Understanding Peptic Ulcers
January 27, 2009
Peptic ulcers are nothing but sores in the stomach or the small intestine.
Causes
The bacteria Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori are the most common culprit to be blamed for almost two-thirds of all ulcers. Other causes are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These bacteria break or weaken the stomach lining that protects it against the strong gastric acids. This causes damage to the walls of the stomach or intestine and hence the ulcers.
Symptoms
A burning pain in the stomach is a sure sign of an ulcer. This pain can start 2-3 hours after a meal and at midnight when your stomach is empty. It can last for a few days or even weeks. However, when you eat the pain disappears.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of weight and blood in stool are some accompanying symptoms.
Risk group
10% of Americans suffer from ulcers at some point in their lives. It is slightly more common in men. Although they can develop at any time, they are more common in adults. Also, it might run in the family. You are more likely to get duodenal ulcer if you are between 30-50 and stomach ulcer if you have crossed 60.
Treatment
Several treatments are there for ulcers. However, simple changes in eating habits can go a long way to treating ulcers. If bacteria are causing them, antibiotics provide relief.
However, if it does not heal, surgery might become inevitable. Thus ulcer is treated either by removing the ulcer or reducing the amount of acid the stomach makes.
Useful tips
Instead of trying to treat it, it is better to prevent it in the first place.
Avoid the use of NSAIDs. You can consult your doctor for healthier options. Give up smoking and drinking, and half your troubles should be gone. Avoiding spicy foods and caffeine have also known to help in this condition.
As soon as you find out that you may be having peptic ulcers, do not delay and consult your doctor immediately. It is true that they are rarely life threatening, they can lead to some dangerous complications if not treated in time.
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