Stomach ulcers plague people from all walks of life. Those afflicted with the medical condition are forced to strictly regulate their diets and take an assortment of treatments. Despite its popularity, there are many myths about ulcers. Spicy foods and stress, for instance, cannot solely contribute to an ulcer. In the vast majority of cases, a bacteria known as H. pylori is the culprit. Stomach ulcers include the gastric, peptic and duodenal regions. All stomach ulcers entail sores on the lining of the digestive tract.
Dangers of an Ulcer
Unattended stomach ulcers can eventually lead to death. As time goes on, the sore areas start bleeding. This will become evident through several symptoms including episodes of dizziness or fainting, vomiting blood, nausea, back or chest pains and a black stool.
The Most Common Ulcer Symptoms
The three common types of stomach ulcers have very similar symptoms. A person dealing with a gastric, peptic or duodenal ulcer could experience any or all of the following: abdominal discomfort after eating a meal, acid reflux, heartburn and sharp abdominal pains.
What to Do if You Have an Ulcer
Many medical professionals recommend getting tested for H. pylori, because that is the leading cause of an ulcer. If a person is tested positive for the bacteria, the likeliness of an ulcer is much greater. Consulting with a doctor is the best course of action for initially addressing the problem.
Medications That Reduce Acid Production
The most common types of medications for ulcers include histamine H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. Both treatments reduce the amount of acid the stomach makes. A reduction in acid production will begin the process of healing sores. Most ulcers heal within 8 weeks.
Precautions During the Healing Process
Many doctors recommend that ulcer patients adopt several healthy practices while healing from ulcers. Smoking should be stopped completely, as should spicy foods if they cause heartburn. Professionals also recommend limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption. If either is taken, it should only be so in small amounts and while on a full stomach.
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