Stomach Ulcer Overview
Stomach ulcers are sores in the lining of the inner stomach walls and the intestines. These are usually very painful and can last from several minutes to a few hours. Usually, this condition occurs when the mucus that protects the stomach lining is considerably reduced. As a result, the digestive enzymes and acid start to eat away the tissues of the stomach, thereby triggering an ulcer.
Usually, this condition is caused by one of the following factors:
- A bacterial infection
- Indiscriminate / Long term usage of anti-inflammatory drugs
Stomach Ulcer Causes
Stomach ulcers are caused by H.pylori bacteria and prolonged usage of non-steroidal drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Zollinger Ellison syndrome is a rare condition that results in stomach ulcer by increasing the production of acid in the body.
Stomach ulcers are mainly caused due to the thinning of the thick mucus lining of the stomach. This can be diagnosed by:
- Barium swallow method
- Endoscopy
- Biopsy
They can be treated through surgical and non-surgical methods.
Stomach Ulcer Symptoms
The symptoms of a stomach ulcer can depend on the severity of the ulcer. Also, an empty stomach can intensify the pain. Apart from these, the other characteristic symptoms are as follows:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Pain that recedes after eating
- Nausea
- Feeling of fullness after a small meal
- Vomit streaked with blood
- Very dark stools
- Tiredness
- Pale skin
- Loss of weight
In conclusion, these are some of the prominent stomach ulcer symptoms. These symptoms can be resolved by prescription medicine that contains antacids, but in severe cases, surgery may be required.
To know more about stomach ulcer symptoms and treatment methods, keep visiting BYJU’S website or download BYJU’S app for further reference.
Further Reading:-
| Ulcer Symptoms | Food Poisoning Symptoms |
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