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Stomach ulcers refer to sores located in the small intestine or the lining of a person’s stomach. They generally occur when the protective mucus that lines an individual’s stomach becomes ineffective.
Dr Mark Swaim is an esteemed gastroenterologist based in Jackson, Tennessee, USA. He has been practicing for over 20 years and treated people suffering from digestive disorders like stomach ulcers, Crohn’s disease, constipation, acid reflux, and stomach pain.
When it comes to the cause of stomach ulcers, he says the stomach of a human being creates a powerful acid. This acid helps in the digestion of the food people eat and offers protection against microbes. To protect the body from the effects of the acid, it stores a mucus that is thick in the layer.
If this mucus wears away, it cannot function effectively, and the acid damages the stomach tissue, giving rise to an ulcer. On average, it is estimated that at least one in ten people residing in countries in the West suffers from stomach ulcers at least once in their lifetime.
Treatment for stomach ulcers
Stomach ulcers can be effectively treated; however, they will cause significant health issues if you ignore them.
What are the symptoms of a stomach ulcer?
One of the most common symptoms of a stomach ulcer that people complain of is indigestion. Medically, this is known as dyspepsia. Indigestion causes discomfort and pain in the stomach. It is often misinterpreted as heartburn that generally takes accompanies the above discomfort or pain.
Heartburn is a result of acid reflux, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This takes place above the stomach, and its discomfort can often be felt at the lower region in the chest.
Note, all stomach ulcers might not cause indigestion. People should remember that stomach ulcers’ symptoms are more distinct over heartburn; however, its symptoms can be vague.
A stomach ulcer will create a burning or dull pain in the stomach. It is often referred to as a gnawing or a biting kind of a pain. Again, some people often feel a sensation like hunger.
Other common symptoms people experience with a stomach ulcer are weight loss, burping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and no wish to eat because of the pain. This pain can be alleviated by consuming antacids in the form of a liquid or tablet.
Dr Mark Swaim people ignore stomach ulcers most of the time, and many of them can also pass off unnoticed generally because there are no signs of indigestion. However, these ulcers can flare up and are diagnosed when they start to bleed. Some can be so bad they create a hole in the wall of the stomach. This condition is called perforation and is serious. People should be aware of the fact that they should never go untreated. They can change with time, and in some cases, they can be challenging for you to spot.
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