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Many people don’t understand what ulcers really are. Sometimes when they
have abdominal pain, they refer to it as ulcer just because the pain is
located in the abdominal area. But what really is an ulcer? Ulcer is an open
wound on the lining of the digestive tract. It can be seen on the esophagus,
stomach, duodenum, or anywhere along the intestinal tract.
Ulcers are painful. The pain is described as a burning pain located in
the middle upper abdominal area which can last for several minutes to
several hours. Some individuals experience the pain soon after intake of
meals or several hours after. It can also occur at night disturbing a person
from his sleep. Sometimes the pain is accompanied by bloating, vomiting, and
loss of appetite which can lead to unexpected weight loss.
Increased acid production in the digestive system is thought to be the
primary cause of ulcer. Some attribute it to the presence of a bacteria
called Helicobacter pylori. Use of anti-inflammatory medications like for
example aspirin and ibuprofen also play a role. Their long-term use may
cause damage to the lining of the stomach. Genetic predisposition and
physical, emotional, and psychological stress aggravate the condition.
Use of medications which neutralize the acid and medications which
decrease acid production are the primary line of therapy. These medications
are given for several weeks. For the H. pylori, this is treated with a
triple drug therapy using two antibiotics and a medication which acts to
decrease acid production. Lifestyle modification also play a very important
role in the improvement of the condition. Avoidance of smoking, alcoholic
beverages, caffeine, chocolates, and spicy foods are some of these.
Treatment of this condition as soon as diagnosed is very important. The
condition can lead to perforation of the ulcer which can further cause
problems like bleeding and obstruction if left untreated. Presence of blood
in the stools and pain radiating to the back are some of the signs that will
make you suspect that your ulcer is progressing |