Symptoms and Treatment For Stomach Ulcers   by Sandy Rutherforde

in Health / Diseases and Conditions    (submitted 2011-09-21)

Just like numerous other disorders that happen in the gut, stomach ulcers are very common and every day have an effect on numerous people throughout the world in varying degrees. Though they are generally extremely painful and easy to get, they are usually really easy to relieve.

This brief article will examine a number of frequent concerns such as "how does a person get stomach ulcers," "what are the common symptoms" and "how can you get rid of them."

Are Stomach Ulcers exactly the same as Peptic Ulcers?

Simply speaking, it all depends. This is in effect one particular kind of peptic ulcer; this is considered the general term for those occurring within the gut. Peptic types are a result pertain to both stomach ulcers (aka gastric ulcers) and duodenal ulcers (which appear in the small intestine).

How would you get them and what are the symptoms?

At the most basic level, they appear if the gastric lining of the stomach is eaten by hydrochloric acid (which happens to be there to help with digestion). While your stomach will in most cases have the proper amount of hydrochloric acid, in some cases there is an imbalance which in turn weakens both the mucous barrier as well as the actual lining. So, what can cause this imbalance to arise?

1. Helicobacter pylori infection: This little bacterium is the typical cause for this condition and sadly, the infection generally stays for life and symptoms are treatable instead of curable. That said, infection will not ultimately mean you will ever get this problem.

2. Overuse of anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen. It is for this reason that people with arthritis are often really vulnerable to them.

3. Although smoking will seldom be a main cause, cigarette smoking can certainly exacerbate this condition and hamper its treatment.

4. Rare but much more serious causes involve Crohn's disease and viral infections.

Symptoms of stomach ulcers are:

- A burning feeling equivalent to acid reflux or indigestion
- Frequent hunger pangs
- Discomfort in the upper abdomen right after eating
- Bloating, vomiting and weight loss

There are quite a few ways symptoms might be alleviated:

- Eliminating alcohol and cigarettes
- Consuming milk or taking antacids
- Reduction in spicy food

How can you get rid of Stomach Ulcers?

Treatments recommended by a GP will potentially consist of:

- A course of antibiotics
- Acid controlling medication
- Surgical treatments should the condition be more severe

As they are often prone to reoccurrence, it is vital to lower associated contributory factors:

- Stop or cut down tobacco intake
- Don't drink alcohol excessively - particularly frequently
- Rest often since emotional stress can play a role in ulcer formation
- Maintain a balanced diet with regular meals

In the event the symptoms above sound familiar and you feel you might have a stomach ulcer, get in touch with your GP for an appointment as quickly as possible.

About the Author

Do you suffer from stomach ulcers? Be sure to visit my site to find out more about peptic ulcers.