In this article, we will talking about symptoms and causes of Stomach ulcer. Stomach ulcer is also known as peptic ulcer. It is a sore that develops on the lining of the oesophagus, stomach or small intestine.
Ulcers happen when stomach acid damages the lining of the digestive tract.
The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning pain in the centre of the tummy or abdomen. But stomach ulcers aren’t always painful and some people may experience other symptoms, such as indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux and feeling sick.
Common causes include the bacteria H. pylori and anti-inflammatory pain relievers including aspirin.
The symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Stomach pain
- Hiccups and burps
- Heartburn
1. Nausea
Nausea is one of the symptoms of stomach ulcer. It can make you feel sick to your stomach, especially early in the morning after going for a long time without food.
Ulcers trigger an inflammatory reaction in the stomach, which can cause stomach contractions. If they get strong enough, you may experience vomiting.
2. Indigestion
The classic symptom of a stomach ulcer is indigestion, also called dyspepsia. Indigestion causes pain or discomfort in the stomach area. This symptom can be mistaken for heartburn, which can occur at the same time. Acid reflux or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease may cause heartburn.
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3. Bloating
This is one of the less common symptoms of stomach ulcer. Bloating can be treated by using these options:
- By taking an enzyme-based dietary supplement; it helps reduce gas in the digestive tract and improve your digestion.
- By engaging in exercise that can reduce the buildup of gas through motion. You don’t have to go through an intense workout. A lengthy walk will do the job.
4. Stomach pain
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of a peptic ulcer. The pain may be dull or burning and may come and go over time.
For some people, the pain may occur when the stomach is empty or at night, and it may go away for a short time after they eat. For other people, eating may make the pain worse.
5. Hiccups and burps
Ulcers can cause gas pain and hiccup after meals. Hiccups may be more than an annoying sometimes. However, chronic hiccups may be symptomatic of other health conditions. Chronic hiccups are associated with several underlying disorders, ranging from brain tumors and strokes to pneumonia and pleurisy.
Chronic hiccups may be a symptom of a gastrointestinal disease, which affects the stomach, gullet, large and small intestine, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Some examples include Crohn’s disease and stomach ulcers.
6. Heartburn
Another symptom of peptic ulcers is heartburn. Both ulcers and heartburn involve abdominal pain or discomfort and share other symptoms like indigestion and nausea. But, the precise location of the pain usually varies. If you have heartburn, the pain is usually felt in the upper chest and throat.
The causes include:
- Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
- Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve)
However, stress and spicy foods do not cause stomach ulcers.
How can stomach ulcer be treated?
It can be treated using the following :
- Antibiotics
- Protein pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- Histamine receptor blockers (H2 blockers)
- Antacids
- Cytoprotective agents
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
Conclusion
If you think you have an ulcer and you also think you are going through these symptoms then, I propose you visit a medical expert for possible treatment.
