcers: An Overview
Ulcers are breakdowns in the typical integrity of the surface of the tissue. While some ulcers are acute and can be treated with dietary changes and medications, others are chronic in nature. In general, there are two different, broad categories of ulcers that medical professionals discuss. These include:
Intestinal Ulcers: Ulcers of the intestinal tract can form anywhere from the mouth to the colon. Typically, these ulcers are related to dietary issues or infectious processes. In some cases, people develop dietary ulcers as a result of an acidic diet. Citric fruits, tomato sauce, and peppermint are common culprits. Infectious ulcers of the GI tract can develop as a result of an infection with a bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori. In other cases, people can even develop medication-induced ulcers from chronic NSAID use, such as Motrin. These ulcers are typically treated with dietary modifications, antibiotics, and other medications.
Skin Ulcers: Skin ulcers are different because they do not develop in the digestive tract. They also have different etiologies. While these ulcers can also develop due to infections with herpes viruses, such as HSV, there are other causes as well. In some cases, people can develop pressure ulcers. These happen because a portion of the skin spends too much time under pressure and starts to break down. When the skin breaks down, it creates a portal for infection. While most people can sense their skin starting to hurt due to pressure, other individuals with nerve damage might not. As a result, they develop these dangerous pressure ulcers.
Watch YouTube Video: Signs of an Ulcer. The video below explains the common causes of an ulcer and the symptoms to look for.
Trauma Can Make Ulcers Worse
Being involved in a traumatic accident can actually make these ulcers worse. When individuals experience a traumatic event, such as an auto accident, their body responds to stress in multiple ways. Some of these include:
- Releasing stress hormones, such as epinephrine and glucose
- Elevation in heart rate
- Increase in appetite
- Increased vigilance
In many cases, people require medical care for their injuries. These medications, behavioral changes, and dietary modifications can make ulcers worse. The term “stress ulcer” exists for a reason. Some of the ways that the aftermath of an accident might lead to ulcers include:
- Having to take medications that worsen pre-existing ulcers.
- Being bed-bound for multiple days or weeks recovering from injuries, leading to pressure ulcers.
- The development of infections following a surgical procedure, leading to ulcers.
All of these ulcers are dangerous and can lead to severe complications. When people have serious skin ulcers, this can lead to an infection that damages not only the skin but also the tissue underneath. Finally, if there is poor blood flow to this area of the skin due to diabetes, nerve damage, or blood vessel damage, the ulcer could take months to heal. It is easy to see how this can make it hard for someone to recover.
Contacting an Injury Attorney
Families who are looking for assistance following a severe accident should meet with a personal injury attorney in Sacramento. An injury lawyer can provide support by:
- Helping families seek damages related to their physical injuries, emotional suffering, and pain.
- Reviewing the details of the accident to ensure that nothing has been overlooked.
- Taking the case to court, if necessary.
Do not hesitate to ask for help during difficult times. A Sacramento personal injury attorney can aid families during the recovery process. You and your family could be deserving of a financial reward.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney. Chronic ulcers are dangerous and can lead to serious infections, particularly if they are made worse after a traumatic accident. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I hold membership in the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel and in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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Trauma and Aggravation of Pre-Existing Ulcers: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: The photo at the start of this article is seen in its original form on Unsplash. The image has been reproduced here with permission/ Trauma and Aggravation of Pre-Existing Ulcers.
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