Ulcer is a sore or injury that forms on the surface of the body or an organ so stomach ulcer is a sore that appears on the upper digestive tract. Stomach ulcer is also known as gastric ulcer and it can be very painful to deal with. The ulcer is formed when the thick layer of mucus, that protects your stomach from the acidic digestive juices it secretes, is removed. The acidic digestive juices then come in contact with the stomach eating away the stomach lining, this results in stomach ulcer.
What causes stomach ulcer?
For a very long time, many people believed that alcohol, coffee and spicy foods were responsible for causing ulcers. However, research has debunked that as there are no links towards these foods and ulcer. Ulcer is caused by the following:
1. Frequent use of pain killers: frequent use of pain killers inhibits the production of prostaglandins in the stomach. Prostaglandin is a substance which protects the lining of the stomach from damage by the acidic digestive juices.
2. H pylori infection: some ulcers are caused by H pylori infection which is an infection caused by bacteria.
3. Smoking cigarettes: smokers are at a higher risk of developing stomach ulcers because it causes bleeding and perforation of the stomach lining.
4. Stress
5. Exposure to harmful radiation
How does one know if they have stomach ulcer?
Some of the symptoms of stomach ulcer include:
1. Pain in the stomach
2. Blood in stool and vomit
3. Pain while eating or drinking
4. Pain in the stomach when you haven’t eaten
5. Weight loss
6. Acid reflux (burping)
7. Bloating
8. Heartburn
9. Loss of appetite
10. Loss of blood leads to anemia and tiredness
Can stomach ulcer be cured?
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, then you should visit a doctor as soon as you can. Stomach ulcer can be treated especially if discovered early. Some treatment procedures include:
1. Reduce your intake of pain killers
2. Stop smoking cigarettes or any other form of drug
3. Endoscopy: a procedure used by doctors to monitor the pulse of your digestive tract by sending a camera into your digestive tract and monitoring the results on a color TV.
4. Antacids used to relieve acid reflux and heartburn.
5. H2 receptor blocks: drugs used to block acid production
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