Ulcer Symptoms

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

Peptic Ulcer, (also known as ulcus pepticum), is a raw and painful area that occurs in the gastro-intestinal tract as a result of mucosal erosion by acidic gastric juices. It may occur in the oesophagus, stomach, or duodenum. Mostly the duodenum (after the stomach; the first part of the small intestine) is most likely to be afflicted by the peptic ulcer. Peptic Ulcers could occur as single or multiple ulcers and they normally measure from 10mm to 25mm across and around 0.25mm in depth.

Causes

The lining of the duodenum is at continuous risk of erosion by the acidic juices produced by the stomach walls. The lower part of the esophagus is at risk only if and when the reflux of the acidic juices from the stomach takes place. Reflux is when there is a backward flow of the acids, that is, when the acidic juices from the stomach back flow into the esophagus (throat or food pipe).

Peptic Ulcers arise in the jejunum, only when there is a massive secretion of the gastric juices. The jejunum is a part of the small intestine, which is about 8 to 10 feet in length, between the duodenum and ileum. It helps in the absorption process of the bile salts and nutrients in digestion.

Some of the main causes of the occurrence of peptic ulcers mostly could be by the consumption of a lot of alcohol, or by excessive coffee drinking which induces high caffeine intake, or even by regular ingestion of aspirin. Other irritants could also be bile and bacteria among others. They are also caused by an increase in acid secretion and a reduction in mucus production. For some people, peptic ulcers occur due to genetics, as they are pre-disposed to developing these ulcers hereditary.

If the occurrences are frequent in the family's medical history, it is important to take preventive measures. Psychological stress also plays a major part in aggravating an existing ulcer, thus making it even worse. Even smoking worsens ulcers, as the nicotine in tobacco increases the amount and concentration of acids in the stomach and thus intensifying the existing ulcer or it could also lead to the creation of more ulcers. Smoking may also slow down the treatment and healing process of ulcers.

Both men and women are equally prone to the incidence of gastric ulcers, but when it comes to duodenal ulcers, more men are likely to suffer from them than women.

Symptoms

The most typical symptom is that of a gnawing persistent pain in the abdomen especially when the stomach is empty. Some people suffering from a peptic ulcer show no symptoms, but most people complain of a burning pain in the abdomen which also wakes them up in the nights at times. Eating relieves the pain of a duodenal ulcer, only for the pain to recur after a couple of hours.

Other symptoms which are common for both ulcers, that of duodenal and gastric ulcers, are: loss of appetite (although in the case of duodenal ulcers, it sometimes increases appetite), belching, weight loss, a bloated feeling, nausea, vomiting (which is sometimes even blood), waterbrash (rush of saliva to dilute the stomach acids after the reflux), and melena (unusual and bad smelling feces).

Treatments

Antacid Drugs neutralize the excess acid levels and help in the healing of the ulcers. If taken regularly, they can help in ultimately relieving the pain caused by the ulcers, along with taking some measures such as: avoiding smoking, avoid drinking of alcohol, coffee, and tea, and avoiding use of aspirin and other non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Other ways of treatment are by taking various medications such as acid blockers (also called histamine blockers; they reduce the quantity of hydrochloric acid that is released into the digestive tract, which lessens ulcer pain and supports healing), antibiotic medications; they are mostly prescribed to kill the bacteria, and also sometimes given in combination of other different antibiotics, or even Proton Pump Inhibitors, which are drugs which stop the "pumps" from secreting more acids.

At times, when these Proton Pump Inhibitors are taken in high dosages and over a prolonged period of time, it could result in the fracture of the hip, so mostly it is advisable to take calcium supplements as the treatment is on. In some severe cases, even surgery is required, such as vagotomy or gastrectomy. Sometimes, passing a suction tube through the nose to drain out the digestive juices is also adequate treatment. It is always best to visit a doctor, to be explained the surgical remedies offered for the treatment of ulcers.

By James S. Pendergraft

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

The term peptic ulcer is referred to both, gastric and duodenal ulcers. It is believed to have occurred due to an infection by a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This corkscrew-shaped bug lives in the inner lining of the stomach causing peptic ulcer. If peptic ulcer is located in the stomach it is called gastric ulcer.

Some of the common symptoms of peptic ulcer are:

• Constant pain in the abdomen - which mainly is a duodenal symptom. This pain occurs within one or two hours after meals and also when the stomach is empty. This pain lasts for several minutes or hours and you can get relief by eating or having any antacid medicines.

• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and losing weight in the same process is another sign.

Complications in Peptic Ulcer

• These complications have certain symptoms which need immediate care namely hemorrhage of the ulcer causing bleeding. This kind of bleeding occurs without pain making it very hard to detect. It may slowly enter the digestive tract leading to anemia. If the bleeding is fast it may be more dangerous. The symptoms include weakness, blood vomiting and dark-colored stools.

• The other complication is pyloric stenosis (obstruction) where in the valve at the bottom of the stomach leading towards duodenum becomes narrow. This complication obstructs the transition of the content from the stomach into the intestine. This increases abdominal pain, vomiting and causes bloating.

• Perforation occurs when the ulcer completely erodes the stomach or duodenal wall. This leads to leakage of acidic contents into the abdominal cavity causing acute peritonitis (infection of the abdominal cavity). You may suffer one of the worst kinds of abdominal pains during such times and it may worsen with any type of movement. This can be fatal if medical treatment is not given immediately.

Home remedies for Peptic Ulcer

• Avoid smoking, alcohol, drinking caffeinated food products like coffee and coke.

• Salt and sugar intake should be lessened, as it aggravates this problem furthermore.

• Avoid NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen and many more which does not help in the healing process of peptic ulcers.

• You can use dried banana powder (Musa paradisiaca) to treat ulcers. Take two capsules of dried raw banana powder four times a day for eight weeks and see the improvement.

• Calendula plant is also known to have anti-inflammatory and healing properties which have been used as an age-old medicine for peptic ulcers. If capsules are available, have two, three times a day. Or you can use 2 to 3 tsp of calendula juice.

• Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) root extract is rich in protein and mucilage-carbohydrate which helps in production of a new tissue. It also helps in removing acid from your body.

• Papaya Leaf is a great ingredient for digestion. It digests the dead tissue which helps in treating many skin diseases, wounds and ulcers. It has the property to protect the stomach mucosa from any kind of damage and ulcer formation.

• People suffering from this disease should do yoga asanas too which would minimize the peptic ulcer problem. Asanas like Vajrasana, Padmasana, Pawanmuktasana, Bhujangasana and Paschimothasana can surely prove to be very useful to deal with this problem.

By Sharon Hopkins

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

In the past people suffering from peptic ulcers were restricted from taking small amount of bland food and milk regularly. Researches however showed that this in no way helps in decreasing the recurrence of ulcers. However, a diet rich of fibers may minimize the chances of developing ulcers, and will help in fast healing of the existing ones. In particular, fiber found in fruits, vegetables are very protective, and with vitamin contained in most of these foods, the benefits are increased.

There are some evidences that show that exercise helps in reducing the risk of ulcers in some people. In a study in 2000, it was found that although exercise is helpful for men but it has null effect on ulcer development in women. Stress relief programs are not known to have an impact on ulcer healing. However, they have other health benefits that are useful.

Treat Ulcer with Vitamin A

When it comes to ulcers, the main role of Vitamin A is to protect the lining of the stomach so that the sore, if in case it developed already, won't get worse.

Vitamin A also allows for the speedy healing of the affected areas of the small intestines. Patients suffering from peptic ulcer are advised to take foods rich in Vitamin A and dietary fiber such as fruits and vegetables.

Doctors would normally recommend peptic ulcer patients an initial dosage of 25,000 IU of Vitamin A daily for an entire week.

Then the dosage is reduced to just 10,000 IU everyday for maintenance. However, pregnant women or those who want to get pregnant are advised not to take more than 5,000 IU of Vitamin A daily.

Vitamin C can help Ulcer

Vitamin C works favorably for the patients of peptic ulcer because it directly inhibits the growth the very bacteria that cause the disease.

Also, if the H. pylori bacteria were abundant, it would directly impair the body's absorption of Vitamin C. When this happens, the patient has higher risks of developing stomach cancers from the condition that merely started as peptic ulcer.

The normal dosage of Vitamin C for peptic ulcer patients is 1,000 mg taken twice a day. Because Vitamin C could induce diarrhea, the dosage can also be taken in a buffered form.

A hormone found in the brain that has a role in sleep is known as Melatonin. Researchers have found that the hormone might have properties that will help in preventing ulcers along with reduction in acid secretion and an improvement in blood flow. Until now, it is not known if it will benefit people with peptic ulcers but it might well do so. However, high doses of Melatonin have adverse affects like mental impairment, severe headache and nightmares.

In the past anti acids were the drugs that were preferred for ulcers but now it has been replaced with proton pump inhibitors. There are natural alternatives that work really well to heal ulcer and can be used with other prescribed drugs. Researchers claim Deglycrrhizinated licorice {DGL) as a good complement to the therapeutic measures recommended by your health care professional. DGL works positively by addressing the underlying factors causing ulcers rather than trying to hide the symptoms. DGL works by promoting the natural defense mechanism that is already present in our body to fight against ulcers. Other drugs that are also beneficial in curing ulcer carry some side effects along with them but DGL has no side effect.

Therefore, although there is no sure cure for ulcers but choices available for getting rid of it are many and a proper treatment will see you through. The patient must consult the doctor for proper treatment and correct guidance. If the patient reaches at the early stage, ulcers can be easily cured with fewer complications.

BY Jack L Bloom

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