What Are Stomach Ulcers Caused From

How Do You Know If You Have A Stomach Ulcer

Youll feel pain in the center of your stomach, particularly after eating. Acid secretion in the stomach increases to help digest food. This can irritate the ulcer, causing pain.

You may also have bleeding , heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. You may stop feeling hungry or try to avoid food because of the pain, leading to weight loss.

Serious symptoms, including unexplained weight loss, bleeding, and vomiting, can also be a sign of other issues with your GI tract. Talking to your doctor is important, as they will help you figure out what is going on.

Dr. Rx

Symptoms I listen for when diagnosing this illness: Burning belly pain just above the belly button, often made better or worse by eating foods, and even causing nighttime awakening. Any signs of bleeding, such as having tarry black stools or vomiting blood, also alert me to the possibility of an ulcer. Dr. Shria Kumar

Ibuprofen And Ulcers: What Rep Debbie Dingells Emergency Surgery Can Teach Us

When Rep. Debbie Dingell woke up at 3 a.m. on Friday with intense abdominal pain, she initially thought it was just a bad bout of gas. She tried moving around, drinking water, running a hot bath and taking Gas-X and Tylenol. But nothing worked.

I was just on fire, Dingell, 67, said in a telephone interview. I could barely walk, it hurt so much.

Within hours of arriving at George Washington University Hospital later that day, Dingell was rushed into emergency surgery. The reason? A perforated ulcer, which she and her doctors believe was probably caused by her prolonged use of an over-the-counter pain reliever found in many peoples medicine cabinets: Motrin, or ibuprofen.

We think if were taking over-the-counter medicines and were not feeling anything, were okay, said Dingell, who had been using high doses of Motrin to help with lingering pain from surgery earlier this year. I didnt know I had an ulcer, she added. I had no stomach pain before this.

Taking pain relievers such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve or aspirin, also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , is one of the most common causes of ulcers, experts say. But theres a real education gap among members of the public about the potentially serious side effects of these medications, said Kyle Staller, director of the Gastrointestinal Motility Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Treat Stomach Pain For Good

Learn more about the various causes of abdominal pain in general by getting in touch with us. At the Gastro Center in New Jersey, we are always ready to help patients learn more about their concerns.

Book an appointment today and let us diagnose and treat your pain.

59 Main Street, Suite 1 West Orange, NJ 07052

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What Are The Gastrointestinal Side Effects Of Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is generally considered safe for most people when taken as directed. But, it can cause stomach problems, including some that are serious.

Examples of possible GI side effects with ibuprofen include:

• Heartburn

• GI ulcers

• Tears of the stomach, intestines, or esophagus

Serious GI problems, with or without symptoms, can happen at any time when taking NSAIDs, including ibuprofen. Thankfully, theyre pretty uncommon. Stomach ulcers, bleeding, and tears happen to around 1% of people regularly taking NSAIDs for 3 to 6 months, and 2% to 4% of those using them for 1 year.

Your risk of these serious side effects is 10 times higher if you have a history of GI bleeding or ulcers . The risk of serious GI side effects is also higher for older adults and those taking oral corticosteroids or blood thinners .

The longer you take ibuprofen, the greater your risk is of developing serious GI side effects. But even if you take ibuprofen for a short period of time, these side effects can still happen. However, one study found that people taking the maximum recommended dose of OTC ibuprofen had a similar risk of stomach side effects to those who took a placebo .

Lifestyle And Dietary Changes

Lifestyle changes to treat ulcers include:

• eating slowly

• Ear, Nose, and Throat

4 sourcescollapsed

• Gallego Pérez, B., MartÃnez Crespo, J. J., GarcÃa Belmonte, D., & MarÃn Bernabé, C. M. . L-Arginine pill induced esophageal ulcer: Causes not reported previously esophagitis for pills. Farmacia Hospitalaria, 38, 487-489

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Other Causes Of Stomach Ulcer

Other stomach ulcer causes include

• Cancer: Cancer or other diseases of the esophagus or stomach can also cause stomach ulcers.

• Alcohol: Alcohol can also cause your stomach to produce more acid, which can irritate the lining of the stomach or intestine, leading to ulcers.

• Lack of exercise: Being overweight can increase your risk of stomach ulcers.

• Bulimia and Binge Eating: involve eating large amounts of food very quickly are associated with an increased risk of developing stomach ulcers.

• Cigarette smoking: As with other tobacco-based products, cigarette smoke can lead to stomach ulcers.

• Dairy products. Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and ice cream, can cause ulcers.

• Spicy foods. Spicy foods, such as curries, chili, and peppers, can cause ulcers.

• Fried foods. Fried foods, such as fried chicken, french fries, and fried chicken, can cause ulcers by irritating the stomach lining.

Diagnosis And Tests For Stomach Ulcers

Your doctor will give you a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. To help diagnose your ulcer, they may run some tests.

A common test that your doctor may use is an endoscopy. A small, thin tube with a camera attached is inserted down your throat and into your stomach. It allows your doctor to see and diagnose an ulcer. Your doctor can also take a sample of your stomach lining to test for H. pylori bacteria.

Your doctor may run tests of your blood, breath, or stool to check for H. pylori.

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Can Stomach Ulcers Just Go Away

Some ulcers follow a chronic pattern of healing temporarily on their own and then returning. This might happen if the factors contributing to your ulcer, such as NSAID use, smoking and alcohol, are temporarily reduced and then resumed. You wont completely heal your ulcer until you eliminate the cause, whether that is chronic NSAID use, H. pylori infection or an overactive stomach. Even after successful treatment, you can get another ulcer.

Key Points About Stomach And Duodenal Ulcers In Children

• Stomach and duodenal ulcers are open sores. They happen in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum.

• Most ulcers are caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori.

• Treatment often includes antibiotics and medicines to block stomach acid production.

• Without proper treatment, people with ulcers may have serious complications. But most people are cured with treatment.

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Nsaids And Stomach Ulcers

NSAIDs carry a risk of stomach ulcers. The two most popular NSAIDs are aspirin and ibuprofen.

The risk of ulcers increases if the drugs are taken in high doses or regularly for a long time.

Stronger NSAIDs, such as those available on prescription, carry a greater risk of stomach ulcers than those that people can buy over the counter.

A person should always check labels and consult a pharmacist or a doctor about any concerns regarding using pain relief medication. They may recommend an alternative, such as acetaminophen.

How Do Nsaids Cause A Peptic Ulcer

To understand how NSAIDs cause peptic ulcer disease, it is important to understand how NSAIDs work. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce pain, fever, and inflammation, or swelling.

Everyone has two enzymes that produce chemicals in your bodys cells that promote pain, inflammation, and fever. NSAIDs work by blocking or reducing the amount of these enzymes that your body makes. However, one of the enzymes also produces another type of chemical that protects the stomach lining from stomach acid and helps control bleeding. When NSAIDs block or reduce the amount of this enzyme in your body, they also increase your chance of developing a peptic ulcer.

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Bacteria And Stomach Ulcers

Not everyone who is infected with H. Pylori develops stomach ulcers, but those who do often experience burning pain anywhere from their navel to breastbone. Stomach ulcer symptoms are frequently worse between meals and at night, with pain lasting minutes or hours. The pain can come and go for several days or weeks.

Stomach ulcers, or sores, form when the acids that help digest food damage the walls of the stomach or small intestine. H. pylori bacteria enable this process by attacking the stomach lining, which is meant to protect the stomach from its own gastric juices. Once the bacteria have caused significant damage, acid can get through the lining and cause ulcers.

What A Stomach Ulcer Feels Like

If you have a stomach ulcer, the most obvious and common symptom will be stomach pain. This pain can be either dull or burning and is often felt between the belly button and breastbone.

You can feel the pain from a stomach ulcer at any time, but it may be more obvious when your stomach is empty. You may also experience discomfort when you eat or drink, and that painful sensation can last for minutes or even hours.

Beyond pain, stomach ulcers can also cause other symptoms, including:

• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

In some cases, an ulcer can perforate or tear, a situation known as a bleeding ulcer. When this happens, you may also experience nausea, blood in your stool or dark stools, back pain, and blood in your vomit. A perforated ulcer, which occurs when the ulcer burns through the stomach wall, is considered an emergency and typically requires prompt surgical treatment.

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Types Of Stress Ulcers

The types of stress ulcers are related to the types of physical stress that causes them. While many different physical stressors can lead to stress ulcers, not all of these causes have names. Curling ulcers and Cushing ulcers are two types of stress ulcers caused by different physical stressors, and they are:

• Curling ulcers are a type of stress ulcer that is caused by systemic burns, or burns that impact 30% of the body or more.
• Cushing ulcers are a type of stress ulcer that is caused by acute traumatic brain injury.

Fast Facts On Esophageal Ulcers

• They are a type of peptic ulcer that develops in the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
• Symptoms include pain or a burning sensation behind or below the sternum, the flat bone that runs down the center of the chest.
• Medications, infections, and exposure to stomach acid are common causes.
• Treatment involves addressing the cause of the ulcer.

An esophageal ulcer is a type of peptic ulcer that develops in the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach.

Esophageal ulcers occur when the layer of mucus, which lines and protects the gastrointestinal tract, wears away.

This allows stomach acid and other gastric juices to irritate the gastrointestinal wall, leading to ulceration.

Aside from a burning pain in the center of the chest, esophageal ulcers typically cause pain or a burning sensation behind or below the sternum, in the center of the chest.

Other symptoms include:

• sour taste in the mouth
• abdominal pain

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What Are The Symptoms Of A Bleeding Ulcer

Bleeding ulcers dont always cause pain. Sometimes the first signs of a bleeding ulcer are signs of anemia. These include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

You might have a heavier bleed if you notice:

• Blood in your poop, or black poop that resembles tar.
• Bloody vomit.

These symptoms require urgent medical attention.

Possible Effects On Bone And Soft Tissue Healing

It has been hypothesized that NSAIDs may delay healing from and by inhibiting inflammation. On the other hand, it has also been hypothesized that NSAIDs might speed recovery from soft tissue injuries by preventing inflammatory processes from damaging adjacent, non-injured muscles.

There is moderate evidence that they delay bone healing. Their overall effect on soft-tissue healing is unclear.

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What Should I Do If I Think I Have A Stomach Ulcer

Always seek medical care for a stomach ulcer. While you may be able to manage symptoms temporarily with over-the-counter medications, these wont heal the ulcer. You need to identify and treat the underlying cause. An untreated ulcer can lead to serious complications, even if your symptoms are mild. The major cause of stomach ulcers, H. pylori infection, can also lead to other complications.

Differences Between Stomach Ulcers And Duodenal Ulcers

Stomach ulcers are painful sores that develop in the lining of your digestive system. Traditionally, they form in the stomach, but they may also develop in the small intestine or the esophagus. Gastric and duodenal ulcers are two of the types of peptic ulcers that we will be discussing. There are many symptoms associated with stomach ulcers. The severity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer.

Ulcers can cause many symptoms, some that are mild and infrequent or others that cause a lot of pain and linger. Symptoms of ulcers are usually painful and noticeable. A high percentage of duodenal ulcers become severe.

A common symptom is a burning sensation or pain in the middle of the stomach between your chest and your belly button.

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When Should I Go To Er

Seek emergency care if you have:

• Severe pain that doesnt go away.
• Signs of blood in your poop or bloody vomit.
• Signs of severe blood loss, such as paleness and faintness.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Stomach ulcers are common and treatable, but they should be taken seriously. Even when they dont cause symptoms, they arent a good sign. A stomach ulcer means that your natural stomach acid is overwhelming your protective stomach lining. Thats a situation that can only get worse if it isnt managed. Lifestyle changes may help, but youll still need to treat the underlying cause. Its probably either NSAID use or a common bacterial infection. Your healthcare provider can help prescribe the right medicines for your condition.

Youve Had Unexplained Vomiting

From time to time, nausea brought on by ulcers may become so intense that it could actually cause you to vomit. If that happens, stay away from medications like ibuprofen and aspirin. According to Dr. Sengupta, these over-the-counter pain medications actually put you at a higher risk of developing ulcersor make your current ulcers worse.

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Symptoms Of Stomach Ulcers

A number of symptoms are associated with stomach ulcers. The severity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer.

The most common symptom is a burning sensation or pain in the middle of your abdomen between your chest and belly button. Typically, the pain will be more intense when your stomach is empty, and it can last for a few minutes to several hours.

Other common signs and symptoms of ulcers include:

• dull pain in the stomach
• weight loss
• 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 thats bloody or looks like coffee grounds

Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms of a stomach ulcer. Even though discomfort may be mild, ulcers can worsen if they arent treated. Bleeding ulcers can become life-threatening.

Does H Pylori Cause Diarrhea

Diarrhea is not a reported symptom of h. pylori infection. However, some research found a link between H. pylori, atrophic gastritis, and the disturbance of gut microbiota.

Both atrophic gastritis and the disruption of gut microbiota can lead to diarrhea.

However, the research evidence is conflicting. And no evidence that the frequency of diarrhea is higher among H. pylori individuals than in the general population.

Also, you should note that diarrhea with H. pylori may result from antibiotics, anti-acid medications that are used to treat h. pylori. With diarrhea, your poop may look yellow and loose or watery. However, it is not a specific sign of H. pylori.

To give a picture, Here is a summary of some interesting studies about the topic:

• The use of probiotics .
• H. pylori infection may play a protective role against bacterial diarrhea in children .
• On the other hand, researchers have found a link between H. pylori infection and chronic diarrhea in children .
• Also, another Peruvian study found that acute H. pylori infection is followed by an increase in diarrhea among children .

We still need well-designed large-scale clinical studies to understand the link between H. pylori and diarrhea.

If you have your poop looking like diarrhea with H. pylori, discuss the issue with your doctor to determine the cause and the best treatment.

More:

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How Do I Know If My Stomach Pain Is Serious

According to the National Health Service, a person should seek immediate medical attention if their stomach ache is very severe or has a sudden onset.

People should contact a healthcare professional immediately if they notice other symptoms, such as vomiting blood, having difficulty passing urine or feces, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and jaundice.

What Are The Possible Complications Of Peptic Ulcer Disease

An ulcer left untreated may cause serious complications, including:

• Internal bleeding: While most people with ulcers wont have bleeding, this is the most common complication that can occur. A slow bleeding ulcer can cause anemia or even severe blood loss.
• Perforation: An ulcer that is continuously eroded by acid can eventually become a hole in the stomach or intestinal wall. This is intensely painful and also dangerous. It allows bacteria from the digestive tract to enter the abdominal cavity, which can lead to an infection of the abdominal cavity called peritonitis. From there, the infection is at risk of spreading to the rest of the body . This can lead to a life-threatening condition called .
• Obstruction: An ulcer in the pyloric channel, the narrow passageway that leads from the stomach into the duodenum, can become an obstruction that blocks the flow of food into the small intestine. This can happen after the ulcer has healed. Ulcers that have gone through a healing process may build up scar tissue that enlarges them. An ulcer that is big enough to obstruct the small intestine can stall the digestive process, with numerous side effects.
• Stomach cancer: Some gastric ulcers can become malignant over time. This is more likely when your ulcer is caused by H. pylori infection. H. pylori is a contributing cause of gastric cancer, though fortunately, this is uncommon.

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