Stomach Ulcers

Stomach Ulcers also known as Gastric Ulcers, are painful sores that develop on the inner lining of your stomach.

They are caused due to the action of digestive acids present in the stomach which aid in food digestion.Normally, there is a thick layer of mucus that protects the lining of our stomach from these acids.But if this mucous layer gets reduced, the digestive acids erodes the tissue
lining the stomach causing UlcersTh.

These ulcers are easy to cure but may cause significant pain and increase in severity if they are not treated properly on time.

Symptoms of Ulcers:

Symptoms depend upon the severity, but some common symptoms are:

• If you take large meals as stretching of stomach can cause loosening of LES
  temporarily
• Stomach pain with a burning sensation
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Retching
• Feeling “full” after eating
• Intolerance to fatty foods

The pain is intensified on an empty stomach because of increased stomach acid which can last for less than a few minutes or a few hours.

In severe cases, symptoms may include:

• Bleeding through vomit
• Bleeding through stool
• Weakness
• Sudden weight loss
• Trouble in breathing

Causes of Stomach Ulcers:

H. Pylori Bacteria:
A bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori that lives in the mucous layer of our stomach, is responsible for most cases of stomach ulcers. It is not clear how this bacterium infects a person, but researchers believe that it may be transmitted from person to person or by unhygienic food and water.

Medications:

Some pain-relieving medications like aspirin when taken for a longer time duration may result in stomach ulcers. Ibuprofen and Naproxen, otherwise known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may cause stomach ulcers by blocking your body from making the chemical that is responsible for protecting the inner lining of your stomach.

Risk Factors for stomach Ulcers are:

• Smoking cigarettes
• Drinking alcohol
• Stress
• Eating spicy food

Diagnosis of Stomach Ulcers:

A doctor will prescribe the following tests to determine stomach ulcers

• Endoscopy
• X-Ray
• CT-Scan
• Barium swallow

Treatment for Stomach Ulcers:

Stomach Ulcers usually heal on their own. Sometimes they reoccur and, depending upon the severity of Ulcers, they can be cured by medications or surgery

Prevention of Stomach Ulcers:

• Ask for NSAID medicine alternatives from your doctor.
• Quit smoking cigarettes
• Reduce alcohol consumption
• If you are suffering from stomach ulcers cut down on spicy and fried foods.
• Ensure that you stay stress-free.
• Taking probiotics like curds will help in curing the ulcers.