Ulcer Symptoms

Peptic Ulcer Disease is a condition where a lesion or open sore develops with the stomach lining because the natural protective lining of a person's digestive tract has broken down.

Although many people have heard of stomach ulcers and contrary to popular belief spicy food does not actually cause a peptic ulcer. Normally such ulcers are caused by a particular type of bacteria instead.

Unfortunately most peptic ulcers get to work on the digestive tract quickly because there is insufficient mucus being produced and this is a natural coating for the body's tissue and thus offers it protection from bacteria etc. Also in some cases it may be because a person's body is not producing enough natural bicarbonates and which are able to neutralize the effects of the acids produced by their stomach.

For those whose natural defenses fall short during such a time will find that the acid used in the stomach during the digestive processes will cause irritation to the stomach tissue or the digestive tract and this will lead to sores or lesions developing in this area. It is when the sores or lesions are developing that the person will begin to feel pain radiated from their stomach.

However the location of any ulcer really determines the actual definition assigned to it so those found in the stomach, small intestine or esophagus are commonly known as peptic ulcers.

The bacteria which is normally the cause of a peptic ulcer is called Heliobacter Pylori and this bacteria works by weakening a person's natural defenses in their stomach and as such allows stomach acid to come into contact with the person's digestive walls and this will result in damage to this soft tissue. Although gastric acids and pepsin are important in a body's digestive process, unfortunately the over production of such fluids can cause the damage that is commonly known as ulcers.

For anyone who suffers from ulcers that will often experience a “burning sensation” and usually you may associate the cause of this ulcer with certain foods that you have recently ate, but in reality the food you eat will trigger the digestive acids to work which in turn will remind you that you have an ulcer in your digestive tract.

Research carried out has shown that people who either smoke or consume alcohol are at a higher risk of developing a peptic ulcer due to the increased production of digestive acids which are associated with the kind of life that they are leading.

It is vital that a peptic ulcer when diagnosed should not be left untreated as it can lead to more serious complications in the future. So if at any time in the future you find yourself suffering from a persistent pain or burning sensation in your digestive tract after eating, or after you have been of a certain type of medication then it is important that you doctor to have a complete examination carried out and a diagnosis can be made, which will then lead to effective treatment for the condition.

By Lee Dobbins

Labels: duodenal ulcer, mouth ulcers, peptic ulcer, stomach ulcer, stomach ulcers, ulcer, ulcer symptoms, ulcers, ulcers mouth, ulcers stomach

Affecting millions of Americans each year, a stomach ulcer is a raw, open area in the normal lining of the stomach. Stomach ulcers get their particular name depending on the exact location of the ulcer. For example, a duodenal or peptic ulcer is a stomach ulcer found in the first foot of small intestines past the stomach. A gastric ulcer in located inside the stomach itself. Although duodenal or peptic ulcers are almost always benign, it is important to remember that gastric or stomach ulcers can be malignant. Close medical management is critical.

A protective layer of mucus producing cells prevent the stomach from being destroyed by normal digestive juices and stomach acids. However, when there is a break in that protective layer trouble can occur. A stomach ulcer occurs when the gastric or intestinal mucosal lining of the stomach is destroyed by hydrochloric acid, an acid which is normally present in the digestive juices of the stomach.

Another cause of ulcers, particularly gastric and duodenal ulcers, can be a bacterial infection known as Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori. The helicobacter pylori bacterium may be transmitted from person to person through contaminated food and water and is treated with antibiotics.

One of the major symptoms of a stomach ulcer is pain, more specifically pain that feels much like a gnawing or burning pain in the middle upper abdomen often occurring some two to three hours after a meal. Often this pain is mistaken for heartburn or even hunger. Pain from a stomach ulcer may awaken you at night and may be relieved with food or milk.

Stomach ulcers are treated with prescription strength medications designed to reduce stomach acid, to protect the stomach lining and to treat the H. pylori bacteria, if it is present.

There are several medications that are commonly used to treat stomach ulcers. If the intent is to reduce stomach acid, then your physician may prescribe medications such as H2-Receptor antagonists like Nizatidine (Axid®), Cimetidine (Tagamet®), Ranitidine (Zantac®), or Famotidine (Pepcid®). Also used to reduce stomach acids are medications called Proton pump inhibitors. These types of medications include Omeprazole (Prilosec®), Esomeprazole (Nexium®), Lansoprazole (Prevacid®), or Pantoprazole (Pantoloc®). Medications used to protect the lining of the stomach include over-the-counter medications such as Rolaids or Tums or medications such as sucralfate, which forms a protective barrier over the site of the ulcer to help it to heal.

Stomach ulcers are certainly painful and can lead to additional complications such as bleeding. They require aggressive treatment directed by your health care provider in order to resolve the current ulcer and attempt to prevent future recurrences.

By Jeff Foster

Labels: duodenal ulcer, mouth ulcers, peptic ulcer, stomach ulcer, stomach ulcers, ulcer, ulcer symptoms, ulcers, ulcers mouth, ulcers stomach

Signs of a stomach ulcer can include nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain just beneath the ribcage, indigestion, vomiting, symptoms of anemia, weight loss, and blood present in vomit or bowel movements.

If you experience these symptoms for any length of time, it is important to seek medical attention. These are not symptoms to be ignored.

Stomach ulcers occur when there is a break in the tissue lining of the stomach. These ulcers normally occur in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine that leads out of the stomach, called the duodenum.

Commonly stomach ulcers are related to extreme stress, smoking and diet. Any of which are factors over which we have control, making it possible to heal a ulcer; if you work to eliminate some of the contributing factors that can lead to the development.

If you begin noticing the signs of a stomach ulcer, these signs should not be ignored. In fact, an appointment with your doctor should be your course of action if these symptoms persist.

In order for your doctor to make a specific diagnosis, several tests may be ordered to help determine the exact cause of your stomach pain.

One of the first tests your physician may order is the barium swallow or upper GI series of X-rays. This test allows your doctor to identify and locate any ulcers and determine its type and severity.

The barium swallow test requires you to drink a "barium milkshake." This thick “shake” contains a liquid that will light up on an x-ray. The barium will light up on the x-ray making it easier for your physician to see exactly what is going on and causing your pain.

You are normally asked to eat only bland, easily digestible foods for two or three days before the test. After drinking the chalky liquid, you will be asked to lie down on a tilting examining table, which as it tilts, evenly distributes the barium around your upper digestive tract and allows the x-ray to capture images at different angles.

Treatment options for stomach ulcers can consist of over the counter medications, prescription medications, modifying your diet, perhaps a lifestyle change that includes the addition of exercise and reduction of stress, and as a last result, surgery.

In summary, any signs of stomach ulcers should not be ignored as the delay in diagnosis and treatment could lead to further complications. It is important to understand, however, that in many cases you have control over the factors that contribute to stomach ulcers.

By Jeff Foster

Labels: duodenal ulcer, mouth ulcers, peptic ulcer, stomach ulcer, stomach ulcers, ulcer, ulcer symptoms, ulcers, ulcers mouth, ulcers stomach

Duodenum is a small lining that connects the stomach to the small intestine. When this lining gets inflamed or eroded it causes the condition known as duodenal ulcer (DU). Duodenal Ulcers are located in the duodenum tract. This type of an ulcer is three times more frequent in comparison to gastric ulcer. It has been said that this ulcer is caused mainly due to too much acid from the stomach. But studies have shown that is not the case. Duodenum surface and tissue is protected by the use of chemicals and mucus produced by duodenum. Duodenum ulcer occurs when this protection breaks due to the acid.

This ulcer is also caused by an infection with a bacterium called H. pylori. This bacterium affects the lining of the duodenum which makes way for the acid to cause inflammation and ulcers. The anti-inflammatory medicines also cause duodenal ulcers. Medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen and diclofenac including many others taken for arthritis, muscular pain are another reason for this problem. One of the rare causes is the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome which creates too much acid in the stomach causing duodenal ulcer.

Some of the common symptoms of duodenal ulcers are pain caused in the upper abdomen, mostly occurring before the meals or if you are going through one of the hungry pangs. The pain subsides once you eat your food or take antacid medicines. Other signs are bloating, barfing and feeling sick. Over eating can complicate things further by causing more pain. This problem can take a turn for worse when there is bleeding from the ulcer or when the ulcer penetrates the duodenum wall causing pain and need for doctors help.

- Home Remedies for Duodenal Ulcer

• Mix one dessertspoon of slippery elm bark powder in cold chamomile tea. Drink this everyday for next 12 weeks. Slippery Elm provides a protective lining to the mucosal lining of the gastro intestinal system. This 12-week program would heal any kind of infection.

• Make a mixture by using agrimony, chamomile, dandelion, gentian, rue, and uva ursi with Bach Flower Remedies Willow (found at your local chemist shop) and vine. One should have 20 drops of this mixture three times a day continuously followed by a cup of Dandelion Tea.

• Quit smoking and drinking as it increases your chances to develop ulcers.

• Avoid stress as it affects all parts of your life which in turn results in ulcers.

• You can have a tablet form of licorice root which helps to remove acid but may raise your blood pressure.

• Drink chamomile tea to minimize the duodenal ulcer effect.

• Reduce your fatty food intake as well as caffeinated drinks like coke and coffee.

• Foods which are high in soluble fiber such as oat bran, barely, seed husks, flaxseed, lentils, peas, soymilk, soy products, carrots, beans and many more are very effective in reducing the risk of duodenal ulcer.

• Increase your vitamin A intake by consuming fruits and vegetables like Tomatoes, Cantaloupes, Watermelon, Peaches, Kiwi, Oranges, and Blackberries to lower the risk of duodenal ulcer.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

By Sharon Hopkins

Labels: duodenal ulcer, mouth ulcers, peptic ulcer, stomach ulcer, stomach ulcers, ulcer, ulcer symptoms, ulcers, ulcers mouth, ulcers stomach

Medically speaking, gastric ulcer or peptic gastric ulcer is a damage on the normal tissues that line the stomach. It is different from the duodenal ulcer, which pertains to damage on the normal tissue lining of the initial part of the bowel or the duodenum. Though gastric ulcer is a common disease among Americans, diagnosis is still quite hard to perform since the clinical presentations of disease vary. Manifestations may range from asymptomatic or showing of no symptoms to nausea, acute-life foreboding internal hemorrhage, epigastric pain, and iron-deficiency anemia.

Gastric ulcer is produced from torn or sored protective layers of the stomach lining. These layers produce the mucus that protects the stomach from becoming injured by harsh digestive gases and stomach acids.

Causes

Gastric ulcer is basically due to the imbalanced secretion of stomach enzymes and acids as well as the components released in the mucosal lining of the stomach. This then will get inflamed that may be aggravated by aspirin and NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. NSAIDs are commonly taken to combat the symptoms of other ailments such as back pain and kidney pain.

Gastric ulcer is also a result of the following conditions:

* The presence of Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori, the bacteria responsible for causing gastric ulcer.

* Lessen capacity of the stomach lining to resist the stomach acids.

* Increase in production of the stomach acids.

Risk factors

Risk factors are some of the causes that may intensify the susceptibility of a person against a disease. In this case, gastric ulcer.

* Regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and drugs such as aspirin and naproxen

* Chronic gastritis

* Smoking

* Mechanical ventilation

* Increased age

* Helicobacter pylori infection

Interestingly enough, stress and a number of emotional problems are not labeled as risk factors to gastric ulcer. Yet there are studies that may show otherwise. They point out that stress may be a contributing factor to the aggravation of the ailment.

The chance of developing gastric ulcer is further increased by regular smoking and over-use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Symptoms

* Abdominal indigestion

* Extreme abdominal pain that may subject the patient to sleeplessness at night.

* Blood in stools or black stools

* Fatigue

* Nausea

* Unplanned weight loss

* Vomiting, especially vomiting blood

* Heartburn

It must be noted though that there may be no manifestations of symptoms in some gastric ulcer cases.

Differentiation of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer

* Classic gastric ulcer pain is often characterized by pain attacking after every meal. The use of antacids may not be as effective and may only provide temporary and very minimal relief.

* The gastric ulcer pain is typically sited at the epigastrium yet it may also be founded in the upper right quadrant of the stomach area and elsewhere.

* Unlike with gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer pain usually sets hours after meals and during night. This may be relieved using antacids and specific foods.

· Pain that radiates to the back may suggest of complications involving the pancreas.

· There are cases of bleeding gastric ulcers and these may show significant signs of melena, hematemesis, and attacks of presyncope.

Treatments of gastric ulcer are very effective yet recurrence is possible and complications are most likely to develop. Three percent of all gastric ulcer cases advance to becoming as stomach cancer so it is extremely important to inform your health care provider of all conditions that you fell during attacks.

By Blog Maintenance

Labels: duodenal ulcer, mouth ulcers, peptic ulcer, stomach ulcer, stomach ulcers, ulcer, ulcer symptoms, ulcers, ulcers mouth, ulcers stomach

At one point or other in our lives we have all experienced some form of heartburn. The effects of heartburn may be mild or frequent and painful, but they are symptoms that we can ease. There is however, an unfortunate side effect that can occur due to frequent heartburn irritations. This complication is a heartburn ulcer.

What exactly is heartburn ulcer? A heartburn ulcer occurs when the lining of the esophagus deteriorates due to the effects of the stomach acid that has been repeatedly refluxed into the esophagus. Due to the corrosive effect the acid has on the esophagus lining,a hole is burned through the lower section of the esophagus.

Heartburn ulcers are usually located in the lower section of the esophagus and they are sometimes connected to GERD disease. Gerd is chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease. There is a possibility that someone told you that heartburn ulcers are contagious. This is a myth. You cannot catch heartburn ulcers from anyone. A heartburn ulcer is usually a symptom of another problem.

As heartburn ulcers erode the lining of the esophagus, there is a strong possibility of bleeding occurring. This condition may lead to iron deficiency anemia. So what are the causes of heartburn ulcer?

The main cause of heartburn ulcers is the destruction of the esophagus lining by the H. Pyloridus bacteria. H. Pyloridus bacteria are usually found in the stomach. When the stomach acid reflux back into the esophagus the H. Pyloridus bacteria is usually brought into contact with the esophagus. Repeated acid reflux will bring a high amount of stomach H. Pyloridus bacteria into the esophagus where it will be strong enough to begin eating away at the esophagus lining. Paving the way for a heartburn ulcer.

There are other causes that can develop heartburn ulcers. These include the continuous usage of anti-inflammatory medications, smoking and use of cigarettes and nicotine products as well as tobacco chewing.

The digestive disorders of GERD and Bulimia are also thought to have connections with heartburn ulcer.

For a person suffering from a heartburn ulcer how can it be diagnosed? Your doctor will refer you to a gastroenterologist. A barium x-ray or endoscopy will be taken to see if you do indeed have a heartburn ulcer.

The main complications that heartburn ulcer sufferers have, are bleeding and perforation of the esophagus. Luckily heartburn ulcers can be treated. The underlying cause of the problem must first be found and then treatment may be started. Some of the common treatments that are used are antibiotics to eradicate H. pyloridus.

Anti-reflux medication, and the elimination of risk factors and prevention of complications must also be taken into account when medication is being prescribed for heartburn ulcers. For more information on heartburn ulcers, it is best if you talk with your doctor, as this can be a very serious condition. On a parting note, also try to avoid the twin evils of stress and anxiety. They too will aid in giving you a heartburn ulcer.

By Krishan Bakhru

Labels: duodenal ulcer, heartburn ulcer, heartburn ulcers, mouth ulcers, peptic ulcer, stomach ulcer, stomach ulcers, ulcer, ulcer symptoms, ulcers, ulcers mouth, ulcers stomach

While there are a variety of stomach ulcer symptoms experienced by many, this common disease attacks millions of Americans each and every year.

The stomach ulcer often presents itself in folks that take anti-inflammatory medications, smoke or drink alcohol. There is still some controversy as to whether stress causes stomach ulcers or not.

The wicked stomach ulcer often presents as a burning, gnawing sensation in the pit of the stomach that can last for up to three hours.

Many of those who experience this phenomenon mistakenly think it is nothing more than hunger pains, heartburn or even basic indigestion. Unfortunately this can often cause patients to delay seeking treatment since they brush it off as basic health issues and nothing more.

Stomach ulcer pain often occurs after a meal, is located in the upper abdomen and is often relieved by resting, taking antacids or having a small drink of milk. Weight loss may even be seen in those suffering extensively from a stomach ulcer since they actually avoid eating in hopes of avoiding pain.

Nausea and vomiting may also be seen for those suffering from stomach ulcers. You might also see black, tarry stools or stools containing dark red blood. This is an indication that your stomach ulcer is bleeding and this is a serious health complication and may require abdominal surgery.

Stomach ulcer symptoms may be treated with basic antacids or an even stronger medication, which requires a prescription. Stomach ulcer medications such as Protonix can actually help to reduce the acid production in your stomach and many find it useful in the treatment of stomach ulcers.

This is not a health issue which you can ignore since the stomach ulcer can literally erode the protective lining of the stomach. Some times your physician may prescribe a medication which forms a protective barrier over the lining of your stomach and gives your stomach ulcer a chance to heal.

When trying to recover your health, it is important that you take the time to eat balanced nutritious meals, limit your alcohol, tobacco usage and caffeine intake, as well as anti-inflammatory medications if at all possible.

There are several medical tests that your physician may utilize in order to definitively diagnose your stomach ulcer. It is important to have a diagnosis that is based on solid evidence so that you can get the treatment you need.

Your health depends on it and it is ridiculous to ignore the stomach ulcer symptoms you are enduring. Talk with your physician to see what help is available to you. Here’s to better healthy days and stomach ulcers that heal.

By Jeff Foster

Labels: duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, mouth ulcers, peptic ulcer, stomach ulcer, stomach ulcers, ulcer, ulcer symptoms, ulcer treatment, ulcers, ulcers mouth, ulcers stomach