Stomach ulcer symptoms:
There are a variety of stomach ulcer symptoms, which can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Bloating
• Burping or belching
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting
In some cases, people with stomach ulcers may also experience changes in their bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. Additionally, if the ulcer is bleeding, signs of blood in the stool or vomit may be present. Occasionally, people with stomach ulcers may also have a fever.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Left untreated, stomach ulcers can lead to more serious health problems.
Stomach ulcer causes:
Stomach ulcers are caused by a variety of factors, including:
• H. pylori bacteria
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Smoking
• Alcoholism
• Stress
H. pylori bacteria is the most common cause of stomach ulcers. These bacteria can damage the stomach lining, leading to the development of an ulcer. NSAIDs are a type of medication that can also cause stomach ulcers by irritating the stomach lining. Smoking and alcohol abuse can also increase your risk for developing a stomach ulcer. Finally, stress can also play a role in the development of these sores.
If you are at risk for developing a stomach ulcer, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help reduce your risk. Treatment for stomach ulcers depends on the cause of the ulcer. If you have an H. pylori infection, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
If you are taking NSAIDs, your doctor may recommend a different medication or suggest reducing the dose of NSAIDs you are taking. Quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol consumption are also important steps in preventing stomach ulcers.
Stomach ulcer treatments:
There are a variety of treatments available for stomach ulcers, depending on the cause of the ulcer. If you have an H. pylori infection, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
If you are taking NSAIDs, your doctor may recommend a different medication or suggest reducing the dose of NSAIDs you are taking. Quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol consumption are also important steps in preventing stomach ulcers.
Stomach ache:
A stomach ache can be described as discomfort or pain in any area around the abdomen including the upper abdomen (epigastrium), lower abdomen (hypogastrium) or central area in the middle of your abdomen (midabdomen).
Stomach ulcer pain location:
The location of stomach ulcer pain can vary from person to person. It may be felt in the upper middle part of the abdomen, below the breastbone, or in the lower right side of the abdomen. The pain may also radiate to the back or chest.
Many people mistakenly believe that heartburn is a sign of a stomach ulcer. However, heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and is not caused by an ulcer.
What causes stomach ulcers:
The exact cause of stomach ulcers is not known, but it’s believed to be caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, environment and lifestyle.
Other factors that may contribute to the development of stomach ulcers include:
-smoking (nicotine in cigarettes and cigars) and chewing tobacco
-heavy alcohol use over time
-taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen for a long period of time
Stomach ulcers form when the linings of the stomach or small intestines are exposed to substances that damage them, including: stress hormones, excess acid, pepsin , digestive juices, bile salts , alcohol , infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria , nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Frequent episodes of acute stress, particularly involving worry, anger, and emotional turmoil increase the risk for duodenal ulcers. Short-term stressful life events can trigger recurrences in people with gastric ulcers.
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of duodenal ulcer by increasing gastric acid secretion. It also impairs the absorption of certain medications used to treat peptic ulcers.
Bile salts, which are produced by the liver and released into the small intestine to help digest fat, can also cause damage to the lining of the stomach and small intestine.
Helicobacter pylori bacteria is a common cause of peptic ulcers. It infects the stomach and upper part of the small intestine, where it damages the cells that line these organs.
NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can also damage the lining of the stomach and small intestine. These medications work by reducing inflammation and pain. However, they can also interfere with the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that play a role in protecting the stomach lining from injury.
Symptoms:
The most common symptom of stomach ulcers is a gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomen. This pain is usually worse during meals, after consuming certain foods or drinks (for example, spicy food), or when lying down after eating.
Heartburn also sometimes accompanies stomach ulcer symptoms.
Symptoms of stomach ulcers may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis .
Stomach ulcer treatment:
Treatment for a stomach ulcer depends on whether it has been diagnosed yet and what severity it has been determined to be . Treatment options include:
-home care measures such as proper diet, rest, and managing stress levels ,
-antacids , which neutralize the stomach acid that’s causing irritation,
-medications called proton pump inhibitors , which prevent the stomach from producing too much acid ,
– H2 blockers , medications that inhibit acid production in the stomach. The most common H2 blocker is ranitidine,
-omeprazole, esomeprazole magnesium, lansoprazole , or pantoprazole sodium . These medications may be taken as pills or given intravenously (by IV) for more severe cases.
-cimetidine and nizatidine are other types of H2 blockers. They can also be used to treat stomach ulcers and help stop them from coming back .
-misoprostol for those who cannot or choose not to take proton pump inhibitors
– Surgery is also an option in some cases, such as when an ulcer has caused bleeding, perforation (a hole or tear in the stomach or small intestine), or obstruction (a blockage in the intestines) .
– A procedure called endoscopy may be used to view the inside of the stomach and determine the best treatment. In this procedure, a thin, lighted tube with a camera on it is inserted through the mouth and down into the stomach.
Woman ulcer symptoms:
Stomach ulcer symptoms in women may differ from those seen in men. In women, the pain may be more diffuse (spread out) and may not be as severe as the pain experienced by men. Other symptoms that can occur in women include:
-nausea
-vomiting
-loss of appetite
-weight loss
-bleeding from the stomach or intestines
-diarrhea
Stress ulcer symptoms:
Stress ulcers are most commonly found in people who have experienced major surgery, heart attacks , burn injuries, severe infections, or trauma. Stress ulcers can also occur during prolonged hospitalization for other reasons .
The symptoms of stress ulcers may be harder to detect than those of stomach ulcers. Symptoms include:
-weakness
-fever
-chills
-low blood pressure
-fast, shallow breathing
-confusion
-dizziness
-black or tarry stools
-vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Treatment for stress ulcers is similar to the treatment for stomach ulcers. Treatment options include:
-taking medications such as proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, or cimetidine and nizatidine .
-endoscopy to view the inside of the stomach and determine the best treatment. In this procedure, a thin, lighted tube with a camera on it is inserted through the mouth and down into the stomach.