What are stomach ulcers? causes, and treatment.

Stomach ulcer

Stomach ulcers are sores on the lining of the stomach or the small intestine. Ulcers are very painful. Stomach ulcers occur when the mucus that protects the stomach from digestive juices reduce. Therefore, the digestive acids eat the tissues at the lining of the stomach. This causes an ulcer. It is easy to cure stomach ulcers. However, they are severe without proper treatment.

Symptoms of Ulcers.

Symptoms depend on how severe the ulcer is. The most common symptom is a burn sensation or pain between the chest and the belly button. The pain levels are different. For instance, it is more when a person’s stomach is not full. The pain lasts for several hours.

Other signs are symptoms include;

  • Weight loss.
  • Pain in the stomach.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Bloating.
  • Heartburn.
  • Indigestion.
  • Pain when you eat or drink.
  • Not wanting to eat because of the pain.

One should therefore visit a doctor if they experience these symptoms.

Causes of stomach ulcers.

Stomach ulcers image.

The most common causes of ulcers are;

  • An infection with a bacteria known as H. Pylori.
  • Use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin for a long time.

It is important to note that stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers. However, they make the condition worse.

Diagnosis of stomach ulcers.

Diagnosis depends on the symptoms of the ulcers. The doctor reviews the medical history of the patient. In addition, a blood or stool test is done. This rules out H. pylori. A breathing test is also done. If H. pylori are present, the breathing sample contains a high level of carbon dioxide. Moreover, other tests include biopsy and barium swallow. In barium swallow, the patient drinks a white liquid which is the barium. This coats the tract and helps doctors see the stomach on an x-ray.

Treatment.

Treatment also depends on the cause of ulcers. In rare cases patients undergo surgery. The doctor recommends medications. In case of ulcers that bleed, the doctors may perform a blood transfusion. If the ulcer is a result of H. Pylori, the doctor recommends antibiotics. In addition to these treatments, doctors suggest the use of;

  • H2 receptor blockers. These drugs block acid production.
  • Endoscopy.
  • Probiotics. They kill H. pylori.

However, the medication may bring about unpleasant effects as noted below;

  • Nausea.
  • Dizziness.
  • Headaches.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Lastly, abdominal pain.

Diet.

People who are at risk of stomach ulcers should include nutrients in their diet. Therefore, the nutrients include;

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Fiber.
  • Vitamin C.
  • Probiotics.
  • Zinc.

In conclusion, anyone who thinks that they have ulcers should see a doctor. Moreover, home remedies include the use of honey. Patients should eat foods such as chicken, eggs, fish, and cabbage.

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