Here are a few ways to help get rid of ulcers, which are commonly found on the skin or mucous membrane areas of the body, like the stomach.
What causes ulcers?
Ulcers develop when there is a break in the skin or mucous membrane that fails to heal. Ulcers can be mild or they can be quite painful for the patient who suffers. While most ulcers tend to clear up on their own, some types of ulcers require medical treatment. If you have the symptoms of ulcers, do not ignore them. See your doctor who can properly diagnose and assess the seriousness of the ulcer, and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Usually, a protective lining in the stomach and small intestine protects against the harmful effects of harsh stomach acids. When this lining does not work correctly, this protective lining starts to break down, resulting in inflammation, or an ulcer.
Without proper medical treatment of ulcers, they tend to come back. A person is much less likely to get another ulcer once they have received successful treatment.
Symptoms of ulcers
Fortunately, ulcer symptoms are not too difficult to identify. Here are some of the signs:
- A burning sensation in the chest and/or throat (heartburn)
- Bloating
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- A dull, burning pain in the stomach
- Pain that is relieved after eating, drinking or taking antacids
- Burping
- Dark, tarry stool
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
Contrary to popular belief, ulcers are not caused by things like spicy foods and stress (although stress can worsen ulcer pain). They are caused by one of the following:
- An infection from the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori)
- Heavy use of NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen, Ibuprofen, and other prescription NSAIDs
- Excess acid production
- Smoking
- Frequent use of steroids (such as treatment for asthma)
Types of ulcers
- Peptic Ulcer - found in lining of stomach or duodenum
- Gastric Ulcer - a Peptic Ulcer that is found in the stomach
- Duodenal Ulcer - a Peptic Ulcer that is found in the duodenum
Dangers associated with ulcers
- Stomach cancer
- Profuse bleeding
- Anemia
- Perforation
- Penetration into adjacent organs
- Obstruction
- Scarring
How ulcers are diagnosed
- Upper endoscopy - small camera is inserted down into the throat in order to view the ulcer
- Stool occult blood test
- Hemoglobin test to check for anemia
- A barium x-ray
- Breath test
- Tissue test (biopsy)
Treatment of ulcers
- Prescription antibiotics
- Surgery (if antibiotics don't work and ulcer has become severe enough to cause a hole through the stomach or duodenal wall).
Prevention of ulcers
- Avoid fatty or spicy foods that may irritate your stomach
- Stop smoking
- Control your stress level
- Use moderation when it comes to taking NSAIDs and drinking alcohol
- Eat small meals at regular intervals 5-6 times per day
With these simple tips for understanding and preventing ulcers, your stomach will be a lot happier in the future.
