What causes stomach Ulcers: Treatments and Preventions

Stomach ulcers are thin pores in the lining of the stomach. It occurs when the protective layer around the stomach isn’t working properly.

The stomach produces a thick layer of mucus, which protects the tissue of the body from direct contact with acid that is produced to help digest food and protect against microbes.

If the mucus layer becomes ineffective, the acid produced can directly affect the stomach tissue and causes ulcer.
Stomach ulcers are easy to cure, but they can cause significant problems if left untreated.

Causes

Stomach ulcers are caused by one of the following:

• An infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori
• Extensive Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and naproxen
• There is a condition known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome that can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers by increasing the body’s production of acid.
  
   Hypothetically it is a rare syndrome to see among the most affected cases.

Common causes are genetics, smoking, stress, and some foods

Symptoms

The Basic symptom of a stomach ulcer is indigestion.

Indigestion causes pain or discomfort in the stomach area. Although this symptom is a vague one and often mistaken as a common one, ulcers can only be identified as gnawing or biting pain.

Some people may have a hungry sensation.

Other symptoms include:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Extreme pain on the stomach
• Bloating

Stomach ulcer symptoms often go unnoticed and change over time which makes them difficult to spot.

Treatment

Treatment will vary depending on the strength of your ulcer. Most ulcers can be treated with doctor consultation, but in rare cases, surgery may be required.

• If your stomach ulcer is the result of H. pylori, you’ll need antibiotics called PPIs. PPIs block the stomach cells that produce acid.

• In addition, treatments include stopping the use of all NSAIDs, using H2 receptor blockers, and providing bismuth supplements.

If you have a bleeding ulcer, you’ll be hospitalized for intensive treatment with methodologies like endoscopy.
Even if your symptoms disappear, you should continue to take the medications prescribed.

Prevention

Preventions to ulcers can be attained by following a healthy diet that protects you from this problem.
Additionally adding foods like

• Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, radishes, and leafy greens such as spinach can lower down the infection of ulcers to your stomach.
• Fruits like apples, blueberries are found to be most effective to prevent stomach ulcers.

Have this in mind “Stay away from spicy and sour foods while an ulcer is healing”.