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The stomach is a very important organ of the digestive system. It helps digest the food we eat and Stomach ulcers occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices is reduced. This allows the digestive acids to eat away at the tissues that line the stomach, causing an ulcer.
Untreated ulcers can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Bleeding: This is the most common complication of stomach ulcers. It can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening.
- Perforation: This is a hole that forms in the stomach wall. It is a medical emergency that requires surgery.
- Scarring: Ulcers that heal can leave scar tissue. This scar tissue can narrow the passageway from the stomach to the small intestine (pyloric stenosis). This can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Peritonitis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the abdomen. It can occur if an ulcer perforates and spills stomach contents into the abdominal cavity.
Synopsis
What are the signs of Stomach Ulcer?
Here are some signs and symptoms of stomach ulcers:
- Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen (between the breastbone and belly button)
- Pain that often occurs when your stomach is empty, such as between meals or at night
- Pain that may improve with eating or drinking antacids
- Feeling bloated or full after eating a small amount of food
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Bloody vomit or stools
- Dark tarry stools
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis of the Symptoms of stomach ulcer and treatment. Manipal Hospitals Baner has some of the best gastroenterologists or Stomach doctors. Early diagnosis and stomach ulcer treatment can help prevent serious complications.
What are the types of Stomach ulcers?
There are two main types of stomach ulcers:
- Gastric Ulcers: These ulcers occur in the lining of the stomach. They are the less common type of peptic ulcer.
- Duodenal Ulcers: These ulcers occur in the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. They are the most common type of peptic ulcer.
Both types of ulcers are caused by a breakdown of the protective lining of the stomach or duodenum. This breakdown allows stomach acid to damage the tissue underneath, causing an ulcer.
What causes Stomach Ulcers?
The most common stomach ulcers causes are:
- H. pylori infection: This is a type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. It can irritate the stomach lining and make it more likely that an ulcer will develop.
- Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as aspirin, and ibuprofen, can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers.
- Other factors: Other factors that can contribute to stomach ulcers include smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and stress.
Stomach Ulcers can be caused due to various reasons that may be lifestyle-related or caused by external factors beyond one’s control. Getting timely diagnosis and treatment is a sure-shot way to safeguard your health. Manipal Hospitals Baner has some of the best doctors to care for all your medical needs.
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