Stomach ulcer Signs & How Stomach Ulcer is Diagnosed And Treatment

What are stomach Ulcers?

Stomach ulcers are sometimes referred to as peptic ulcers. 

Two types of stomach ulcers are:

1: gastric ulcers 

2:duodenal ulcers

 Gastric ulcers are sores that form on the stomach's lining.

 Duodenal ulcers are sores that occur on the upper portion of the small intestinal tract.

The body produces mucus as a layer of protection to shield the linings of your small stomach from the stomach acid required to digest food. When the mucus layer becomes damaged or isn't functioning correctly, acid starts to harm the lining in the stomach and the small intestine, leading to an ulcer. 

Many people believe that spicy foods or stress can cause ulcers; however, while they can cause more existing ulcers, they do not cause them.

Ulcers are typically caused by an infection caused by the common bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori or the regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin. Other variables, like being over 50 years old, smoking or consuming steroid products, genetics, and frequent drinking, could increase the risk of developing an ulcer.

What are the symptoms that indicate an ulcer?

The symptoms of stomach ulcer may be mild or severe. These are the most prominent five indications that you might be suffering from an ulcer

1. Burning pain, drowsy

The most typical indication of an ulcer in the stomach is a burning, dull pain in the stomach region. An ulcer is commonly felt after a meal when your stomach is full. It can last just some minutes, but it can last for hours.

2. Indigestion or heartburn

Ulcers can intensify the sensation of heartburn or indigestion. The burning sensation around your heart or the upper stomach happens as stomach acid rises into the stomach. If you are experiencing more cases of heartburn or indigestion, an ulcer in your stomach could be at fault.

3. Nausea or vomiting

Stomach ulcers can cause you to feel nauseous to the stomach, especially in the morning following going for a long period without eating. Ulcers trigger an inflammation reaction in the stomach, which may cause stomach contractions. If they become sufficiently strong, you might feel nauseated.

4. Color change in stool

If you notice that your stool appears black and dark, which results from the blood that has been digested, this could indicate bleeding ulcers. A bleeding ulcer is a serious medical condition requiring immediate medical care.

5. Unexplained weight loss

Sometimes stomach ulcers cause obstructions in the digestive tract due to the inflammation that they cause. The blockage can stop food from flowing through your stomach, which can lead to weight loss as well as a decreased appetite.

Diagnosis

To determine if you have an ulcer, your doctor will start by taking a medical record and then conduct a physical exam. It is then possible to take diagnostic testing, for example:

1:Tests for laboratory testing for H. Pylori. 

Your doctor may suggest tests to determine if the bacteria H. Pylori is present within your body. They may search for H. Pylori through stool, blood, or a breath test. Breath tests are the most precise.

 You must drink or consume something containing radioactive carbon to pass the breath test. Because H. pylori break down the chemical in the stomach, this happens. After that, you blow into a bag that is sealed. If H. Pylori infect you, the breath sample you take will be contaminated with radioactive carbon in Carbon dioxide.

If you're using an antacid before the test for H. Pylori, be sure that you let your physician be aware. In the event of a test that is performed, you may have to stop taking medicine for a certain period of duration due to the possibility of antacids leading to false-negative results.

2:Endoscopy: 

Your doctor may utilize a scope for examining the upper digestive tract (endoscopy). When you undergo an endoscopy, the doctor will pass an empty tube with an eye (endoscope) through your throat and then into your stomach, esophagus, and small intestine. With the help of an endoscope, your doctor will look for any ulcers.

If your physician detects the presence of an ulcer, then a tiny specimen of tissue (biopsy) can be taken to be examined in a laboratory. A biopsy will also reveal the presence of H. pylori is in the stomach lining.

Your physician is more likely to suggest an endoscopy if you're older, exhibit indications for bleeding recently experienced weight loss, or have difficulties eating or swallowing. In addition, if an endoscopy reveals an ulcer in the stomach, a follow-up endoscopy is recommended following treatment to prove that the ulcer has healed regardless of whether your symptoms improve.

3:Upper digestive sequence:

Sometimes called a barium swallow, this sequence of X-rays from the upper digestive tract creates photographs of your stomach, esophagus stomach, and small intestine. When you undergo an X-ray scan, the patient swallows the white substance (containing barium), which coats your digestive tract, and makes the appearance of an ulcer.

Treatment:

If the incision is bleeding internally, your doctor may recommend an endoscopic procedure. This entails injecting medications directly into the ulcer. Your doctor can also apply an instrument like a device called a clamp or cauterization (burning tissues) to close it to stop bleeding.

For the majority of people treating ulcers, doctors use medicines, which include:

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI): 
• These drugs lower acid levels and allow healing of the wound. PPIs comprise Prilosec(r), Prevacid(r), Aciphex(r), Protonix(r) and Nexium(r).
• Histamine receptor blockers (H2 blockers): 
• These drugs also decrease acid production. They comprise Tagamet(r), Pepcid(r), Zantac(r) and Axid(r).
• Antibiotics:
•  The drugs kill bacteria. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to cure H. pylori.
• Protective medication: 
• Like a liquid bandage, these medicines protect the ulcer by creating an ointment to protect against further damage caused by digestive acid and enzymes. Doctors generally suggest Carafate(r) and Pepto-Bismol(r).