Imagine your stomach as a garden. Like your garden, you need to protect your stomach from irritants. Irritants or injuries can rupture the stomach’s protective lining.
This can lead to the development of a painful and disruptive condition. It’s called a stomach ulcer. Your garden needs regular weeding and pruning. The diagnosis and treatment of stomach ulcer is important for your health.
Let’s explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment of peptic ulcer disease.
What is a Stomach Ulcer?
You may have heard of a stomach ulcer, but what is it? A stomach ulcer, or a peptic ulcer, is a painful open wound. It develops in the lining of the stomach or in the small intestine.
Mucus and bicarbonate protect the stomach lining and small intestine. These prevent damage from acidic digestive juices produced in the stomach.
This protective barrier is vulnerable to impairment. When this happens, the digestive juices can damage the delicate tissues. This leads to the formation of a stomach ulcer.
Stomach ulcers can either be small, or larger and painful wounds. They can cause significant discomfort and even bleeding. They are found in the upper part of the small intestine, near the stomach. But they can occur in the lower esophagus as well. Ulcers in the small intestine are also diagnosed in the duodenum.
Bacteria, stress, bad eating habits can trigger a stomach ulcer. It can occur just like that, for no reason at all.
The symptoms vary depending on the depth of the disease. If only the mucous membranes are affected, no difference can be found.
What Are the Causes of Stomach Ulcers?
A number of factors can cause acute peptic ulcers. These include stress, spicy foods, certain medical conditions and medications. Stomach ulcers may occur due to:
- H. pylori infection: A type of bacteria that infects the stomach. It causes inflammation and the development of ulcers.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Painkillers such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. These can erode the lining of the stomach. This can lead to the development of stomach ulcers.
- Stress: Stress alone is not enough to cause an ulcer. It can aggravate existing ulcers and symptoms.
- Other medical conditions: Medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. These can increase the risk of developing peptic ulcers.
Smoking and alcohol can cause an ulcer. So can a high intake of spicy foods or carbonated drinks. These can irritate your digestive system. They can cause your intestinal lining to swell, leading to a painful gastrointestinal condition.
Medications like aspirin and ibuprofen can also lead to ulcers if taken excessively or without consulting a doctor first.
If left untreated, stomach ulcers can become more painful, increase the risk of bleeding, and even lead to serious complications such as perforation (a hole in the wall of the intestine or stomach) or obstruction (a blockage in the digestive tract).
Ulcer in Stomach Symptoms
Stomach ulcers can lead to a variety of symptoms. Stomach ulcer symptoms in males and females are usually the same. Some of them are often confused with other health problems. It is critical to be aware of the signs and symptoms of stomach ulcers and seek medical treatment at the earliest. Some of the most common peptic ulcer symptoms are:
- Heartburn: A burning feeling in the throat or chest, often accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth.
- Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up.
- Bloating: A feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen, sometimes accompanied by gas.
- Abdominal pain: This is one of the most common signs of peptic ulcer and can range from a dull ache to a stabbing, sharp pain. Antacids often help to relieve pain that may recur later.
- Loss of appetite: A loss of interest in food and not feeling hungry.
- Unexpected weight loss: Losing weight without trying.
- Dark or black stools: Tarry stools may be a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract. This is a serious complication of ulcers.
- Blood in vomit: A vomit that looks like coffee grounds or contains red or dark brown streaks.
- Anaemia: Low red blood cell count that causes fatigue, weakness and pale skin tone
Rush to your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. While some of these symptoms may indicate other health conditions, a doctor can perform tests to determine if you have a stomach ulcer and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment of a Stomach Ulcer
Diagnosis of peptic ulcer requires a history, examination of symptoms, physical examination and tests. Tests that are often used to diagnose a peptic ulcer include:
- Endoscopy: In Endoscopy, a flexible, illuminated tube is inserted orally into the stomach to examine the gastric mucosa.
- Blood test: A blood test to check for the presence of H. pylori bacteria, which can cause ulcers.
- Stool test: A test to check for blood in the stool.
Breath test: A test in which you drink a solution and then blow it into a bag. It is used to test the breath to determine the presence of H. pylori.
After diagnosis, the next step is to determine the best treatment for the peptic ulcer. Treatment options for stomach ulcers will depend on their causes but may include the following:
- Antibiotics: In case of H. pylori infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria and prevent further damage to the stomach lining.
- Acid-reducing medicines: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help reduce the acid in the stomach. This can help relieve symptoms and promote healing.
- Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids can help neutralise stomach acid for peptic ulcer disease treatment.
- Avoid certain medicines: If a particular medication is the cause, your doctor may recommend an alternative or avoid it altogether.
The cure of a peptic ulcer depends on its severity and its location in the stomach wall. Some medicines can cure this condition. However, surgery may be required if complications arise. Especially if infection or bleeding occurs after gastrectomy.
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can also help to reduce symptoms and promote healing. The recommended lifestyle changes include the following:
- Avoiding certain foods and drinks: Spicy or fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine can make symptoms worse and slow healing.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of ulcers and slow healing. Stop smoking if you indulge in it.
- Reduce stress: Stress can make symptoms worse and delay healing. You should find ways to manage stress and reduce anxiety. Read more>>
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and take all medications as prescribed.
Say adieu to stomach problems at Amandeep Hospital
We hope this article has shed light on stomach ulcers, their causes and their symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms worsen. This could be a sign of a serious complication.
With proper treatment and care, most people with stomach ulcers can successfully manage their symptoms and achieve complete healing.
At Amandeep Hospital, we understand the significance of prompt and effective treatment for stomach ulcers. Our team of experienced medical professionals is dedicated to providing the best possible treatment for all types of digestive disorders.
Whether you are experiencing symptoms of a stomach ulcer or are seeking preventative care, our team is here to help. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, Amandeep Hospital offers solutions to all your health problems.
Take the first step towards better health. Schedule an appointment right away!
FAQs
Q: What should I eat if I have an ulcer?
A: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is gentle on your digestive system. Low-fat and easily digestible foods such as lean meat, poultry, fish and eggs are often recommended.
Avoid spicy or fatty foods, coffee, and alcohol that irritates the stomach. Your doctor can provide specific dietary recommendations based on your needs and health status.
Q: How do you know if a stomach ulcer is serious?
A: While not all stomach ulcers are serious, some peptic ulcer symptoms can indicate a more severe condition. These include abdominal pain that is getting worse, dark or black stool, vomiting blood or persistent fever. These signs often require immediate medical attention.
Q: How long do stomach ulcer symptoms last?
A: This depends on the underlying cause of the ulcer and the effectiveness of the treatment. Most patients get lasting relief without much harm with proper diagnosis and treatment.
Some symptoms may persist for a long time without proper treatment. Discussing your symptoms with your doctor and following their recommended treatment plan to achieve the best possible outcome is important.