This Common Mistake Could Be Worsening Your Stomach Ulcers Health! Find Out!

A stomach ulcer can be an extremely painful and bothersome issue. If you’re suffering from stomach ulcer disease, also mainly known as peptic ulcer disease, it means that you have a form of open sore in the lining of your stomach or the first part of your small intestine, called the duodenum. This disease is common and can happen to almost anyone. The one good thing is that while it is painful, it is also treatable, if you get it treated as soon as possible. There are also certain things that we should avoid helping manage the problem better. This article provides an overview of all the causes, symptoms, and stomach/peptic ulcer disease treatments, as well as tips on how to prevent common mistakes and manage the condition better. 

Causes of a Stomach/Peptic Ulcer 

Peptic ulcer disease can happen to anyone and can be caused by several reasons, all of which have been listed below for your reference: 

• H. pylori infection: It is a common bacterial illness that resides in your stomach. Many people remain unaffected, but occasionally it outgrows and takes control. As the bacteria grow, they chew into the stomach lining, producing persistent inflammation and stomach/peptic ulcer disease symptoms. 
• NSAIDs: Overuse of NSAIDs can also cause stomach/peptic ulcers in the stomach and/or small intestine. Common medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin fall under this category of medication and can irritate your stomach’s lining. Overuse can erode and wear away at the lining of your stomach, which in turn can cause ulcers. 
  
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: This is an uncommon disorder in which your stomach produces excessive gastric acid, which destroys the lining. This can lead to stomach/peptic ulcer disease. 
• Severe physiological stress: Major psychological stress can be another cause of such ulcers in your stomach. This can happen because of the pH imbalance that is caused by this type of stress. This increases acidic levels in your stomach and can cause ulcers easily. 
  

Stomach Ulcer/Peptic Ulcer Disease Symptoms 

A stomach/peptic ulcer mainly causes burning pain in one singular spot within the area of your stomach, though other symptoms may arise in people, all of which have been listed below for your reference:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
  
• Pain that radiates to the back (which can be a symptom of the ulcer’s penetration)
  
• A burning feeling that feels like hunger pains
  
• Pain that is worsened by eating meals can mean that you might be suffering from a gastric ulcer.
  
• Pain that lessens with meals (this may mean that you have a duodenal ulcer)
  
• Indigestion
  
• Weight loss
  
• Bloating, belching, or gaseous pain
  

There is also a form of ulcer called silent ulcers, which only present symptoms at a much later and more serious stage when the open sore may start bleeding or perforation (hole). These symptoms are as follows:

• Paleness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Black blood when you defecate
  
• Vomit starts looking like coffee grounds.
  
• Sudden abdominal pain
  

Common Mistakes That Worsen Stomach Ulcer/Peptic Ulcer Disease

Dietary Habits:

Certain food items should be strictly prohibited from your diet if you’ve been diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease. Oftentimes, people tend to forget the repercussions of an unhealthy diet and start consuming these foods. This can often lead to worse symptoms and a delay in the healing process. Foods that you should avoid if you have a stomach/peptic ulcer are: 

• Baked goods 
  
• Cheese
  
• Cream soups 
  
• Citrus fruits 
  
• Dairy products 
  
• Chocolate 
  
• Fried and spicy foods 
  
• High-sodium condiments 
  
• Tomatoes

Irregular consumption of medication:

Medicines prescribed by doctors are important, but people tend to stop taking them as soon as symptoms subside. Antibiotic medications are meant to be taken for a fixed period, and if you do not complete the course, then your ulcer has a higher chance of relapsing. 

Stress and fear:

While this issue is treatable, these emotions are natural to come by; however, if you do not manage them better, they can cause greater acid secretion in the body, worsening your ulcers. 

Overuse of anti-inflammatory medications: 

Taking too much aspirin and ibuprofen can cause ulcers to happen, and oftentimes, it can aggravate the already-present situation.

Inadequate water intake:

Something as simple as drinking water can have a major effect on peptic ulcer disease. Not drinking the daily required intake of water can also hinder the healing process of such ulcers and oftentimes cause relapse as well.

Alcohol and Tobacco:

Alcohol consumption and smoking can worsen stomach ulcers and can also cause a relapse.  

Stomach Ulcer/Peptic Ulcer Disease Treatments

Certain methods are used to treat and diagnose stomach/peptic ulcers. A doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, among other things. After that, certain tests may be prescribed for diagnosis. Tests like endoscopy, upper GI X-ray series, breath test, blood test, and/or stool test may be done to get a better idea. 

For peptic ulcer disease treatment and management, there are two options you can opt for, which have been listed below: 

Medications:

• Antibiotics like Tetracycline and Metronidazole (for H. pylori infection) 
  
• Cytoprotective agents like Sucralfate and Misoprostol (which coat and protect your stomach’s lining) 
  
• H2 blockers like Famotidine and Cimetidine (which reduce stomach acid) 
  
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Esomeprazole protect the stomach lining and reduce stomach acid levels. 
  

Medical procedures:

• Pyloroplasty (removing scar tissue and/or opening the sore) 
• Vagotomy (cutting off the nerve that triggers the production of stomach acid) 
  
• Endoscopy (cauterizing and/or injecting medicine into the sore) 
  
• Stitching the wound (if you have a hole in your stomach) 
  

Conclusion

Stomach or peptic ulcer disease is a bothersome and painful issue that is treatable and caused by factors such as H. pylori infection and overuse of NSAIDs. Peptic ulcer disease symptoms are also easily manageable if you do not make certain mistakes, such as eating spicy foods, consuming alcohol, and smoking, to name a few. Medical procedures can also be necessary in rare cases.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What are the common mistakes that could worsen stomach ulcers?
   
   Answer:- Common mistakes that could worsen stomach ulcers include smoking, drinking alcohol, taking certain medications like aspirin, and eating spicy or acidic foods.
   
   
2. Are there specific foods to avoid if you have peptic ulcer disease?
   
   Answer:- Yes, spicy foods, acidic foods, caffeine, and baked goods should be avoided if you have peptic ulcer disease, as they can worsen the symptoms.
   
   
3. Can untreated peptic ulcer disease lead to complications?
   
   Answer:- Untreated peptic ulcer disease can lead to complications such as bleeding ulcers and perforation of the stomach or intestine.
   
   
4. How can I prevent peptic ulcer disease from worsening?
   
   Answer:- To prevent peptic ulcers from worsening, it is important to avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, follow a healthy diet, manage stress, and take medications as prescribed.
   
   
5. What medical procedures are done to treat ulcers?
   
   Answer:- Medical treatments for ulcers include pyloroplasty, endoscopy, and vagotomy.