Imagine having a chronic burning inside your stomach.
Stomach ulcers is the growing or appearance of sores on the inner lining of the stomach wall. It happens after the stomach defense is weak in controlling the amount of acid in the stomach. The acid produced is usually corrosive.
The stomach wall is generally with a mucus coating that prevents the acid from destroying the wall. If the expected ratio is not balanced then, one develops ulcers.
The sores that develop on the stomach wall and lower part of the small intestines is known as peptic ulcers. It is usually accompanied by chronic pain inside your stomach.
How can I know if I have stomach ulcers?
Stomach ulcers is usually accompanied by several signs and symptoms. Below are some of the commonly known signs;
- Sore pain in your stomach
- Heartburn
- Feeling nausea
- Belching
The most common symptom is the pain that causes a burning sensation in your stomach. Stomach ulcers is usually active during the times when one is hungry.
The acid that is produced in the stomach lacks nothing to breakdown at that time. However, the acid has to breakdown food, in turn it eats away the stomach lining and that of the ileum. Most effects of stomach ulcers are felt between meals.
Here are the leading cause of peptic ulcers:
1.Medication
Perhaps it sounds funny. How does medication bring stomach ulcers?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually taken to relieve pain, high temperature, and swelling. But taking NSAIDs drugs can irritate the stomach lining. The drugs include;
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac
The above-listed drugs may have no side effects when used. However, using them for a long time keeps you at a high risk of having stomach ulcers.
Although paracetamol relieves pain, you are to use instead of the NSAIDs in the above list.
2.Helicobacter Pylori Bacteria
The h.pylori bacteria live in the stomach lining. Perhaps it indicates that people of all ages are at risk of having it. The silent nature of the bacteria makes you have infections with unseen symptoms. For instance, it doesn’t make you safe.
How do this bacteria cause ulcers?
The h.pylori bacteria at times cause the inflammation of the stomach lining developing ulcers. Research has shown that over half of the world’s population has it. And most get its infections at young ages.
You have to seek treatment once you have it. Or else you will stay with the bacteria for the rest of your life.
3.Lifestyle
I admit that living a healthy life depends on the type of food you eat and what you avoid doing.
For instance, someone smoking and has h.pylori infections is at a higher risk of contracting peptic ulcers.
Alcohol contains ethanol content. The ethanol erodes the mucus lining on the stomach wall, because of the reduction in the balance between acid level and mucus. The wall exposes itself to the risk of developing peptic ulcers.
Can stress and spicy eating foods be among the triggers of stomach ulcers?
Stress and eating of spicy foods don’t cause stomach ulcers, but they worsen the condition to the patients infected. Because of the condition being stimulated, it becomes difficult to treat.
The peptic ulcers mainly happens when the balance of acid to mucus is not balanced. Check on your diet and avoid the trigger foods and medication.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
