Ulcer Symptoms and Causes | How to Prevent Ulcers

What are Ulcers

A sore in the stomach or intestinal lining is called peptic ulcer. When the sore occurs in the first 12 inches of the small intestine it is called, gastric ulcer.

Symptoms of Ulcers

• Stomach ulcer is characterized by pain. Usually in the upper abdomen or sometimes below the breastbone there is a gnawing or burning feeling. The pain may last from 30 minutes to several hours and maybe mild to moderate in severity.
• In some people with gastric ulcer, eating aggravates pain and in others the pain occurs between meals and can be relieved by eating or taking antacids. Pain may occur at night or early morning.
• Loss of appetite and weight; nausea and vomiting are less common symptoms.

See also Helicobacter pylori Symptoms.

Causes of Ulcers

• A common bacterium called Helicobacter pylori weakens the stomach’s protective mucous membranes, so that even small amounts of stomach acid can cause new ulcers and can delay healing of the existing ones.
• Besides heredity, smoking, high-fat and spicy diet, large doses of aspirin over long periods, consumption of coffee, tea, colas in excess quantities are also other factors.
• Chronic anxiety, years of stressful lifestyle and emotional stress can aggravate conditions.

How to Prevent Ulcers

1. Eat a diet rich in fibers to enhance the development of mucin that protects the intestinal lining.
2. Avoid foods that cause indigestion and pain.
3. Stress has to be reduced as it can irritate existing ulcers.
4. Use of painkillers should be avoided and if necessary, should be taken in small doses and only with food or antacids.
5. Drink alcohol in moderate amount.
6. Smoking causes recurrence of ulcers and slows down healing and even damages the protective intestinal lining.

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