Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic or gastric ulcers, are open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach. They often cause a burning sensation in your abdomen and can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes.
Stomach ulcers typically result from an infection by Helicobacter pylori bacteria or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
Symptoms include burning pain in your abdomen, feeling full quickly after eating, nausea and vomiting blood or coffee ground material when coughing up phlegm.
Treatment for stomach ulcers may involve antibiotics to kill off H. pylori if it is present, proton pump inhibitors to reduce acid production by blocking certain enzymes responsible for its regulation within the body, or antacids to neutralise any remaining acids within the stomach cavity itself
Stomach ulcers may be caused by an imbalance between the digestive liquids in the stomach, such as hydrochloric acid and protective mucous. This can sometimes be triggered by lifestyle or dietary factors like excessive stress, smoking, drinking alcohol, use of certain medications (such as ibuprofen), eating spicy foods or a diet consisting of processed/junk food with very little fresh fruit and vegetables. Helicobacter pylori bacteria infection is another common cause of gastric ulcer cases.
How to prevent stomach ulcers
1. Avoid Stress: Reducing stress is one of the best ways to prevent stomach ulcers because it can reduce how much acid your body produces, which helps decrease erosion from stomach acid that can lead to an ulcer or make existing ones worse. It's important to take steps like meditating regularly and finding healthy outlets for stressful emotions, such as talking with a friend or engaging in physical activity.
2. Don't Smoke: Smoking increases stomach acid levels directly and decreases the blood supply to your digestive tract both of which contribute inflammation that could cause an ulcer over time. Quitting smoking (if you are currently doing so) should help reduce symptoms if you have already developed one and will also greatly lower your risk for any more problems in the future.
3. Manage Your Medications: Some medications used to treat other health conditions can increase your likelihood of getting an ulcer, especially non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Speak with a doctor about what medications may be suitable replacements if NSAID seem necessary for pain relief management or ask them whether proton pump inhibitors might better suit this need while helping protecting against gastric bleeding caused by taking these medicines too often or at high doses..
Additionally try reducing aspirin use unless absolutely recommended by medical professional since this drug too can potentially inflame mucous lining tissue leading up potential erosions along walling throughout course digestive system process resulting possible occurring complications abdominal discomfort down likely formation development partial full actualized flawed wound known medically referring problem called peptic blessed ailments
The followings are the Diet tips for people with stomach ulcers
1. Avoid spicy, acidic and fatty foods that may irritate the stomach lining.