stomach ulcers

Peptic ulcer is described as eroded areas of the mucous lining of the digestive tract.  Those that occur in the lower end of the esophagus and stomach are called gastric ulcers while those that appear in the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers.  Peptic ulcers can be induced in animals by putting them in stressful situations.

This is also widespread among humans, appearing in three out of every one thousand, including children over ten.  However it is more common among men than women, especially men who are highly competitive.  It is an obvious acid reflux complication because it is usually characterized by the emptying of the stomach.

Causes of Peptic Ulcers

The immediate cause of ulcers is the excessive secretion of gastric acid that literally eats up the digestive tract lining.  Why this overproduction that leads to ulceration should be the response of a particular individual to stress, which in others might cause hypertension or migraine headache, is not known.  There is also an accumulation of evidence indicating some hereditary predisposition to ulcers, especially among “O” blood types.  Once the ulcer begins to form, any factor that increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid will aggravate the condition such as alcohol, spicy foods, irregular meals, and chronic emotional strain.

As of the present, Helicobacter pyloricus contamination in the stomach is tagged as the leading source of ulcer.  Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and cigarette smoking is also referred to as causes of the disorder.

Symptoms of peptic ulcers

Typically, symptoms of gastric ulcer are pain and vomiting, and in more advanced cases, bleeding.  The pain is likely to be felt to the left from the center of the stomach.  The pain produced by duodenal ulcer is felt either in the middle of the upper duodenum or to the right and under the ribs.

Other symptoms of ulcer include nominal dyspepsia.  At times there may be no discomfort at all.  Other individuals also experience blazing sensations in their stomach or they may feel regular hunger pain 1-3 hours after eating or during bedtime.

When ulcers start to bleed, vomited food appears brownish while stools blacken.  Loss of blood over a long period may lead to anemia.  If the hemorrhage occurs sudden or severe, emergency hospitalization is needed.

Treatment and diagnosis for peptic ulcers

Chronic or intermittent stomach pains should always be checked by a doctor.  Anyone who dismisses such symptoms as chronic indigestion and refuses to get professional diagnosis may have an ulcer that suddenly worsens and requires emergency attention.  Diagnosis to differentiate peptic ulcer from gastritis, and other ailments is based on laboratory tests of stomach acid, examination with a gastroscope, and a series of gastrointestinal x-rays following barium intake.

Therapy for ulcers is based on various changes in the patient’s daily regimen such as dietary recommendations, medications, supportive psychotherapy, and when needed, corrective surgery.  You can prevent having ulcers by learning how to relax and to make fewer demands on yourselves and people around you.  Of course, acid reflux should be focused on.

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