An open sore can develop in the stomach, upper small intestine, or esophagus and is called a peptic ulcer. If left untreated, these ulcers may cause major discomfort and affect how a person lives. From health studies, it is estimated that each year, 4 million people have peptic ulcers worldwide. Peptic ulcers can usually be taken care of with medical help and are often preventable with good measures.

What Do We Understand About Peptic Ulcers?

When the inner wall of the stomach or intestine is harmed, stomach acid can make a hole for an open sore called a peptic ulcer. Two main types of peptic ulcers are known. 

Esophageal Ulcer 

Rarely, ulcers might occur in the esophagus; these are known as esophageal ulcers.

Gastric Ulcer

If the ulcer develops in the stomach, it is a gastric ulcer. 

Duodenal Ulcer 

A duodenal ulcer is what is called when an ulcer forms in the upper small intestine. 

What Conditions Bring About Peptic Ulcers?

H. Pylori Bacteria 

The main reasons for peptic ulcers are now known. H. pylori bacteria are one of the most common causes for people can develop ulcers. The bacterium lives along the lining of the stomach, and it’s responsible for most cases of peptic ulcer disease. Having too much aspirin can damage the protective mucus layer in the stomach and small intestine, so that acid can harm the lining underneath.

NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) 

Another important reason for peptic ulcers is taking NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, over a long period. Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are good examples of over-the-counter medicines. If you use these medicines often or in large doses, there is a risk of irritating and damaging the stomach and small intestine which can result in ulcers. Seniors using NSAIDs for arthritis or long-term pain are in the highest-risk category. 

Even though it is uncommon, some medical problems, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, can cause peptic ulcers. Producing too much stomach acid is what distinguishes this condition and also raises the chance of a person getting ulcers. For further health advice and consultation, visit Bear Goal Free Consultation.

Contributing Factors

Certain aspects may increase the seriousness of ulcers or prolong the healing period without causing them. Research suggests that smoking raises stomach acid and lessens the effects of treatments for ulcers. Drinking alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach which makes it more vulnerable to acid attack. Although ulcers are not caused by stress or spicy foods, they may make the symptoms worse in people that have ulcers. For personalized health guidance, use tools like the BMI Calculator, Ideal Body Weight Calculator, and Water Intake Calculator.

Signs and Symptoms of Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcer symptoms are not the same for everyone. One of the most noticeable symptoms is: 

  • A painful burning sensation in the belly, usually felt when you’re not eating. The pain may be less for a while if you eat or take an antacid. 
  • Bloating
  • Regular burping
  • Feelings of nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • When someone is severely affected, they may vomit with blood in it or notice dark, tarry stools, a sign of bleeding inside the body. 
  • People with ulcers can feel thinner and become more tired if their ulcer is bleeding or they avoid eating due to discomfort. 

Diagnosis

Healthcare providers start the diagnosis of a peptic ulcer with a careful physical exam and by talking to you about your symptoms and medical history. If an ulcer is being considered, the doctor might plan an upper endoscopy, in which a camera-equipped tube is placed in the throat for a look at the stomach and small intestine.

Tests for detecting H. pylori include checking a breath sample, taking blood, or testing stool. At times, a barium swallow X-ray is performed to check for issues inside the digestive system. For related insights on digestive health and overall wellness, you can also read gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Nutritional and behavioral modifications

Managing and preventing peptic ulcers also requires important changes to your lifestyle. 

  • Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, NSAIDs should be taken no more frequently than necessary. 
  • Quitting smoking lowers the chances of ulcers coming back, and you should also be careful with your drinking.
  • Those with ulcers should try to eat less food at a time and not consume meals late at night. Although there isn’t a special ulcer diet, eating some foods may ease your symptoms, but others might cause them to get worse. 
  • Items that are usually helpful include yogurt and other probiotics, bananas, apples, oatmeal, brown rice and green vegetables including broccoli and cabbage. 
  • Eating these foods may benefit your digestion and could even fight off H. pylori. 
  • Alternatively, those suffering from ulcers should try not to consume coffee, spicy foods, fatty or fried dishes, alcohol, or chocolate, as they can upset your digestive system.

Problems Caused by Untreated Ulcers

Going untreated, peptic ulcers might only become worse and cause serious problems. Another serious risk is bleeding within the body, as it can lead to anemia or might require a person to get blood from a donor. Occasionally, an ulcer punches through the stomach barrier, which can lead to a medical crisis. Swelling or scar tissue may also stop food from moving through the digestive tract, a problem known as gastric outlet obstruction.

Persistent ulcers may raise the chance of getting stomach cancer, especially when someone has a long-term H. pylori infection.

Preventing Peptic Ulcers

There are a number of ways you can prevent peptic ulcers. Observing good hygiene habits cuts down on the possibility of getting H. pylori, which can be transferred by eating or drinking something contaminated. Keeping your hands clean and making sure your meals are safely made are easy ways to prevent infection.

Regular users of NSAIDs should ask their doctor about using PPIs to guard the stomach lining. If you stay away from smoking, limit your alcohol, and handle stress properly, your chances of getting or worsening ulcers decline.

Rectifying Some Common Myths

Stress: the only reason for an Ulcer 

Many people believe that stress is the only reason people get ulcers. Even if stress can worsen the symptoms, it isn’t the basic reason for them. 

Milk reduces the ache 

Another common idea is that milk helps relieve ulcers. Even when milk reduces stomach acid for a time, it also increases acid production and can make the condition worse.

When to see the doctor? 

It is important to see your doctor if you have stomach pain, nausea, or digestive problems that don’t improve over time. A health care provider should be seen immediately if you vomit blood, see dark stools, or suffer from serious abdominal pain. A dietitian helps you treat your illness with the help of food. 

Conclusion

Overall, peptic ulcers are typical digestive problems that science clearly understands and can treat. Most of the time, ulcers, whether from H. pylori, NSAIDs, or other reasons, can be treated successfully by taking antibiotics, using medicines that control acid, and adjusting your lifestyle. Take care of your hygiene, try not to use NSAIDs too often, and eat right, and you can greatly help yourself. 

Any sign of a possible ulcer should make you visit your doctor as soon as possible. If you look after your condition well, future problems can be avoided. Further guidance on nutrition and healthy eating is available at Bear Goal.