Many people don’t understand what ulcers really are. Sometimes when they have abdominal pain, they refer to it as ulcer just because the pain is located in the abdominal area. But what really is an ulcer? Ulcer is an open wound on the lining of the digestive tract. It can be seen on the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, or anywhere along the intestinal tract. Ulcers are painful. The pain is described as a burning pain located in the middle upper abdominal area which can last for several minutes to several hours. Some individuals experience the pain soon after intake of meals or several hours after. It can also occur at night disturbing a person from his sleep. Sometimes the pain is accompanied by bloating, vomiting, and loss of appetite which can lead to unexpected weight loss. Increased acid production in the digestive system is thought to be the primary cause of ulcer. Some attribute it to the presence of a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. Use of anti-inflammatory medications like for example aspirin and ibuprofen also play a role. Their long-term use may cause damage to the lining of the stomach. Genetic predisposition and physical, emotional, and psychological stress aggravate the condition. Use of medications which neutralize the acid and medications which decrease acid production are the primary line of therapy. These medications are given for several weeks. For the H. pylori, this is treated with a triple drug therapy using two antibiotics and a medication which acts to decrease acid production. Lifestyle modification also play a very important role in the improvement of the condition. Avoidance of smoking, alcoholic beverages, caffeine, chocolates, and spicy foods are some of these. Treatment of this condition as soon as diagnosed is very important. The condition can lead to perforation of the ulcer which can further cause problems like bleeding and obstruction if left untreated. Presence of blood in the stools and pain radiating to the back are some of the signs that will make you suspect that your ulcer is progressing. |
