Experiencing burning or pain in your stomach? You could have a peptic or stomach or gastric ulcer.
It used to be thought that very spicy food frequently eaten and a stressful life led to a gastric ulcer. But now doctors are of the opinion that some bacterial infections and medications can cause these ulcers.
Gastric ulcers are open sores that come up on the inside stomach lining or upper small intestine or gullet. These ulcers are quite common and can be successfully treated over a few weeks.
Gastric ulcers are generally caused because there is an imbalance between pepsin (an enzyme), stomach acid, and the normal protection of the lining of the stomach.
Such an imbalance results in inflammation and burning pain. The pain may last from a few minutes to a few hours and can be worse if your stomach is empty, perhaps increasing at night.
Some medication (antacids) or foods (milk) can give temporary relief and the pain may appear and disappear over a few days or weeks.
Sometimes there are other symptoms that indicate a gastric ulcer such as a nauseous feeling, blood in vomit or stools, chest pain, and inexplicable weight loss.
The risk factors for gastric ulcers include the overuse of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen.
These inhibit the production of an enzyme that normally protects the lining of the stomach. Chronic gastritis, smoking, excessive intake of alcohol, and increase in age are also causes for ulcers.
Nicotine and alcohol irritate the stomach lining and increase the concentration of stomach acid. Stress, while not the primary cause of an ulcer, can affect the healing process.
The Helicobacter pylori infection is now thought to be the most common cause of an ulcer. It can be contracted through food and water and through close physical contact with an infected person.
It exists and increases in the mucous layer that shields and covers stomach lining and the small intestine, and causes an ulcer by inflaming the lining. Sometimes this lining may already be damaged, making it easier for the bacteria to infect and inflame it.
Antacids may relieve the pain for a while, but it is best that you not medicate yourself if you suspect you have an ulcer.
Consult a doctor for medication and pain relief and prompt treatment of the ulcer. You may be asked to undergo some tests such as an upper gastrointestinal x-ray or an endoscopy.
With these tests the doctor can check the stomach for an ulcer. You may also have to have a biopsy if an ulcer is detected. If the cause of the ulcer is suspected to be the H.pylori infection then you may have to have blood and stool tests.
The treatment may involve medication that will kill the bacteria and lower the level of stomach acid to heal the ulcer. Medication may include antibiotics, antacids, acid blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and cytoprotective agents that protect the lining of the stomach and intestines. Surgery is indicated only when the ulcer fails to respond to drugs.
If peptic ulcers are left untreated they can lead to internal bleeding, creating a hole through the stomach or intestinal walls. This can lead to a serious infection called peritonitis.
So if you have the symptoms described above and suspect that you may have an ulcer, consult a doctor immediately. Also, together with the treatment, cut down on spicy food and stress yourself. While these are not primary causes of ulcers they may exacerbate them and slow down healing.
Don’t take stomach ulcers lightly. They start small but can grow into a serious problem. Take care of them at once.
