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What To Know About Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers occur when digestive acids damage your stomach lining. Treatment may include antibiotics, home remedies, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause.

Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are painful, open sores that develop in the stomach lining.

They occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices is reduced. This allows the digestive acids to eat away at the tissues that line the stomach, causing an ulcer.

Stomach ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer, which means they're related to stomach acid. The other type of peptic ulcer is called duodenal ulcer, which affects the small intestines.

Stomach ulcers may be easily cured, but they can become severe without proper treatment.

Between 80% to 90% of stomach ulcers are caused by one of the following:

Some other risk factors and underlying health conditions may also break down the mucosa that lines your stomach, exposing it to acid damage that could cause stomach ulcers. These may include:

Can eating certain foods cause stomach ulcers?

Several symptoms are associated with stomach ulcers, the severity of which depends on the severity of the ulcer.

According to the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), the most common symptom is a burning sensation or pain in the middle of your abdomen, between your chest and belly button.

Typically, the pain is more intense when the stomach is empty and can last for a few minutes to several hours. That said, some research suggests that pain may worsen when you start eating.

Other symptoms of stomach ulcers may include:

Talk with a doctor if you have any symptoms of a stomach ulcer. Even though discomfort may be mild, ulcers can worsen if they aren't treated. Bleeding ulcers can become life threatening.

To diagnose a stomach ulcer, a doctor will review your medical history along with your symptoms and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications you're taking.

A doctor may also order an endoscopy to look directly inside your stomach for ulcers. During this test, a doctor will insert a thin, lighted tube through your mouth and into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This tube has a camera to take pictures of your intestine.

A doctor can also remove a piece of stomach tissue for analysis in a lab, a procedure known as an endoscopic biopsy.

Treatment for stomach ulcers will depend on the cause and severity. Most ulcers can be treated with a prescription from a doctor, but in rare cases, surgery may be required.

Nonsurgical treatment

According to the NHS, a doctor may prescribe only PPIs if your stomach ulcers are caused by taking NSAIDs.

You'll most likely need another endoscopy within 4 to 6 weeks to check whether the stomach ulcer has properly been treated.

Surgical treatment

In very rare cases, complicated stomach ulcers will require surgery if they:

continue to return

don't heal

bleed

tear through the stomach

keep food from flowing out of the stomach into the small intestine

removal of the entire ulcer

taking tissue from another part of the intestines and patching it over the ulcer site

tying off a bleeding artery

cutting off the nerve supply to the stomach to reduce the production of stomach acid

If you have an actively bleeding ulcer, you'll likely be hospitalized for intensive treatment with endoscopy and IV ulcer medications. You may also require a blood transfusion.

Some home remedies may help relieve the symptoms and effects of stomach ulcers, including:

eating foods high in flavonoids

taking probiotics

taking aloe vera supplements

That said, it's important to note that the research on the efficacy of home remedies for stomach ulcers is limited.

A doctor may also have suggestions for things you can do at home to relieve discomfort from your ulcer.

The United Kingdom's NHS recommends speaking with a doctor if your symptoms don't go away, or if you experience:

black, tarry stools

sudden, sharp abdominal pain

If your vomit looks like blood or black coffee grounds, get immediate medical attention.

It's important to get treatment for a stomach ulcer as soon as possible. If left untreated, stomach ulcers may lead to:

bleeding ulcer

penetration, which is when the ulcer goes through the wall of the digestive tract and into another organ

perforation, which occurs when the ulcer creates a hole in the wall of the digestive tract

obstruction (blockage) in the digestive tract, which is due to swelling of inflamed tissues

The best way to help prevent stomach ulcers is to limit your intake of NSAIDs and take measures to prevent contracting H. Pylori. This may include:

If you need to take NSAIDs, be sure to follow the recommended dosage and guidance from your doctor.

Do stomach ulcers go away?

Yes, in most cases, a stomach ulcer will go away within 4 to 6 weeks with proper treatment. If left untreated, however, stomach ulcers may lead to complications like perforation, penetration, or internal bleeding.

What is the best over-the-counter medication for stomach ulcers?

A doctor may recommend antacids to help relieve stomach ulcer symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, and bloating.

What drink soothes an ulcer?

Consider limiting alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages.

Stomach ulcers are open wounds on the lining of your stomach. They're most commonly caused by long-term use of NSAIDs or an H. Pylori infection.

Speak with a doctor if you experience symptoms like a burning sensation in the abdomen, along with bloating, nausea, and unintentional weight loss.

They could provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for you.

What Is Gastritis? Understanding Triggers, Symptoms, And Prevention

Gastritis, a condition characterised by the inflammation of the stomach lining, is a prevalent gastrointestinal issue affecting millions globally. Though often dismissed as mere stomach discomfort, untreated gastritis can lead to severe complications, including ulcers and chronic digestive problems. Understanding the common triggers and adopting effective prevention strategies is vital for maintaining stomach health.

Common Triggers of Gastritis

OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Roohi Pirzada, MBBS, Consultant Physician, Mumbai. According to her, gastritis can stem from a multitude of factors. Among the leading causes is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. "NSAID medications should be limited to emergencies," advises Dr Pirzada. Prolonged usage of these drugs can erode the stomach lining, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

Another significant contributor is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori(H. Pylori). "H. Pylori infection is mainly the reason for gastric and duodenal ulcers," notes Dr Pirzada. This bacterial infection often goes undetected and can result in chronic gastritis if untreated.

Also read: Gastroenteritis Vs. Gastritis: How To Differentiate Between The Two?

Lifestyle factors also play a pivotal role. Excessive alcohol consumption is a common trigger. "Alcohol consumption leads to alcohol-induced gastritis," she explains. Stress, particularly after a chronic illness or surgery, is another factor that can exacerbate gastritis symptoms. "Stress, especially following a chronic illness or surgery, can lead to gastritis," Dr Pirzada adds.

Dietary habits are crucial in the onset of gastritis. Foods high in spices, oils, or acidity, such as citrus and sour foods, can irritate the stomach lining. Chronic gastritis may also develop as a result of autoimmune diseases or inflammatory disorders, which impair the body's ability to protect the stomach lining.

Also read: 7 Foods To Avoid To Cure Gastric Issues

Prevention Tips for Gastritis

Adopting lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments can significantly reduce the risk of gastritis. Dr Pirzada highlights several actionable prevention tips:

Stress Management: Incorporating stress-busting activities such as yoga and regular exercise can help prevent gastritis. "Lifestyle changes can make a difference. Yoga and exercises help reduce stress, which in turn prevents gastritis," she states.

Avoid Triggers: Steering clear of caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and junk food is essential. High-spice and oily foods should also be limited.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking adequate water is crucial for maintaining stomach health. Proper hydration helps in the digestion process and reduces acidity.

Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller portions at regular intervals prevents the stomach from becoming overly acidic. "Hydration and small, frequent meals are effective ways to prevent gastritis," advises Dr Pirzada.

High-Fibre Diet: Including fibre-rich foods in your diet aids digestion and keeps the stomach lining healthy. Maintaining a three-hour gap between dinner and bedtime also promotes better digestion and minimises gastritis symptoms.

Use NSAIDs Sparingly: Limit the use of NSAIDs to emergencies. Overuse of these medications can damage the stomach lining and exacerbate gastritis.

Conclusion

While gastritis can be uncomfortable and disruptive, understanding its triggers and embracing preventive measures can go a long way in managing the condition. Dr Pirzada concludes, "Taking simple steps like dietary modifications, stress management, and hydration can make a world of difference in preventing gastritis." By staying informed and proactive, individuals can protect their stomach health and enjoy a better quality of life.

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