What is a stomach ulcer?

Stomach ulcers are caused by thick mucus that reduces the amount of acid in the stomach. As a result, the digestive juices are able to eat away at the lining of the stomach, resulting in the ulcer.

Stomach ulcers are often well treated, but serious complications may follow if they don't receive prompt attention.



What causes stomach ulcers?

Stomach ulcers are typically caused by one or more of the following:

Bacteria from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes an infection.

Long-term consumption of no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome sometimes causes stomach and intestinal ulcers by increasing the body's production of acid. It is believed to have a frequency of less than 1 per cent among all the ways that peptic ulcers are induced.

Symptoms of stomach ulcers

Disorders related to stomach ulcers typically have a range of symptoms. The severity of the symptoms is contingent on the severity of the ulcer.

The most common sign of an implication of a stomach poker is a burning pain or ache between the middle of your rib cage and navel. Usually, the pain is more intense when you're empty, and it can last longer just a few minutes to a few hours.

Other typical signs/symptoms of ulcers include:

•          Abdominal pain

•          Vomiting

•          Nausea

•          Bloating

•          Gas

•          Diarrhea

•          Bloody stools

•          Weight loss

•          Anemia

•          Poor appetite

•          Heartburn

•          Bloating

If you have symptoms of a stomach ulcer, you should speak to your physician as soon as possible. The pain can be slight, but ulcers can worsen if they are not addressed. Bleeding ulcers might lead to death.

How are stomach ulcers diagnosed?

Your treatment will vary depending on the degree of your ulceration as well as your symptoms. To diagnose an ulcer, your doctor will review your medical history, your symptoms, your underlying health conditions, as well as any prescription and over-the-counter medications you're taking.

In order to verify H. pylori contamination, a doctor may order a blood, stool, or breath test. With a breath test, you will be instructed to drink a clear liquid and breathe into a bag, which is then sealed. If H. pylori is present, your breath sample will contain elevated levels of carbon dioxide.

Other tests and procedures to diagnose peptic ulcers include:

•          Barium swallow: You drink a thick, blanket-like white fluid (barium) that coats your upper gastrointestinal tract and helps your doctor see your stomach and small intestine on X-rays.

•          Endoscopy (EGD): A thin, long, light tube is inserted into the patient's mouth and into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This test is used to detect ulcers, bleeding, and any tissue that looks abnormal.

•          Endoscopic biopsy: Some of this tissue is removed so that it can be examined in the laboratory.

Treating stomach ulcers

The way your specific ulcer is treated will vary based on the reason for this condition. Most ulcers can be treated with a prescription for your doctor, but in rare cases, you may need to have surgery.

You should speak to your physician about a treatment plan for an ulcer as soon as possible. If you have a bleeding ulcer, you are likely to be hospitalized with endoscopy and intravenous fluid therapy.

Nonsurgical treatment

Unless the cause of your peptic ulcer is caused by H. pylori, you'll need antibiotics and drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs target your stomach cells responsible for acid production.

In extreme cases, your doctor also might recommend these other treatments in addition to these:

•          H2 receptor blockers (drugs that also block acid production) of 2 types.

•          Regarding NSAIDs, stopping their use is the goal.

•          Follow-up endoscopic examination.

•          probiotics that focus on eliminating H. pylori are useful.

•          Supplement consisting of bismuth.

If you have an ulcerated stomach, signs of recovery can take place rapidly, as long as you take all the medication prescribed by your doctor. This makes it vital that you practice diligence with your H. pylori antibiotics and ensure the eradication of all microbes.

Side effects of some medications used to treat stomach ulcers may include:

•          Diarrhea

•          nausea

•          vomiting

•          Headache

•          Dizziness

•          Constipation

These side effects are typically short-lived. If you experience severe side effects, call your doctor so they can adjust your medication.

Surgical treatment

In some cases, a complex stomach ulcer may require surgery. This may be the case for ulcers that have such symptoms: gastric ulcer

Some kinds of surgery may include:

•          The whole ulceration is excised

•          Tissue from one part of the intestine may be cut and sewn onto the ulcer site

•          Stitch a bleeding artery

•          A nerve supply to block produces stomach acid.

Healthful diet

In past times, it was believed that diet could give rise to gastric ulcers. Now we realize this is not true.. Since we also know that a healthy diet will benefit the digestive tract and overall wellbeing, we know that foods will only not cause or cure a stomach ulcer, but that it can harm your digestive tract very much.

Diets that include lots of fruits, vegetables, and fibre are considered to be healthy.

Since people with stomach ulcers may have accompanying acid reflux disease, it is best to stay clear of hot and spicy foods while someone is recovering from an ulcer.

Prevention of stomach ulcers

To prevent the spreading of germs that may cause a stomach ulcer, wash your hands with soap and water regularly. Also, be sure to thoroughly clean all food and to cook it as needed.

NSAIDs, such as Alteplase, can be potentially damaging to the gastrointestinal tract if taken too frequently or in excessive amounts. To prevent ulcers from producing, avoid continuing these medications, or reduce your intake or limit your consumption if need be. If you're prescribed NSAIDs, follow the dosage and find success in avoiding alcohol while taking the medications.