Understanding Ulcers

What Are Stomach Ulcers?

Peptic ulcers, another name for ulcers, are open sores in the upper portion of the small intestine or stomach lining. The mucus lining the inside of your digestive tract becomes eroded by stomach acid, resulting in the formation of an ulcer.

Types of peptic ulcers

1. Gastric ulcer: It happens when a sore develops in the stomach lining.

2. Duodenal ulcer: This is the result of an upper intestinal sore developing.

3. Esophageal ulcer: This is the process by which a sore develops in the lining of your esophagus, the tube that travels from your throat to your stomach to carry food and liquids.

Causes of Stomach Ulcers

Prior until the mid 1980s, the general consensus was the ulcers were caused by stress, a genetic predisposition to increased  acid secretion, and unhealthy lifestyle choices ( such as bingeing on rich, fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine and smoke). It was thought that these conditions would cause an accumulation of stomach acids which could damage the lining that protects the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus.

Although excessive release of  acid undoubtedly contributes to the formation of ulcers, a more recent idea suggests that bacterial infection is the main cause of peptic ulcers. since the mid 1980s, research has indicated over 80% of stomach ulcers and over 90% of duodenal ulcers are caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori more recent data, though, shows that those percentages are falling.

Stomach Ulcer Symptoms

Most likely, you’ll have discomfort or scorching ache between your breastbone and belly button. When you’re empty handed, such at night or in between meals, you can sense it more than usual. If you take an antacid, the pain can go away for a short while, but it might come back.

The discomfort may come and go for several days or weeks, lasting a few minutes or several hours.

Other symptoms may include:

1. Easily feeling satisfied 

2. Pain preventing you from wanting to eat reflux

3. Acid reflux chest ache weary

4. Feeling bloated Burping

5. Absence of hunger or reduction in weight emesis dark or bloody excrement