Stomach ulcer

A stomach ulcer, also known as gastric ulcer, is a wound inside the inner lining of the stomach which causes pain. It feels like a burning sensation or an intense pain between your chest and belly button.

A stomach ulcer can be caused by an infection with a bacteria known as helicobacter pylori or by the long-term use of common pain relievers. The condition usually heals without any lasting complications, but you may develop serious complications if the stomach ulcer is left untreated.

• A burning pain, usually between the chest and belly button. This pain is more severe when your stomach is empty.
• A dull pain in the stomach may also be present.
• Acid may flow upwards from your stomach towards your throat (heartburn), which can give you a burning feeling in your chest.
• Feeling full and bloated.
• Belching and farting.
• Bringing up food to your mouth or or vomiting.
• You may have blood in your pooh, which shows up as a red-brown substance.

Common causes of peptic ulcer are:

• Infection with helicobacter pylori.
• Long-term use pain relievers, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Stress and spicy foods do not cause stomach ulcers, but they can make your symptoms worse.

• Infection with the helicobacter pylori bacteria.
• Long-term use of pain relievers like aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen or naproxen.
• There is no clear evidence that spicy and fried foods, and alcohol consumption cause stomach ulcers. However, they may make the condition worse.
• Stomach ulcers may also be caused by acute starvation.

• When you feel a sudden sharp pain in your stomach.
• When your pass dark coloured and stick pooh.
• Worsening of the dull stomach pain.
• When you vomit blood your should visit a healthcare centre immediately to seek medical care.
• An untreated stomach ulcer may cause severe symptoms such as weight loss and difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention without delay.

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Protect yourself from infections by practising proper hand hygiene.
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
• Don't ignore the symptoms of a stomach ulcer. left untreated, it may lead to serious complications.

Self-care:

• Keep physically active by exercising regularly.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. There is no need to fast or use a special diet.
• Some things can worsen a stomach ulcer, so it is important to avoid them, such as drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods.
• Yoghurts contains a good bacteria called probiotics that helps fight helicobacter pylori.
• You can use antacids to relieve stomach pain.

Treatment options:

• Your healthcare provider will test you for a helicobacter pylori infection and recommend a treatment to fight the bacteria. This may include a combination of antibiotics and stomach acid blockers.
• You may have to use a stomach acid-blocker and antacid for a while to help your ulcer heal completely.
• If you stomach ulcer is caused by the long-term use of certain pain relievers, speak to your healthcare provider about changing to other pain relievers.
• If your stomach ulcer does not improve despite treatment, your healthcare may recommend having surgery to remove the ulcer or to patch a hole in the ulcer.

Stomach ulcers can be painful, but if you get diagnosed and treated early, the conditions will usually improve within a few weeks. If you're worried that the pain relievers that you are using put you at risk of developing a stomach ulcers, speak with your healthcare provider. They can prescribe alternatives.