WHAT IS A STOMACH ULCER?

Stomach ulcers, which are also known as gastric ulcers, are painful sores in the stomach lining.Stomach ulcers occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices is reduced. This allows the digestive acids to eat away at the tissues that line the stomach, causing an ulcer.
Stomach ulcers may be easily cured, but they can become severe without proper treatment.

SYMPTOMS OF STOMACH ULCERS
A number of symptoms are associated with stomach ulcers. The severity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer.
The most common 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 signs and symptoms of ulcers include:
1)dull pain in the stomach
2)weight loss
3)not wanting to eat because of pain
4)nausea or vomiting
5)bloating
6)feeling easily full
7)burping or acid reflux
heartburn (burning sensation in the chest)
9)pain that may improve when you eat, drink, or take antacids
10)anemia (symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath, or paler skin)
11)dark, tarry stools
12)vomit that’s bloody or looks like coffee grounds.

MOST COMMON TYPES OF STOMACH ULCER
Peptic Ulcer
Any ulcer that is exposed to pepsin is referred to as peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are found in the lining of your stomach or duodenum. Pepsin is normally present along with hydrochloric acid in the stomach lining. There are many symptoms of peptic ulcers that are worth checking out.

Gastric Ulcer
When a peptic ulcer is in your stomach, it is called a gastric ulcer. The symptoms of gastric ulcers are morespecific than peptic ulcer symptoms.

Duodenal Ulcer
When a peptic ulcer is in your duodenum, it is called a duodenal ulcer. This type of peptic ulcer develops in the first part of the small intestine. Some of the symptoms of a duodenal ulcer are interestingly quite opposite to those of gastric ulcers. Duodenal ulcers are the most common ulcers found in the Western world.


WHAT CAUSES STOMACH ULCER?
The two main causes of ulcers of the stomach and small intestine are:
Helicobacter pylori bacteria

long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen


LESS COMMON CAUSES OF STOMACH ULCERS INCLUDE:
Excess stomach acidity (hyperacidity) - this can occur for a range of reasons, including genetics, smoking, stress, and some foods
Zollinger-Ellison - a disease that causes an excess of stomach acid to be produced (rare)

RISK FACTORS
1)Certain behaviors and factors increase the chances of developing a stomach ulcer; these include:
2)Frequent steroid usage.
3)Smoking.
4)Overproducing calcium - hypercalcemia.
5)Genetics.
6)Consuming alcohol frequently.
7)Age - they are more common in individuals over 50. People of any age can develop a stomach ulcer, but they are much less common in children. The risk in children is higher if their parents smoke.

WHAT ARE NSAID DRUGS?
A group of painkillers known as NSAIDs carry a risk of stomach ulcers. The two best-known NSAIDs are aspirin and ibuprofen.
The risk of ulcers increases if the drugs are taken in high doses, or regularly for a long time.
Stronger NSAIDs needed on prescription are riskier for stomach ulcers than those that can be bought over the counter.
People should always check labels and talk to a pharmacist or a doctor about any concerns with using painkillers. They may recommend an alternative such as acetaminophen.

TREATMENT IDEAS OF STOMACH ULCER
Give Up Orange Juice For A While:Doctors aren’t sure why, but oranges—along with tomatoes and possibly grapefruit—may trigger the release of pain-causing chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, in those with ulcers. If you think one of these foods might be contributing to your ulcer, try eliminating it from your diet for a few weeks. Then slowly add it back in and see if you notice a difference.
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