Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Stomach Ulcer

 

WHAT IS STOMACH ULCER

Stomach ulcers also known as Gastric Ulcer.  open sores that develop within the lining of your stomach. Stomach ulcers are a type of Peptic Ulcer disease. Peptic ulcers are any ulcers that affect both the stomach and small intestines.

Stomach ulcers occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices is reduced. This allows the digestive acids to eat away at the tissues that line the stomach, causing an ulcer. Stomach ulcers may be easily cured, but they can become severe without proper treatment.

 

WHAT CAUSES ULCER

In the majority of all ulcer cases, the cause of ulcers can be linked to a bacterial infection known as a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) usually present in the mucus lining of the intestine. In certain cases it can cause inflammation and lead to the formation of an ulcer.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can spread from person to person.

Long term use of pain killers such as aspirin and ibuprofen or naproxen as well as the chronic use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increase the risk of developing ulcers.

The risk factors include:

·        Smoking

·        Alcohol

·        Stress

·        Spicy foods

Rarely, a condition known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers by increasing the body’s production of acid. This syndrome is suspected to cause less than 1 percent of all peptic ulcers.

 

SYMPTOMS OF ULCER (STOMACH)

The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain that develops in your abdomen (tummy).

Not all stomach ulcers are painful. Some may only be noticed if there's a complication of a stomach ulcer, such as bleeding from the ulcer.

The pain caused by a stomach ulcer often feels like a burning pain in your tummy. It can last from a few minutes to a few hours, and often starts within a few hours of eating. You may also wake up in pain during the night. Taking antacids (indigestion medicines) may relieve the pain temporarily, but it'll keep coming back if the ulcer isn't treated.

Less common symptoms of a stomach ulcer can include:

·        Dull pain in the stomach

·        Weight loss

·        Not wanting to eat because of pain

·        Nausea or vomiting

·        Bloating

·        Feeling easily full

·        Burping or acid reflux

·        Heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest)

·        Pain that may improve when you eat, drink, or take antacids

·        Anemia, whose symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath, or paler skin

·        Dark, tarry stools

·        Vomit that’s bloody or looks like coffee grounds

Some people also find they burp or become bloated after eating fatty foods.

 

HOW CAN ULCER BE TREATED (STOMACH)

Treatment for your stomach ulcer will depend on what caused it. With treatment, most ulcers heal in a few months.

 

If your stomach ulcer is caused by a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics and a medication called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is recommended.

 

This is also recommended if it's thought your stomach ulcer is caused by a combination of an H. pylori infection and taking non-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).

 

If your stomach ulcer is just caused by taking NSAIDs, a course of PPI medication is recommended.

 

An alternative type of medication, known as H2-receptor antagonists, is occasionally used instead of PPIs.

 

Sometimes you may be given additional medication called antacids to relieve your symptoms in the short term.

 

You may have a repeat gastroscopy after 4 to 6 weeks to check that the ulcer has healed.

 

There aren't any special lifestyle measures you need to take during treatment, but avoiding stress, alcohol, spicy foods and smoking may reduce your symptoms while your ulcer heals.

 

Antibiotics

If you have an H. pylori infection, you'll usually be prescribed a course of 2 antibiotics, which each need to be taken twice a day for a week.

 

The antibiotics most commonly used are amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole.

 

The side effects of these antibiotics are usually mild and can include:

·        feeling and being sick

·        diarrhoea

·        a metallic taste in your mouth

You'll be tested at least 4 weeks after finishing your antibiotic course to see if there are any H. pylori bacteria left in your stomach. If there are, you may need a course of different antibiotics.

 

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces, preventing further damage to the ulcer as it heals naturally. They're usually prescribed for 4 to 8 weeks.

 

Omeprazole, pantoprazole and lansoprazole are the PPIs most commonly used to treat stomach ulcers.

 

Side effects of these are usually mild, but can include:

 

·        headaches

·        diarrhoea or constipation

·        feeling sick

·        stomach ache

·        dizziness

·        rashes

These should pass once treatment has been completed.

 

H2-receptor antagonists

Like PPIs, H2-receptor antagonists work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.

 

Ranitidine is the most widely used H2-receptor antagonist for treating stomach ulcers.

 

Side effects are uncommon, but may include:

·        diarrhoea

·        headaches

·        dizziness

·        rashes

·        tiredness

 

Antacids and alginates

Treatments can take several hours before they start to work, so your GP may recommend taking additional antacid medication to neutralise your stomach acid quickly and relieve symptoms in the short term.

 

Some antacids also contain a medicine called an alginate, which produces a protective coating on the lining of your stomach.

 

These medications are available to buy over the counter at pharmacies. Your pharmacist can advise on which is most suitable for you.

 

Antacids should be taken when you experience symptoms or when you expect them, such as after meals or at bedtime.

 

Antacids containing alginates are best taken after meals.

Side effects of both medications are usually minor and can include:

·        diarrhoea or constipation

·        farting (flatulence)

·        stomach cramps

·        feeling and being sick

 

 

Advice on taking NSAIDs

If your stomach ulcer has been caused by taking NSAIDs, your GP will want to review your use of them.

 

You may be advised to use an alternative painkiller not associated with stomach ulcers, such as paracetamol.

 

Sometimes an alternative type of NSAID that's less likely to cause stomach ulcers, called a COX-2 inhibitor, may be recommended.

 

If you're taking low-dose aspirin (an NSAID) to reduce your risk of embolism (blood clots), your GP will tell you whether you need to continue taking it.

 

If you do need to keep taking it, long-term treatment with a PPI or H2-receptor antagonist may be prescribed alongside the aspirin to try to prevent further ulcers.

 

It's important to understand the potential risks associated with continued NSAID use.

 

You're more likely to develop another stomach ulcer and could experience a serious complication, such as internal bleeding.

 

 

FOODS ULCER PATIENTS SHOULD EAT AND NOT EAT

 

Certain foods may help prevent stomach ulcers or relieve the symptoms.

1.  High-fiber foods

Fiber is an important part of any diet that can help regulate your digestion and has numerous other beneficial effects on your body. It helps protect against intestinal damage.

 

Foods that contain high amounts of soluble fiber include:

·        oat

·        barley

·        fruits

·        legumes

·        beans

·        root vegetables and vegetables like carrots or broccoli

Foods that contain insoluble fiber include:

·        whole grains

·        nuts

·        seeds

·        green beans

·        celery

·        cauliflower

 

2.  Foods rich in flavonoids

Flavonoids are natural chemical substances found in plants. It plays a role in preventing and treating stomach ulcers. They have several beneficial properties that can work against stomach ulcers, such as anti-inflammatory effects and reduction of acid secretion in the stomach. In addition, flavonoids may inhibit the growth of a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in your stomach. This bacterium is one of the primary causes of stomach ulcers.

 

Foods rich in flavonoids include:

·        citrus fruits

·        berries

·        apples

·        legumes

·        red wine

·        tea

 

3.  Foods high in vitamin C

Vitamin C plays an important role in the body by protecting your cells and contributing to wound healing.

 

Foods high in vitamin C include:

·        citrus fruits

·        strawberries

·        peppers

·        broccoli

·        Brussels sprouts

 

4.  Foods high in vitamin A

Vitamin A is another essential micronutrient that may be good to include in your stomach ulcer diet. This vitamin helps maintain the health of the body’s mucosal membranes, which can be damaged by stomach ulcers. It also plays a role in the body’s immune system function, which is essential to protecting the body against pathogens like H. pylori.

 

Foods high in vitamin A include:

·        eggs

·        cheese

·        carrots

·        broccoli

·        sweet potatoes

·        dark leafy greens like spinach

 

5.  Green tea

There is some evidence to suggest that green tea may be able to prevent intestinal damage that can lead to or worsen stomach ulcers.

 

There are also certain foods that can aggravate stomach ulcer symptoms.

1.  Fried or fatty foods

Fried and fatty animal-based foods are often excluded from what experts call a “bland diet”. These foods can take longer for your digestive system to process. As a result, cutting these foods out may be beneficial for people experiencing stomach ulcers because it reduces stress on the gastrointestinal tract and encourages healing.

 

2.  Acidic foods

Acidic foods are often left out of a bland diet. Reducing acidic food intake can allow the gastrointestinal tract to heal. Foods that are high in acid include tomatoes, some citrus fruits like grapefruits, and sodas. While some of these foods may contain beneficial ingredients, like vitamin C or flavonoids, it may be best to leave them out to avoid aggravating your symptoms.

 

3.  Alcohol and caffeine

Alcohol erodes the mucus layer that protects the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, which can cause inflammation and bleeding of your stomach ulcer. Additionally, caffeine can increase the production of stomach acid. It is best to eliminate these drinks from your stomach ulcer diet to allow the ulcer to heal.

 

Foods that may make acid reflux worse include:

·        coffee

·        chocolate

·        spicy food

Overeating and eating within two to three hours before bed may also worsen reflux symptoms.

 

Conclusion

Stomach ulcers are a relatively common and irritating medical condition.

 

The natural remedies listed above may help prevent the development of stomach ulcers and facilitate their healing. In some cases, they may even improve the effectiveness of conventional treatment and reduce the severity of its side effects.

 

It’s important to note that in most cases, it remains unclear whether these natural remedies are as effective as conventional treatment.

 

Thus, those suffering from ulcers should seek advice from their healthcare professional before self-medicating.

 Stomach ulcer - Symptoms - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

9 Science-Backed Home Remedies for Ulcers (healthline.com)

Stomach Ulcer: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis (healthline.com)