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The main symptom of stomach ulcer is pain in the "mouth of the stomach", which is located about 4 to 5 fingers above the navel. In general, pain appears between meals or at night, being difficult to control even with medications that improve acidity.
The ulcer is a wound in the stomach, which hurts and worsens when the gastric juice comes into contact with the wound, as this liquid is acidic and causes more irritation and inflammation in the affected area. The main cause of gastric ulcers is the presence of the bacteriaH. pyloriin the stomach, but this problem can also appear due to stress or use of anti-inflammatories.
To identify the presence of gastric ulcers, the following symptoms should be observed:
- Constant feeling of bloated stomach;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Pain and burning in the throat or in the middle of the chest;
- General malaise;
- Weight loss for no apparent reason;
- Very dark or reddish stools.
The presence of reddish stools or vomiting indicates bleeding in the intestine, and it is necessary to see a doctor to identify the location and cause of the problem. Ulcers are usually caused by chronic gastritis, see the symptoms here.
How to confirm the diagnosis
In many cases, the doctor may suspect a stomach ulcer only by assessing the symptoms presented, however, as the symptoms may also indicate other problems in the digestive system it is common for the doctor to order additional tests such as endoscopy, for example. Understand Endoscopy and what is the necessary preparation.
In addition, as a major cause of the ulcer is infection by the bacterium H. pylori, the doctor may also order a urease test, blood tests or a breath test with marked urea, to find out if it really is a case of infection by the bacteria that needs to be treated with antibiotics.
Main causes of stomach ulcer
The most common causes that lead to the development of a stomach ulcer include:
- Prolonged use of some medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: these drugs cause progressive erosion of the gastric mucosa, especially in the elderly, which tends to heal when the dose is stopped;
- Infection byH. Pylori: is one of the main causes of ulcer because the bacteria, when present in the stomach, produces a toxin that interferes with the normal defenses of the stomach mucosa against gastric acid, which facilitates the appearance of ulcers;
- Excessive stress: increases the secretion of acid in the stomach, facilitating the appearance of an ulcer;
- Poor diet: processed and very fatty foods take longer to be digested and can favor increased acidity;
- Excessive alcoholic beverages: when alcohol reaches the stomach it changes the pH of the region and causes the body to produce more gastric acid, which contributes to the formation of ulcers;
- Smoking: Several studies suggest that cigarettes also increase the production of acid in the stomach, favoring ulcers.
There are still some people who seem to have a genetic alteration that facilitates the appearance of gastritis and ulcers. Typically, these people have other family members who are also more likely to develop ulcers.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for a stomach ulcer is usually started with the use of antacids, such as Omeprazole or Lanzoprazole, but if the presence of the bacteria is confirmed H. Pylori in the stomach it is also necessary to include the use of an antibiotic, such as Clarithromycin. See better how the treatment is done for H. pylori.
In addition, it is still important to take some precautions during treatment, to regulate the production of gastric acid and facilitate ulcer healing, such as:
- Make a lighter and healthier diet, giving preference to cooked vegetables, fruits and vegetables and lean cooked or grilled meats;
- Avoid situations of great stress;
- Exercise regularly.
With these measures it is possible to cure the ulcer faster and permanently end stomach pain. There are also some home remedies, such as potato juice, that help to regulate the pH of the stomach, relieving discomfort and facilitating the healing of the ulcer. See how to prepare these home remedies.