When the stomach lining is damaged, open sores called stomach ulcers can form. Gastric ulcers are another name for stomach ulcers.
What Exactly Is A Stomach Ulcer?
Gastric ulcers, commonly referred to as stomach ulcers, are abrasive lesions on the stomach lining. The other types of ulcers include peptic ulcers, which affect the stomach and small intestines. When the thick coating of mucus that shields your stomach from digestive fluids is thinner than normal, stomach ulcers develop. This makes it possible for the stomach's lining tissues to become eroded by the digestive acids, leading to an ulcer. Although stomach ulcers are usually treatable, if left untreated, they can worsen.
What Are the Signs of Stomach Ulcers?
Typical stomach ulcer signs include:
- Discomfort in between meals (duodenal ulcer)
- Uncomfortable eating or drinking (gastric ulcer)
- Stomach discomfort that keeps you awake at night
- Feeling full quickly
- Bloating, burning, or dull stomach ache
- Pain comes and departs in intervals of days or weeks
Your ulcer turns into a bleeding ulcer if it is perforated (torn). The following signs could result from this:
- Nausea
- spitting up blood
- Unexpected loss of weight
- Having black or bloody stools
- Having back pain
What Causes Stomach Ulcers?
Helicobacter pylori are largely responsible for ulcers. This infection is caused by bacteria. The pain and discomfort may get worse because of the acids in the meals we eat. Another typical cause of ulcers is the long-term use of aspirin or ibuprofen, both of which act as anti-inflammatory drugs. Spicy meals and stress can exacerbate an ulcer. Other causes of stomach ulcers are alcohol and tobacco. In addition to radiation therapy and severe disease, stomach ulcers have been linked to both.
How Are Ulcers Diagnosed?
An endoscopy may be performed. A small, flexible tube with a camera attached is inserted down your throat and into your stomach during this treatment. Your doctor will check for H. pylori in your blood, breath, or stool. They can also examine a sample of the lining of your stomach. If you often take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications, your doctor will also inquire.
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How Are Ulcers Treated?
To treat an H. pylori infection, your doctor will prescribe you an antibiotic medication. You must take it for two to three weeks. Additionally, your doctor might advise triple therapy. It contains a protein pump inhibitor and two antibiotics (PPI). Your doctor may advise using medications to lower stomach acids as an ulcer treatment. These may need to be taken for up to 8 weeks. Ulcers may also be treated with a number of other medications.
H2 blockers and PPIs are two different types of medications that lessen the amount of acid your stomach produces. An over-the-counter antacid offers momentary relief. Alcohol and smoking exacerbate the discomfort. In extreme circumstances, surgery can be required. Untreated ulcers deteriorate. Your doctor might advise misoprostol if aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs aggravate your stomach.
A balanced diet that includes a variety of forms of fibre also helps in stomach ulcer treatment naturally, such as:
- Fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts
- Legumes such as black beans, peas, and lentils
- Nuts and seeds (including nut butter)
- Whole grains like oats, bran, and barley are examples of
Call your doctor if you believe you have a stomach ulcer. You can discuss your symptoms and treatment options with one another.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
