Stomach Ulcer | You will learn more about stomach ulcers, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options in this article. Continue reading to learn more about this.
What is Stomach Ulcer
Gastric ulcers, sometimes referred to as stomach ulcers, are lesions/sores that form on the stomach’s lining. Duodenal ulcers are ulcers that can develop in the area of the intestine that is immediately after the stomach.
The symptoms of duodenal ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are the same as those of stomach ulcers, and their treatments are also the same.
Common Causes of Stomach Ulcer
The Common Causes of Stomach Ulcer – Infection with the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria or usage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are the two main causes of stomach ulcers.
1. Helicobacter H. Pylori
Helicobacter H. Pylori is frequently responsible for peptic/gastric ulcers. Since the middle of the 1980s, research has shown that the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is responsible for over 90% of duodenal ulcers and nearly 80% of stomach ulcers.
However, recent studies indicate a drop in H. Pylori prevalence.
2. Anti-inflammatory Medicines (NSAIDs)
Using more and more over-the-counter medicines and anti-inflammatory medications, such as; Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen etc.
3. Lifestyle Factors
There isn’t much proof that some lifestyle variables, such as spicy foods, stress, and alcohol, can lead to stomach ulcers. However, they might exacerbate your symptoms. Smoking is believed to increase your chance of developing stomach ulcers and may reduce the effectiveness of therapy.
4. Type A Blood Group
Along with other ulcer-causing factors, people with type A blood are more likely to get cancerous stomach ulcers. People with type O blood are more likely to get duodenal ulcers; this could be because type O blood does not produce the substance on the surface of blood cells that may protect the lining of the duodenum.
5. Psychological Stress
This also leads to the disease condition Ulcer, because when your physical and mental health is not functioning well, it results in system malfunction which may trigger a disease condition such as stomach/duodenal ulcer in most cases.
Symptoms of Ulcer – Symptoms of Stomach Ulcer
- Discomfort before or after meals or at night (duodenal ulcer)
- Stomach discomfort after eating or drinking (gastric ulcer)
- Nighttime stomach ache (wakes you up at night)
- Strange gas release
- Bloating, burning, or dull stomach ache
- Minutes, hours, or days may pass before the agony ends.
Other symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Blood in the vomit
- Weight loss
- Having black or bloody stools
- Back pain
A central stomach discomfort that is burning or gnawing is the most typical sign of a stomach ulcer (abdomen).
However, not everyone who has a stomach ulcer feels pain; some may also have other symptoms including indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, and feeling ill.
Stomach Ulcer Diagnose
A doctor is essential to diagnose ulcers in this regard.
If your doctor suspects you have a peptic ulcer, they may begin with a physical examination and order several tests, including;
- Asking you to feel your abdomen and reporting any tenderness, pain, or swelling – Check for any sounds coming from your stomach using a stethoscope.
- In order to test for the presence of the H. pylori bacteria, samples of your blood, stool, or breath may be necessary.
- Use of a long, flexible tube known as an endoscope to look down your throat and into your stomach for evidence of an ulcer may be involved in situations involving symptoms like weight loss (in older individuals). This is carried out after the subject has taken a sleeping pill.
Stomach Ulcer Cure – Treatment of Ulcer
Ulcer Treatment – You should never treat an ulcer without first consulting a doctor. A doctor can help you discover a permanent solution to the problem and put an end to your ulcer suffering.
To cure an H. pylori infection, a doctor is knowledgeable about the best antibiotic medication. Your doctor will likely recommend a combination of two antibiotics plus a protein pump inhibitor (PPI) like Aciphex or Nexium as the best ulcer treatment.
H2 blockers and PPIs are the two types of medications used (Group of medicines that reduce the amount of acid produced by the cells in the lining of the stomach).
Depending on the amount that your doctor recommends, you may need to take this medication for up to eight (8) weeks. Several other medications can be used to help treat ulcers.
Since over-the-counter antacids only offer temporary relief, a doctor is required to prescribe the right medication that will permanently treat your peptic/gastric ulcer.
Alcoholism, caffeine use, and smoking all make ulcers worse. Therefore, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol is advised for someone with an ulcer problem.
Fatty, acidic (such as orange juice), and spicy foods should be avoided because they aggravate your symptoms.
Eat fruits that are antacid-containing;
- Oatmeal
- Bananas
- Salad greens
- Yogurt
- Ginger tea
For acid reflux, consume vegetables such as broccoli, cucumber, kale, radish, and spinach.
If an ulcer issue is left untreated for a lengthy period of time, it becomes severe and surgery may be required.
Your doctor may prescribe misoprostol if the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs causes stomach discomfort.
READ: Blood Genotype (AA, AS, AC, SS) | Types | Compatibility | Cure for Sickle Cell Disease.
Questions An Ulcer Patient Should Ask His/Her Doctor
- How can I tell the difference between a stomach flu and an ulcer?
- Do I have a chance of developing many ulcers?
- Do the ulcer medications have any adverse effects?
- Are ulcers a symptom of other medical issues?
- What if I’m allergic to antibiotics for ulcers?
