Stomach ulcer or also known as peptic ulcers are open sores that grow on within the lining of the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine.  The most frequent symptom of stomach ulcer is abdominal pain.  Stomach ulcer that takes place on the inside of the stomach is known as gastric ulcer.  Stomach ulcer that takes place within the esophagus wherein the food move about from the throat going to the stomach is called esophageal ulcer.  Stomach ulcer that involves the upper part inside of the small intestine or duodenum is called duodenal ulcer.

It is not true that spicy foods or stress can trigger stomach ulcer.  Health care providers have knowledge that bacterial infection or some medicines can be the reason of stomach ulcer and not diet or stress.

What are the symptoms of stomach ulcer?

The most frequent symptom of stomach ulcer is an intense or burning pain.  The reason of this pain is the ulcer and worsens by the stomach acid which comes in contact with the ulcerated part.  The following symptoms are the usual pain experienced by the person affected with stomach ulcer.

• Pain that can be felt somewhere from the navel up to the breastbone.
• The pain can be worse once the stomach is empty.
• The pain can become suddenly worse at night.
• The pain can be often relieved for the moment after eating foods or by taking acid-reducing medicines.
• The pain fades away and then come back for a few days or weeks.
• There are severe signs and symptoms of stomach ulcer like the vomiting of the blood that comes out to be red or black in color, there is dark blood in stools, nausea and vomiting and inexplicable weight loss.

What are the causes of stomach ulcer?

Stomach ulcer takes place when the acid present in the digestive tract eats away at the internal surface of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine.  This acid can produce a painful open sore that may also cause bleeding.  The digestive tract is covered with mucous layer that usually serves as a shield against acid.  However, if the quantity of acid is increase or the quantity of mucus is lessening it can be the instant wherein stomach ulcer develops.  The following are the causes of stomach ulcer.

• The usual cause of stomach ulcer is the corkscrew-shaped bacteria called Helicobacter pylori.  Helicobacter pylori bacteria usually exist and increase inside the mucous layer of the stomach and small intestine.  Normally, this H. pylori cause no harms.  But there are times that it can destroy the mucus layer and cause inflammation of the lining of the stomach and duodenum which leads to stomach ulcer.
• Habitual intake of pain relievers, both over-the-counter and prescription medications can cause irritation and inflammation of the small intestine and stomach lining.  Examples of these medications are ibuprofen, aspirin, ketoprofen, naproxen and others.  Stomach ulcers are more frequently occur in older adults who usually take pain medications often particularly people with osteoarthritis.  To get rid of digestive upset, take pain relievers with meals.  Acetaminophen is of the pain relievers that doesn’t cause stomach ulcers.
• Other prescription medications that can cause stomach ulcers are the medications that used to cure osteoporosis like biphosponates.

What is the risk factors affecting stomach ulcer?

There is the great possibility of having stomach ulcer if you are engaged with the following.

• Smoking may increase the possibility of developing stomach ulcer in people who are already infected with H. pylori.
• Drinking of alcohol can cause irritation and eats away the mucous lining of the stomach which enhances the quantity of stomach acid that’s formed.
• Having uncontrolled stress can be a contributing aspect, even though stress alone can not be the main cause of stomach ulcer.

What are the natural remedies for stomach ulcer?

The following are the natural remedies for stomach ulcer that may bring great relief from the pain caused by stomach ulcer.

 

1.     Prefer a healthy diet.

Prefer to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.  These foods are rich in vitamin that may help to heal your stomach ulcer.

 

 

 

 

2.     Think of changing pain relievers.

If you are taking pain reliever regularly, consult your doctor if acetaminophen may be an alternative for you.

 

 

 

 

3.     Manage your stress.

Stress can make the signs and symptoms of stomach ulcer get worse.  Try to deal with the things that cause your stress.  Exercise, meditation and spending time with family and friends are the ways that can help to manage your stress.

 

 

 

 

4.     Avoid smoking.

Smoking may hinder with the protective lining of the stomach, making your stomach more vulnerable to the development of stomach ulcer.  Smoking tends also to increase stomach acid.

 

 

 

 

5.     Avoid drinking of alcohol.

Avoid excessive drinking of alcohol for it can only irritate and erode the mucous lining of the stomach and intestines which can result to inflammation and bleeding.

 

 

 

 

All these ways can help to relieve or even avoid the symptoms of stomach ulcer.  If all these natural ways are not enough do not hesitate to ask your doctor for further evaluation and proper intake of medications for your stomach ulcer.