Symptoms of Stomach Ulcer
June 25, 2008
A stomach ulcer (also called a peptic ulcer) is small erosion (hole) in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common type, duodenal, occurs in the first 12 inches of small intestine beyond the stomach. Ulcers that form in the stomach are called gastric ulcers. An ulcer is not contagious or cancerous. Duodenal ulcers are almost always benign, while stomach ulcers may become malignant.
Stomach ulcer disease is common, affecting millions of people worldwide. The size of a stomach ulcer can range between 1/8 of an inch to 3/4 of an inch. The direct cause of peptic ulcers is the destruction of the gastric or intestinal mucosal lining of the stomach by hydrochloric acid, an acid normally present in the digestive juices of the stomach. Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is thought to play an important role in causing both gastric and duodenal ulcers. Helicobacter pylori may be transmitted from person to person through contaminated food and water. Antibiotics are the most effective treatment for Helicobacter pylori peptic ulcers.
Injury of the gastric mucosal lining and weakening of the mucous defenses are also responsible for gastric ulcers. Excess secretion of hydrochloric acid, genetic predisposition, and psychological stress are important contributing factors in the formation and worsening of duodenal ulcers.
The major symptom of stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach area that lasts between 30 minutes and 3 hours. This pain is often interpreted as heartburn, indigestion or hunger. The pain usually occurs in the upper abdomen, but sometimes it may occur below the breastbone. In some individuals the pain occurs immediately after eating. In other individuals, the pain may not occur until hours after eating. The pain frequently awakens the person at night. Weeks of pain may be followed by weeks of not having pain. Pain can be relieved by drinking milk, eating, resting, or taking antacids.
Other symptoms of stomach ulcers are Appetite and weight loss. Persons with duodenal ulcers may experience weight gain because the person eats more to ease discomfort. Recurrent vomiting, blood in the stool and anemia are other symptoms of stomach ulcers.
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Great information about the symptoms of ulcer. I came upon a site which has information on various medications that are used for ulcers, the side effects of these medications and also information on drug interactions.
Great information about the symptoms of ulcer. I came upon a site which has information on various medications that are used for ulcers, the side effects of these medications and also information on drug interactions.
The site name is International Drug Mart ,