What is a stomach ulcer?

Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are painful sores in the stomach lining. Stomach ulcers are a kind of peptic ulcer disease. Peptic ulcers are any ulcers that disturb both the stomach and small intestines.

Stomach ulcers happen when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices gets reduced. This lets the digestive acids to eat away at the tissues that line the stomach, creating an ulcer.

Stomach ulcers can be easily cured, but they can become severe without the right treatment.

What are the causes of stomach ulcers?

Stomach ulcers are mostly caused by one of the following:

an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori(H.Pylori)
long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin,ibuprofen or naproxen
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Rarely, a condition refered to as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can create stomach and intestinal ulcers by increasing the body’s production of acid. This syndrome is thought to cause less than 1 percent of all peptic ulcers.

Symptoms of stomach ulcers

A number of symptoms are linked with stomach ulcers. The severity of the signs and symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer.

The most frequent symptom is a burning sensation or pain in the middle of your abdomen between your chest and belly button. Typically, the pain will be more intense when your stomach is empty, and it can last for a few minutes to several hours.

Other common symptoms of ulcers include:

dull pain in the stomach
weight loss
no appetite to eat because of pain
nausea or vomiting
bloating
feeling easily full
burping or acid reflux
heartburn (burning sensation in the chest)
pain that may increase when you eat, drink, or take antacids
anemia (signs can include tiredness, shortness of breath, or paler skin)
dark, tarry stools
vomit that’s bloody or looks like coffee grounds
Talk to your doctor if you have any signs of a stomach ulcer. Even though discomfort may be mild, ulcers can worsen if they aren’t treated. Bleeding ulcers can become life-threatening.

DIAGNOSIS

How stomach ulcers are diagnosed?

Diagnosis and treatment are dependent on your symptoms and the severity of your ulcer. To diagnose a stomach ulcer, your doctor will review your medical history along with your signs and any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking.

To rule out H. pylori infection, a blood, stool, or breath test may be required. With a breath test, you’ll be instructed to drink a clear liquid and breathe into a bag, which is then sealed. If H. pylori is present, the breath sample will contain higher-than-normal levels of carbon dioxide.
READ MORE:http://healthymen101.com/2017/10/06/stomach-ulcers-and-what-you-can-do-about-them/