What are Stomach Ulcers?

A stomach ulcer (or gastric ulcer) is a form of a peptic ulcer which occurs when the tissue lining that protects the stomach erodes.

Who Is At Risk?

Stomach ulcers can affect both men and women although it is more prevalent in those appearing in a higher age bracket.  People who rely heavily on drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen are particularly prone.

What Causes Stomach Ulcers?

Stomach ulcers were once thought to have been caused by a poor diet, stressful lifestyle or heavy alcohol consumption although this is now known not to be the case.

The majority of stomach ulcers are caused by inflammation created by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) which lives in the stomach acid.  It is interesting to note however, that not everyone who shows a positive test to H. pylori will develop an ulcer.   The existence of the H. pylori bacteria will ultimately weaken the mucous coating in the stomach allowing acid to irritate the stomach lining which will then form into an ulcer.

H. pylori bacteria infections occur throughout the world although it seems to be more common in developing countries.  The actual nature of how the bacteria spreads is still under investigation.  The bacteria has been discovered in saliva therefore kissing is thought to be one way to spread the bacteria.  Prevention of H. pylori is still being studied although initial studies show that there may be a dietary link.  

Stomach ulcers are also caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin.  Smoking is also thought to either be a cause of the ulcer or a hindrance to treatment of an already existing ulcer.

Stomach ulcers in some cases may be a symptom of another disease or disorder such as Mastocytosis or cancerous tumours although this is quite rare.

Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

It is quite common for many people to have stomach ulcers and not show any symptoms whatsoever.

Symptoms can vary although some of the known stomach ulcer symptoms can include:

• A dull pain in the stomach
• A burning sensation in the stomach
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Location of blood in vomit or stools
• Anaemia

Stomach ulcer symptoms may come and go with the sufferer finding that they experience weeks or even months without the symptoms.  The pain may also increase before, during or after a meal depending on the location of the ulcer in the body. 

Managing Ulcers

While antacids may prove to be a stomach ulcers cure remedy in that it temporarily relieves the pain, it is always recommended to consult a doctor for any pain experienced.  An endoscopy may be recommended to determine whether the patient has a stomach or gastric ulcer.  The procedure known as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) can locate the suspected ulcer as well as highlight the severity of it.  

Tests will also be carried out to identify whether the presence of H. pylori is positive.  A medical test during endoscopy can determine this as well as the other following methods:

• Blood Test
• Urea Breath Test (UBT)
• Tissue Test
• Stool Test

One should also be directed to not only see their doctor but also by visiting their local health products retailer to speak to an alternative medicine practitioner.

Some complications have been known to occur with stomach ulcer issues including Gastrointestinal bleeding as well as a perforation in the front of the stomach area.

An ulcers cure is no guarantee against further recurrence.  The poor diet or stressful lifestyle which was initially seen to be the cause of the problem is now seen as more of a deterrent to the actual cure.  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to the overall treatment of stomach ulcers.