The medical term for a stomach ulcer is known as ‘peptic ulcer disease’ and it refers to painful sores in the lining of the stomach. Although the main cause of ulcer is not known, it has been discovered that it results from an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum. Also, most ulcers are typically caused by infection with a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori. Ulcers can become severe if not discovered and treated in time, and this is why you should complain to a doctor if you feel consistent pains in the stomach or you vomit and stool a lot. The following are a few helpful things you need to know about the disease:
[dropcap letter=”S”]ymptoms: To ensure that you get treated quickly and effectively, it is important to know and recognize the symptoms associated with an ulcer. Some of these are gnawing pain in the stomach when eating, nausea and vomiting, bloating and heartburn. Other symptoms, especially in severe cases, include vomiting blood, weight loss, and severe pain. The most important thing is to go to a hospital once you start feeling discomforts in any part of your body.
[dropcap letter=”P”]revention: Although ulcers are mainly caused by infection by a bacteria and an imbalance in digestive fluids, it is still possible to try and prevent the disease by avoiding foods that irritate the stomach, such as peppery foods. Also, ensure that you do not take painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen on an empty stomach. Excessive drinking of alcohol and smoking should also be stopped.
[dropcap letter=”R”]isk factors: There are certain risk factors that can make you more likely to develop ulcers, some of these are exposure to radiation in the stomach area, serious illnesses such as liver or kidney diseases, old age, chewing tobacco and infection with the bacterium that causes the disease. Genetics also play a role in predisposing you to the disease, because if you have a family history of ulcers, you are more likely to develop it in future.
[dropcap letter=”S”]everity: Most people do not know how dangerous ulcers can be if left untreated for a long time and the complications can lead to serious health problems such as perforation of the stomach, bleeding, constant abdominal pain and bloody stools. These could indicate scar tissue development or could be because the ulcer has broken a blood vessel. In any case, quick discovery aids healing, therefore pains in the stomach that are unaccounted for should be referred to a medical practitioner as soon as possible.
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