If you have been diagnosed with stomach ulcers, or if you want to know if your symptoms are caused by a stomach ulcer, then this important message could be exactly what you need right now.
First we discuss all the signs and symptoms of all types of stomach ulcers, and then we provide some interesting facts on the most popular treatments (both pharmaceutical and natural) with Dr. Alhaji Alhassan Zachariah of the Community Hospital, Ashongman.
Stomach Ulcers
It’s a condition resulting from ulceration of the stomach lining, characterized by intense stomach pains.
- Causes of stomach ulcers?
i. Persistent saturation
ii. Excessive acid secretion in the stomach
iii. Helicobacter pylori infection
- Symptoms of stomach ulcers(primary and secondary)
Primary
i. Abdominal pains(after meals)
ii. Epigastria
iii. Nausea
iv. Heart burns
Secondary
i. Vomiting
ii. Intense stomach pains
iii. Malaena (dark or bloody stools)
- The various types of ulcers Peptic Ulcer
any ulcer that is exposed to pepsin is referred to as peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are found in the lining of your stomach or duodenum. Pepsin is normally present along with hydrochloric acid in the stomach lining. There are many symptoms that are worth checking out
Gastric Ulcer
when a peptic ulcer is in your stomach, it is called a gastric ulcer. The symptoms of gastric ulcers are more specific than peptic ulcer symptoms.
Duodenal Ulcer
when a peptic ulcer is in your duodenum, it is called a duodenal ulcer. This type of peptic ulcer develops in the first part of the small intestine. Some of the symptoms of a duodenal ulcer are interestingly quite opposite to those of gastric ulcers. Duodenal ulcers are the most common ulcers found in the Western world.
Lesser Known types of Ulcers
Esophageal Ulcer
This type of ulcer occurs in the lower end of your esophagus. Esophageal ulcers are often associated with a bad case of acid reflux, or GERD as it is commonly called (short for Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease).
Bleeding Ulcer
internal bleeding is caused by a peptic ulcer which has been left untreated. When this happens, it is now referred to as a bleeding ulcer - this is the most dangerous type of ulcer. See your doctor immediately if you are showing symptoms.
Refractory Ulcer
Refractory ulcers are simply peptic ulcers that have not healed after at least 3 months of treatment.
Stress Ulcer
Stress ulcers are a group of lesions (or lacerations) found in the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. These are normally only found in critically ill or severely stressed patients.
- Preventive measures for stomach ulcers
i. Eating on time
ii. Not abusing medications(NSAIDS)
iii. Minimize/Trace fruits/ Juice after meals
- What are the natural remedies for treating stomach ulcers
i. Observe at least the three square meals a day.
- Complications of stomach ulcers
i. Gastric Perforation(Bleeding from sore in the stomach leading to Anemia)
ii. Anemia
iii. Bleeding from the ulcers
Ghanahospitals.org/ Jenifer Adu-Gyamfi
