Stomach Ulcer – What is it, Causes and Treatments!
Stomach Ulcer – What it is, Causes and Treatments we should all know. In addition, stomach ulcers , also known as gastric ulcers, are open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach . Ulcers can also occur in part of the intestine just beyond the stomach – these are known as duodenal ulcers. Stomach and duodenal ulcers are sometimes referred to as peptic ulcers. Here, the term “ Stomach Ulcer ” will be used, although the information applies equally to duodenal ulcers.
Stomach ulcer is a wound in the stomach , which hurts and worsens when gastric juice comes in contact with the wound, as this liquid is acidic and causes further irritation and inflammation at the affected site. The main cause of gastric ulcers is the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach , but this problem can also appear due to stress or poor diet. So, check now Stomach Ulcer – What is it, Causes and Treatments:
What Causes Stomach Ulcers: Stomach ulcers
occur when the layer that protects the stomach lining from stomach acid thins , which allows the stomach lining to become damaged.
This is usually a result of:
- An infection with Helicobacter bacteria (H. pylori):
- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin – especially if they are taken for a long period of time or in high doses:
- It used to be thought that stress or certain foods can cause Stomach Ulcers , but there is little evidence to suggest this is the case:
Main Symptoms: The most common symptom of a Stomach Ulcer is a burning or irritating pain in the center of the abdomen (tummy). However, stomach ulcers are not always painful and some people may experience other symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn and feeling sick.
- Abdominal pain is a common symptom, but it does not always occur. Pain can vary greatly from person to person. Other signs of peptic stomach ulcer are:
- Feeling bloated and inability to drink a lot of fluid:
- Hunger and an empty feeling in the stomach , often one to three hours after a meal:
- Mild nausea and vomiting:
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen :
- Pain in the upper abdomen that gets worse at night:
Treating a Stomach Ulcer: If you have a Stomach Ulcer , your treatment will depend on what caused it. With treatment, most ulcers heal within a month or two. If your Stomach Ulcer is caused by a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics and a medication called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) are recommended. This is also recommended if your Stomach Ulcer is thought to be caused by a combination of anH. pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) .
If your Stomach Ulcer is only caused by NSAIDs, a course of PPI medication is recommended. Your NSAID use will also be reviewed, and taking an alternative pain reliever may be advised. An alternative type of medication, known as H2 receptor antagonists, is occasionally used instead of PPI, and you may sometimes be given additional medication called antacids to relieve your symptoms in the short term.
You may have a repeat gastroscopy after four to six weeks to see if the stomach ulcer has healed. There are no special lifestyle measures you need to take during treatment, but avoiding stress, alcohol, spicy foods , and smoking can reduce your symptoms while your stomach ulcer heals.