An ulcer is a hole in the gastrointestinal tract. They can occur in the small intestine (called a duodenal ulcer) or the stomach (called a gastric ulcer). Gastric ulcers are common among Americans and affects about 4 million people every year.
Causes
Ulcers can be caused by an excess amount of Helicobacter pylori (a type of bacteria) or hydrochloric acid build-up (a normal digestive acid found in the stomach), excessive amounts of stress or through genes (it is hereditary). Smoking and excessive aspirin use can also cause ulcers.
Symptoms
An ulcer is usually identified by a burning sensation that many people describe as heartburn, severe hunger or a "grumbling" feeling. This feeling can last up to 3 hours and usually begins after eating. Vomiting, weight loss/gain, darkened stool color and anemia are also other symptoms of an ulcer.
Treatment
Taking antibiotics to get rid of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, taking acid neutralizing medication and cutting down on smoking and drinking will help the ulcer to heal. Antacids will also help with symptoms. See your doctor for proper treatment procedures.
Prevention
Not smoking, reducing stress, cutting down on use of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, along with spicy food and coffee can help prevent ulcers from forming.
Results
Occasionally, ulcers can lead to worse conditions, such as anemia, internal bleeding, perforation (a hole in the digestive tract) or obstruction of the digestive tract, where food cannot leave the stomach.
Tags: cutting down, digestive tract, Helicobacter pylori