– What to know about peptic ulcer.
– How to know whether you are suffering from peptic ulcer or not
An ulcer is an open sore that can affect any part of the body such as the skin, the eye, the stomach, the foot, etc. Oftentimes, ulcers are caused by an initial abrasion, an inflammation or even an infection.
A peptic ulcer refers to an ulcer that affects an area of the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract of the human body refers to the digestive tract.
It is the system of organs within the human body that is responsible for taking in food and digesting it to extract energy and nutrients. It also helps in getting rid of the remaining waste.
Peptic ulcers can occur in two forms. We have what we call a gastric ulcer, this ulcer affects the lining of the stomach. Duodenal ulcer on the other hand forms in the upper part of the small intestine.
Also, peptic ulcers occur when acid in the digestive tract eats away at the inner surface of the stomach or small intestine. The acid can create a painful open sore that may bleed.
The common causes of peptic ulcers include the following;
1. Helicobacter pylori (H pylori), which is a bacterium can cause peptic ulcers. The bacterium can cause the inflammation of the
stomach’s inner layer, which will in turn, lead to an ulcer.
2. A regular use f certain pain relievers is also a risk factor. When you use pain relievers such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the drugs are capable of irritating or inflaming the lining of the stomach and that of the small intestine.
3. Drinking alcohol is another risk factor. Alcohol can also irritate the stomach and can also increase the production of stomach acid.
4. Smoking can also increase the tendency of having peptic ulcer.
5. Radiation therapy is also a cause.
When you subject yourself to both physical and emotional stress, peptic ulcer can occur.
The symptoms of peptic ulcers depend on the severity of the ulcer. The most common symptoms are;
1. A burning sensation or a burning pain in the stomach or in the middle of your abdomen ( this is often between the chest and belly
button).
2. A dull pain in the stomach can also occur.
3. Nausea or vomiting.
4. An unexplainable weight loss.
5. Loss of appetite.
6. You can also experience a heartburn (burning sensation in the chest).
7. Extreme tiredness of fatigue.
8. In severe cases, bleeding can occur in the stomach or duodenum.
When you notice the symptoms of peptic ulcers, visit a medical doctor. The treatment might include;
- The use of medications which includes antibiotics, antacids, etc.
- Surgical treatment is also necessary especially when a person ahs a complicated stomach ulcer that requires surgery.
- Eating a healthy diet can also help.
- The consumption of probiotics.
- The consumption of glutamine can also help. Eat foods such as chicken, fish, eggs, spinach, cabbage, etc. They contain glutamine.
Failure to treat peptic ulcer in time can lead to a bigger health problem.