Gastric Ulcer

What is a stomach ulcer?
This complication is the same as open wounds in the wall of the stomach or the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). In most cases, the digestive juices of the stomach enter the duodenum, which causes stomach ulcers.

When the mucous lining of the stomach and duodenum are worn out, stomach acid and digestive enzymes destroy the walls of the stomach and duodenum. The result of this process is the creation of open sores that are constantly irritated by stomach acid. If this condition is not treated, it can cause bleeding or a hole in the stomach.

It is good to know that stomach ulcer affects many people every year, which will cause many physical problems and economic consequences for them due to ignoring the symptoms and not seeing a doctor on time. You can prevent the irreparable side effects of this disease by using the services of the clinic, such as on-site testing and receiving online advice from the list of the best gastroenterologists.

The cause of gastric ulcer
This disease is always caused by the following:

Helicobacter pylori infection (H. pylori)
This bacterial infection lives in the stomach and the immune system will easily control it. But in some patients, this infection multiplies too much and by affecting the stomach mucosa, it causes chronic inflammation and peptic ulcer disease. This disease is usually the cause of duodenal ulcers in 60% of cases and gastrointestinal ulcers in 40% of cases.

Excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin help to cause ulcers in the stomach. When they come into contact with the lining of the stomach, they cause irritation or loss of mucus. More than 50% of peptic ulcers are caused by long-term use of NSAIDs.

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
This situation is less common in gastric ulcer disease, but evidence shows that excessive secretion of stomach acid in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome causes the aforementioned digestive disease.

Severe physiological stress
Stress changes the pH of the body from normal and increases the secretion of stomach acid. Unlike normal stomach ulcers that develop slowly, stress ulcers develop very quickly.

Stomach ulcer symptoms
Some gastrointestinal ulcers do not have specific symptoms, they are called silent ulcers. Common symptoms of gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers include:

Flatulence
Weight Loss
heartburn
acid reflux
Stomach burning and pain
Dark tarry stools
Nausea and vomiting
Indigestion, especially fatty foods
If necessary, you can consult with a gastroenterologist online and you can visit a gastroenterologist in person.

Where does stomach ulcer pain go?
The main symptoms of this complication are stomach pain and indigestion. You constantly feel a burning or biting sensation in your stomach. This pain is mostly located between the breast bone and navel. Many people report that after eating or drinking fluids along with antacids to reduce stomach acid, the amount of pain is controlled. If the amount of stomach acid secretion increases for no reason, you will feel more pain between meals and at night, and people usually avoid eating.

Possible complications of Stomach Ulcer
If not diagnosed and treated on time, there is a possibility of the following side effects:

Internal bleeding
Stomach to duodenal obstruction
Stomach or intestinal wall perforation
Gastric cancer caused by Helicobacter pylori infection

What are the symptoms of gastric ulcer?
1- Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is one of the main symptoms of peptic ulcer, which is usually felt in the upper abdomen and back of the chest. This pain usually worsens after eating.
 
2- Burning and discharge: Burning and discharge are two other symptoms of gastric ulcer that are associated with abdominal pain. Burning and secretion causes bloating, early satiety, nausea and vomiting.
 
3- Fatigue: Fatigue is caused by a drop in blood pressure and anemia due to bleeding in the digestive system.
 
4- Weight loss: Sudden weight loss is also a symptom of peptic ulcers.
 
5- Changes in behavior: changes in behavior, anxiety, moodiness, depression, sleepiness and tension may also be caused by peptic ulcers.
 
6- Bleeding: Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract is also a symptom of peptic ulcer.
 
7- Changes in skin color: Changes in skin color, decrease in blood pressure and anemia are caused by peptic ulcers.
 
8- Abdominal stiffness: Abdominal stiffness is caused by inflammation and swelling in the digestive system.

  How to diagnose gastric ulcer?
Stomach ulcer or duodenal ulcer has different symptoms that can help to diagnose it. Some symptoms include:
 
1- Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is one of the main symptoms of gastric ulcer. This pain is usually located in the upper abdomen and lower chest, and sometimes radiates to the head, back, and hands.
 
2- Burning and irritation: burning and irritation in the abdomen indicates gastric ulcer.
 
3- Premature satiety: If you feel full after eating the smallest amount of food, this is a sign of stomach ulcer.
 
4- Changes in diet: it shows an increase in flatulence, eating sticky foods, eating acidic foods, and adjusting the digestive system.
 
5- Bleeding: If the stomach ulcer is severe, it may cause bleeding, which is shown as blood coming out of the mouth or severe abdominal pain with intestinal bleeding.
 
6- Changes in behavior: Depression, anxiety, and changes in behavior indicate stomach ulcers.
 
According to the above symptoms, you should see your doctor so that you can receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.