Stomach ulcers are usually painful sores that occur as a result of damage to the stomach lining or the upper part of the small intestine. These sores occur when stomach acid wears away the protective stomach lining. The most common cause of ulcers is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). In addition, long-term use of certain medications can also cause stomach ulcers.
What are the symptoms of an ulcer?
The most common ulcer symptom is a burning sensation felt a few hours after eating or on an empty stomach. This pain occurs when stomach acid comes into contact with the ulcerated area. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss and bloating may also be present. In severe cases, blood in the stool or vomit that looks like coffee grounds may be seen, which requires immediate medical attention. How to recognize an ulcer:
- Stomach pain that usually starts after meals and lasts 1-3 hours
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Weight loss
- Swelling
- Gas, burping
Does an ulcer go away on its own?
Stomach ulcers rarely go away on their own. If left untreated, they can lead to serious health problems, including:
How does an ulcer attack occur?
A general worsening of ulcer symptoms or the emergence of new symptoms can be interpreted as an “attack.” An ulcer attack involves:
- Severe burning sensation or pain in the stomach
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Bloating and gas
- Black or bloody stools
Are stomach ulcers dangerous?
Although stomach ulcers are not life-threatening in most cases, they can lead to serious health problems due to some complications. Stomach ulcers are usually a treatable disease. With early diagnosis and treatment, the risk of complications can be significantly reduced. These complications include:
- Bleeding
- Puncture
- Blockage
- Gastric cancer
What is a stress ulcer?
Stress ulcers are wounds that form in the stomach or duodenum as a result of excessive stress. They occur as a result of stomach acid and the pepsin enzyme eroding the stomach wall. Stress ulcers are usually short-term and do not cause serious complications. The causes of stress ulcers are:
- Serious injury or burns
- Major surgery
- Serious infection
- Traumatic events
- Prolonged stay in intensive care
- Burn
- Suffocation
- Heart attack
- Paralysis
- Psychological stress (anxiety, depression, grief)
How is ulcer treated?
Treatment for ulcers varies depending on the cause and severity of the disease. If the stomach ulcer is caused by the H. pylori bacteria, antibiotics are used. Certain types of medications may be prescribed to reduce stomach acid production. Your doctor may also prescribe painkillers to help relieve the pain of a stomach ulcer.
Lifestyle changes are essential for treating ulcers. It is important to quit smoking and drinking alcohol. People with stomach ulcers should eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It is important to avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods. Stress can trigger or worsen stomach ulcers. Learning stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary if medication or lifestyle changes do not heal the ulcer.