Stomach Ulcer: Causes, Warning Signs, and Management
-
Loading... - GABRIEL FORTIN
- 23 Sep 2024
- 10 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
A stomach ulcer, also known as a peptic ulcer, is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the top of the small intestine). It occurs when the lining of the stomach or duodenum is damaged, allowing digestive juices to eat away at the tissues beneath. [5]
Causes of Stomach Ulcer
The most common cause of stomach ulcers is infection of the stomach by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H pylori). Most people with peptic ulcers have these bacteria living in their digestive tract. Yet, many people who have these bacteria in their stomach do not develop an ulcer. [5]
Other factors that raise your risk for peptic ulcers include:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Regular use of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco
- Being very ill, such as being on a breathing machine
- Radiation treatments
- Stress
A rare condition, called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, causes the stomach to produce too much acid, leading to stomach and duodenal ulcers. [5]
Warning Signs of Stomach Ulcer
Small ulcers may not cause any symptoms and may heal without treatment. Some ulcers can cause serious bleeding.
Abdominal pain (often in the upper mid-abdomen) is a common symptom. The pain can differ from person to person. Some people have no pain.
Pain occurs:
- In the upper abdomen
- At night and wakes you up
- When you feel an empty stomach, often 1 to 3 hours after a meal
Other symptoms include:
- Feeling of fullness and problems drinking as much fluid as usual
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloody or dark, tarry stools
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Vomiting, possibly bloody
- Weight loss
Management of Stomach Ulcer
Treatment for peptic ulcers works in two ways. If you have an H. pylori infection, you'll have a medication regimen to kill the bacteria. You'll also get a medicine called a proton pump inhibitor, such as Prilosec or Prevacid, which reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. Try to avoid taking NSAID pain relievers for long periods of time, especially if you have a problem with H. pylori. Use Tylenol instead. If you do have to take NSAIDs, also take an acid-blocking drug to protect your sensitive stomach. Also avoid tobacco smoke and excess alcohol. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully for treating a peptic ulcer. If you don't follow your treatment as directed, your ulcer could easily come back.
Call your doctor right away if you have sharp stomach pain, if you're sweating a lot or feeling confused, or your stomach feels hard to the touch. These could be signs of a serious ulcer complication that needs immediate medical help.
