Stomach ulcer, also called gastric ulcer, is caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. One known cause of stomach ulcers is the regular and prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin an ibuprofen.
Peptic ulcer is caused by acid in the stomach and can occur in the lower esophagus, stomach or the duodenum. Duodenum ulcers are the most common and next are stomach ulcers. H. pylori cause ulcer damages by weakening and breaking the stomach’s protective lining. When the soft tissue below the lining is exposed and the strong acid comes into direct contact with it, the acid causes irritation of the soft tissue and the frequent irritation is the cause of ulcer or bad sore.
The following are the most common symptoms of stomach ulcer:
- Constant discomfort in the stomach- There is a sudden pain that may come and be gone for a few days for no apparent reason.
- The pain will lessen after eating but will gradually come again 2-3 hours after eating.
- Although there is no pain after dinner, the pain can come in the middle of the night or towards morning.
- Antacid will help reduce the pain immediately after taking it.
- Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
Advanced or serious ulcerative symptoms may appear which need the immediate attention of a physician. The following are the advanced symptoms of stomach ulcer:
- Sharp, stinging sudden pain that will not go away in the stomach
- Vomiting fresh blood suddenly
- The stools has blood or its color is dark brown-black without any reason
There are drugs that can be used to fight the H. pylori bacterium if it is the cause of the ulcer. These medicines can also coat the ulcer to a minimum thus curing the sore. Most of them are antibiotics and the dosage depends on how serious the condition is. If the ulcer has just started, the medication given is just the minimum but if the ulcer has already spread, the dosage will increase. The increase in the intake of the drugs can cause unpleasant side effects such as loss of taste and appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and a bad taste in the mouth. The duration of the medication is 2 to 3 weeks. Stomach ulcer will then be cured completely after several months with the correct medication.