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