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Stomach Ulcers – Causes, Symptoms, and Management Options

Ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or small intestine, often caused by an infection. A gastric ulcer forms inside the stomach, while a duodenum ulcer forms on the lining of the small intestine connected to the end of the stomach. Ulcers are quite common and affect many adults who struggle with digestive discomforts.

Stomach Ulcers – Causes, Symptoms, and Management Options
Everything from daily nutrition choices to unhealthy lifestyle factors influences the progression of these ulcers.

Stomach ulcer causes and risk factors
One of the most common causes of stomach ulcers is a bacterial infection triggered by helicobacter pylori or h. pylori. This bacterium already thrives in the digestive tract. However, certain external factors can worsen the infection, leading to discomfort and pain. Spicy foods and acidic beverages can also aggravate stomach ulcers. Additionally, taking anti-inflammatory prescriptions for certain conditions can increase the risk of developing stomach ulcers. Poor lifestyle choices, stress, and radiation therapy for chronic illness also increase the risk of stomach ulcers.

Stomach ulcer signs and symptoms
Ulcers are painful and exhibit multiple symptoms.

Nausea and vomiting
One might feel nauseous and vomit as the foods passing through the stomach aggravate the ulcers, triggering a regurgitation reflex. If the ulcer ruptures, it can cause bleeding that is also noticeable in vomit.

Changes in body mass
Reduced appetite due to nausea and vomiting directly affects the body’s metabolism and triggers muscle loss. The body is also deprived of nutrition, which impacts healthy BMI. Feeling satiated even after a small meal is a sign of a stomach problem that affects overall food and beverage intake. All these changes affect the overall body mass and trigger noticeable rapid reduction.

Black stools
Noticing a dark red or blackish change in bowel movements indicates internal bleeding. Passing blood during regular bowel movements is a clear sign of developing ulcers that rupture.

Burping and bloating
Burping while consuming regular food and beverages indicates digestive distress that causes gases to form in the stomach. As these gases expand, they might also result in visible bloating. People experience varying levels of these discomforts depending on the type of stomach ulcer.

Back pain
Discomforts in the digestive tract can also cause back pain. Ulcers in the stomach cause pain in the mid-back region that travels from the belly button to the mid-back and even all the way up to the neck. The pain can last for a few days or resolve quickly; there is no consistent pattern. Some people even complain about chest pain when these discomforts persist.

Stomach ulcers treatments
Note that stomach ulcers can cause mild to moderate symptoms that are easily manageable with early intervention. However, severe ulcers will have to be surgically removed to control the bleeding and prevent the infection from spreading.

Prescriptions
Doctors start a course of prescription treatments to eliminate the excess h. pylori bacteria in the digestive tract. In addition, a course of H2 blockers will be given to lower the high acidity levels in the stomach and prevent active flare-ups. One can also take antacids prescribed to counter bloating, burping, and painful acid reflux caused by the stomach acids.

Surgery for severe ulcers
Ulcers spreading far beyond the localized region will require surgical removal to prevent excessive bleeding and restore normal digestion. Doctors may remove the ulcers or treat a portion of the region by isolating the bleeding vessels and patching up the ulcer site with harvested tissue within the organ. Sometimes, doctors may even sever the nerve that controls stomach acid production to prevent flare-ups.

Common foods to eat and avoid
Changes in daily nutrition will also help manage many symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Foods to have
Nutritionists recommend adding more fiber to daily nutrition to counter the acid buildup in the stomach. Apples and pears are suggested alternatives to citrus-rich foods. Oatmeal is a whole grain that packs extra fiber to promote better digestion. Vegetarians can even include beans and legumes to add bulk to the stools. Healthy probiotics help maintain the gut bacteria balance and prevent flare-ups from worsening. Popular choices include kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, yogurt, tofu, and seitan.

Foods to avoid
Avoid eating processed foods that are rich in saturated and trans fats. This includes sugary and acidic beverages like sodas, flavored drinks, and packaged fruit juices. Also, avoid spicy foods, condiments used for salad dressings, deli meats, fried foods, fatty foods, and desserts that are hard to digest and put pressure on the digestive tract. The added stress will worsen the symptoms of common types of ulcers.

Stomach ulcer remedies
If one is struggling with pain and discomfort, there are some simple home remedies and lifestyle changes one can make to help manage the symptoms. Ingredients commonly found in the kitchen pantry, such as honey, garlic, turmeric, aloe vera, chili peppers, and natural probiotics, can be used to make fresh juices or added to food to add flavor and help soothe the pain from stomach ulcers. One can consult with a certified nutritionist to see what other changes can be made in daily nutrition to prevent ulcers from worsening.

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