ULCER AND HEART BURN CONTROL TIPS
A stomach ulcer and heart burn control tips and more information with photos for you. Here are a more things you can do yourself to help
Tuesday 3 April 2012
Friday 13 January 2012
What is an ulcer?
Ulcers are sores in the lining of the digestive tract. The
digestive tract consists of esophagus, stomach, duodenum (first part of the
intestines) and intestines. Most ulcers are located in the duodenum. These
ulcers are called duodenal ulcers. Ulcers located in the stomach are called
gastric ulcers. Ulcers in the esophagus are called esophageal ulcers.
lining of the digestive tract |
What is Symptoms of stomach ulcers?
Possible signs of an ulcer
Feeling better after eating or drinking and then worse 1 or
2 hours later (duodenal ulcer).
Duodenal ulcer |
Feeling worse after eating or drinking (gastric ulcer)
Types of ulcers |
Gastric ulcer |
Stomach pain wakes you up at night.
Stomach pain at night |
Feeling full quickly
Feeling full |
Heavy feeling, bloating, burning or dull pain in the stomach
Heavy feeling |
Vomiting
Unexpected weight loss
What is the cause of ulcers?
Doctors used to consider that ulcers were caused by stress
or eating foods with too much acid. We know that's not true. Most ulcers are
caused by an infection. The infection is caused by a bacterium (germ) called Helicobacter
pylori, or H. pylori for short. Acid and other juices made by the stomach can
contribute to ulcers by burning the lining of the digestive tract. This can
occur if the body produces too much acid or if the lining of the digestive
tract is damaged in some way. It is possible that physical or emotional stress
does not necessarily cause an ulcer, but may aggravate if you have one.
More stress |
Too much acid foods |
Helicobacter pylori bacterium |
Ulcers can also be caused by anti-inflammatory drugs.
Although most people take these medicines without problems, it is possible that
the long-term use can damage the stomach lining and cause ulcers.
Anti-inflammatory drugs |
Anti-inflammatory drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen,
naproxen , ketoprofen and
some prescription drugs for arthritis.
How does my doctor know I have it?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may have
prompted some medicine before testing. This is because ulcers usually improve
within a period of approximately one week of treatment. You may not need to
test if it improves.
Endoscopy room |
If no improvement, your doctor may do an endoscopy or
special x-rays to study the digestive tract. During an endoscopy, your doctor
looks at the stomach through a thin tube. It may take a biopsy (a sample of the
stomach lining) to assess the presence of H. pylori. You can also use blood
tests and breath to assess the presence of H. pylori.
special x-rays to study |
How are ulcers treated?
One way to treat ulcers is to kill the bacteria H. pylori.
The goal of treatment can also reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces
acid neutralizing and protecting the injured area so it can heal. It is also
very important to stop doing things like smoking and drinking alcohol, which
can damage the lining of the digestive tract.
Bacteria H. pylori |
Bacteria H. pylori pylori bacteria in stomach |
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