Stomach Ulcers; Signs and Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Cure

Stomach Ulcers 

Stomach Ulcer patient

Introduction 

Ulcers are communicable infection that can be transmitted from person to person through the exchange of fluid from vomit of the infected person, the sharing of personal belongings like cup or drinking jars, and saliva. Over the years you may doubt if ulcers are transmittable. Yes! They are transmittable. A carrier of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can infect another person through the exchange of saliva. Stomach ulcers also known as gastric ulcers  are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. Stomach ulcer occurs when the stomach acid erodes through the mucosa. In part of the intestine beyond the stomach, ulcers can also occur which are called duodenal ulcers. Sometimes, stomach and duodenal ulcers are collectively called peptic ulcers. 

Signs and symptoms 

Gnawing pains in the centre of the tummy as a sign of peptic ulcers 

The most common symptom of stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the tummy (abdomen). But stomach ulcers are not always painful and some people may experience other symptoms, such as indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux, and feeling sick. Some people do experience a rapid pulse or symptoms of shock, feeling dizzy and fainting, red blood in vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds and black or tarry stool, or red or maroon blood mixed with their stool.

Causes

Stomach ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Also, stomach ulcers are caused by the consumption of antiinflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. These drugs can break down the stomach's defence against the acid it produces to digest food allowing the stomach lining to become damaged and an ulcer to form. Excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking cigarettes, breathing machines, radiation treatments and stress are factors that can worsen stomach ulcers. These factors alone do not cause ulcer but can contribute to worsen ulcer if there's existence of prolonged untreated infection or accumulated intake of NSAIDs in the body. 

Do spicy foods cause ulcer? Sometimes you wonder if spicy foods can cause stomach ulcer. Spicy foods do not cause peptic ulcers. Although, spicy foods can trigger upper gastrointestinal symptoms in some people with dyspepsia (or, indigestion). Capsaicin, the compound in chillies and red peppers responsible for the spicy sensation in many foods, may irritate the stomach lining and increase stomach acid production. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the stomach lining, potentially increasing stomach cancer risk over time. 

To avoid this, one needs to eat small portion of spicy foods to reduce the irritating effects on the digestive system and prevent stomach acid imbalance. The combination of spicy foods with milder, neutral foods reduce the irritating effects on the stomach. For example, consume spicy foods with yam,rice or eggs. Also it is healthy to avoid eating spicy foods at night. This can increase the risk of stomach reflux.

Prevention 

To prevent the occurrence of stomach ulcers, one needs to constantly undergo a proper health checkup and treat infection with great care. Avoiding the prolong use of the NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin can also prevent one from being a peptic ulcer patient. Other preventive measures needed to be taken include, the consumption of greasy or fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, cigarette, tobacco, carbonated beverages and acidic foods (example; citrus fruits like lemon, lime) need to be avoided or limited.

Treatment 

Identifying and treating the cause is the fastest way to cure a stomach ulcer. Stomach ulcer requires antibiotics along with other medications (non-synthetic source) because most stomach ulcers are caused by infection. If your stomach ulcer is caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics and a medication called proton pump inhibitor is recommended. Fibre-rich foods (vegetables, wholegrains), probiotics (yoghurt), prebiotics (banana, honey), frequent meals and staying hydrated are generally recommended. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, stomach ulcers are common and treatable, but treatment is important, even if you don't have severe symptoms. Untreated ulcers can continue to deepen until they become more serious. Do not wait to consult your healthcare provider about your symptoms.

Stomach pain as a sign of stomach ulcers