Thursday, March 28, 2024

Will A Stomach Ulcer Cause Bloating

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Warning Signs And Symptoms

Indigestion English Medical video

Weight loss is one of the main warning signs for serious bloating. If you find yourself losing more than a few pounds without changing your diet or starting a new exercise regimen, that should be cause for concern, especially if its 10 percent or more of your body weight. Weight loss can be caused by tumors that press on the intestines, making you feel full after just a small amount of food, or from substances secreted by tumors that suppress your appetite.

Ascites is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen or pelvis. It can cause bloating, weight gain, and a rapidly expanding waistline. Ascites is usually caused by liver disease, but cancer is the culprit about 10 percent of the time. A large amount of fluid can make you look and feel like youre several months pregnant. The combination of bloating and jaundice, which turns the eyes and skin yellow, can be a sign of cancer thats spread to the liver, although it can also occur with more benign forms of liver disease like hepatitis.

Blood in your stool, vaginal bleeding in between periods, or postmenopausal vaginal bleeding can all be associated with serious bloating. Fortunately, the most common causes of these symptoms arent the most serious, but bleeding should always be evaluated because it can be a sign of cancer, particularly colon or uterine cancer.

How Is Bloating Treated

Bloating will usually go away by itself if you adjust your diet for a while. Cut down on salty foods, carbohydrates and fizzy drinks. For some people, it can help to avoid foods that contain onion or garlic, wheat, rye, lactose products or stone fruit.

Bloating caused by constipation can be treated by eating more high-fibre foods, increasing the amount of water that you drink, and exercising regularly. Some people may need laxatives to treat constipation.

If you have a medical condition such as coeliac disease, you will need to follow a strict diet to prevent bloating and other symptoms. If you have IBS, following a high-fibre diet and the low FODMAP diet may help. This involves cutting out some dairy products, wheat and other grains, and some fruits and vegetables. Talk to a health professional such as your doctor or a dietitian before starting this diet to make sure it is right for you.

If you have a food intolerance, you may need to try an elimination diet to find out which food or foods are causing your problems. Your doctor or dietitian will advise you.

Some people find that probiotics containing lactobacillus and bifidobacterium can help with bloating by reducing the production of gas in the gut.

Ways To Avoid Bloating After Eating

Once you know the reasons behind bloating,you can take steps to deal with it. Here is what you can do to keep bloating at bay.

1. Avoid Carbonated Drinks

You should avoid carbonated drinks or at least limit their intake. Drink more of these drinks and carbon dioxide will build up in your system. This will lead to bloating. The best thing is to stick with plain water or add a slice of lemon to make it taste better.

2. Eat Slowly

Do not eat too fast because this makes you swallow air that leads to bloating after eating. Take more time to eat this keeps you from swallowing air and also helps reduce your overall food intake.

3. Take a Walk

Go for a walk after you eat your meal. Even a short walk after a meal can work wonders in reducing the gas buildup that usually leads to bloating. Besides, walking will also benefit your overall health.

4. Mind the Food You Eat

Whats more, several difficult-to-digest, bloat-inducing foods can make things extremely difficult when you are already having a hard time dealing with bloating after eating.

5. Try a Supplement

You can find gas-busting or anti-gas supplements such as a-galactosidase tablets to avoid dealing with gas after eating certain foods. These pills not just help relieve bloating, but they also prove effective against flatulence and belching. You need to take most of these supplements before every meal, but talk to your doctor about how often you should take it.

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Burning Retrosternal Or Epigastric Pain

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Burning retrosternal or epigastric pain top middle part of your abdomen is a sign you may have an ulcer. Increasing levels of acid causes inflammation of the lining of the stomach or small intestine, due to degradation of the protective factors within the gastric mucosal barrier, Dr. Michelle Groves , FRACGP, says. Food often makes the pain worse as this stimulates more acid production.

What Causes A Peptic Ulcer

Get Rid Of The Bacteria In Your Stomach That Causes Ulcer, Heartburn ...

Causes of peptic ulcers include

Sometimes peptic ulcers are caused by both NSAIDs and H. pylori.

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Burning Pain In The Abdomen

Persistent burning pain in the abdomen is one of the first signs of a stomach ulcer. The sensation of pain occurs when juices in the stomach, which help in digestion, come into contact with an open sore in the stomach lining.

In most cases, the pain is felt from the breast bone to the navel, and it often worsens during the night. If you skip meals, particularly breakfast, you may also experience this burning sensation in the stomach during the daytime.

If the dull and burning ache of the ulcer often turns into a sharp, stabbing pain, it is a sign that your ulcer is acting up and you need medical help. It could mean that the ulcer has caused a more critical problem like a perforation in the wall of your stomach or intestine, or a blockage in your digestive tract, and it is triggering intense pain.

How Long Does A Bloated Stomach Last

If your bloating is due to something you ate or drank or to hormone fluctuations, it should begin to ease within a few hours to days. If you are constipated, it wont go down until you start pooping. Water, exercise and herbal teas can help encourage all of these things along. If it doesnt go away or gets worse, seek medical attention.

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Possible Causes Of Bloating In Upper Abdomen

Abdominal bloating is a health condition in which the upper abdomen is gaseous, may be visibly swollen or distended, and feels uncomfortably full. Its a common complaint among both children and adults, and the symptoms can be difficult to live with. Moreover, it can also be accompanied by burping or belching, pain, excessive gas or flatulence,swallowing of air, and abdominal rumbling.

Are Peptic Ulcers Painful

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The pain of ulcer disease correlates poorly with the presence or severity of active ulceration. Some individuals have persistent pain even after an ulcer is almost completely healed by medication. Others experience no pain at all. Ulcers often come and go spontaneously without the individual ever knowing that they are present unless a serious complication occurs.

Symptoms and signs of peptic ulcers disease vary. Some people with stomach ulcers do not have any symptoms or signs while others may have a few or several.

The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is a dull or burning pain in the stomach. The pain may be felt anywhere between your belly button and breastbone. Pain from a peptic or stomach ulcer

  • usually happens when your stomach is empty, for example, such as between meals or during the night
  • may stop briefly if you eat or take antacids
  • may last for minutes to hours
  • may come and go for several days, weeks, or months
  • Peptic ulcer other symptoms and signs that are less common include

  • bloating,
  • Cigarette smoking not only causes ulcers, but it also increases the risk of complications from ulcers such as bleeding, obstruction, and perforation. Cigarette smoking also is a leading cause of failure of treatment for ulcers.

    Contrary to popular belief, alcohol, coffee, colas, spicy foods, and caffeine have no proven role in ulcer formation. Similarly, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that life stresses or personality types contribute to ulcer disease.

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    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.

    Antacids And H2 Blockers

    Antacids

    Antacids neutralize existing acid in the stomach. Antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta, and Amphojel are safe and effective treatments. However, the neutralizing action of these agents is short-lived, and frequent dosing is required. Magnesium containing antacids, such as Maalox and Mylanta, can cause diarrhea, while aluminum containing agents like Amphojel can cause constipation. Ulcers frequently return when antacids are discontinued.

    H2 blockers

    Studies have shown that a protein released in the stomach called histamine stimulates gastric acid secretion. Histamine antagonists are drugs designed to block the action of histamine on gastric cells and reduce the production of acid. Examples of H2 blockers are cimetidine , nizatidine , and famotidine . While H2 blockers are effective in ulcer healing, they have a limited role in eradicating H. pylori without antibiotics. Therefore, ulcers frequently return when H2 blockers are stopped.

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    Living With Peptic Ulcer Disease

    Most ulcers heal within about 8 weeks. Peptic ulcers come and go. You have to do what you can to reduce your risk. If you smoke or chew tobacco, ask your doctor about how to quit. Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid foods that cause discomfort. These include alcohol, coffee, caffeinated soda, fatty foods, chocolate, and spicy foods. Avoid eating late at night. Talk to your doctor about alternatives to NSAIDs. Take all medicines with plenty of water.

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    What Does A Stomach Ulcer Feel Like

    Initial Symptom Of A Stomach Ulcer Is Bloating

    Stomach ulcer pain usually begins in the upper-middle parts of the abdomen, above the belly button, and below the breastbone. Heartburn covers a broader area and tends to be higher in the chest. The pain is often very similar to heartburn and may feel like burning or gnawing that may go through to the back. The onset of the pain may occur several hours after a meal when the stomach is empty.

    You could have heartburn and ulcer pain at the same time. Pain may vary from a few minutes to several hours. Usually, people complain that their heartburn is worse at night. It can be relieved with foods, antacids, or even vomiting. If you suspect you have a stomach ulcer, seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent any complications. These symptoms could only worsen with time if your ulcer goes untreated. Getting these symptoms diagnosed by a trained gastroenterologist for timely treatment is crucial for your overall health.

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    When To See A Doctor

    You must be diagnosed with a stomach ulcer, and you have symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, dizziness, tiredness, weakness, and a pale complexion Your ulcer may be bleeding.

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    You have ulcer symptoms and back pain Your ulcer can perforate the stomach wall.

    You have ulcer symptoms and vomit blood or dark red bloody stools you may have bleeding internally.

    You have an ulcer, and you become cold and clammy and feel faint.

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    Gas In The Lower Abdomen

    Below are some potential causes of gas in the lower abdomen.

    Fermentation

    A person experiencing symptoms of gas in the lower part of their belly or abdomen may be experiencing gas from fermentation.

    Stomach acid helps to break down food and pass it on to the intestines. The intestines break down the food even further in a process that sometimes releases gases. These gases either make their way to the stomach and leave the body as a burp or travel through the intestines and leave the body as flatulence.

    Some foods may produce gas more than others. The list some common foods that may cause gas, including:

    • greens, such as kale, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts
    • vegetables, such as onions, cauliflower, and broccoli
    • beans, including black, pinto, and kidney beans
    • dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream
    • high fiber foods, such as whole grains and fruits
    • sugar substitutes and sweeteners, such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol

    Irritable bowel syndrome

    Irritable bowel syndrome is an umbrella term for a group of digestive symptoms that can cause pain, discomfort, and changes in bowel movements.

    A person with IBS may experience an excessive amount of intestinal gas. This excess gas may lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence. Other possible symptoms of IBS include:

    • constipation

    In extreme cases, the small intestine may be unable to absorb sufficient nutrients from food. This may lead to complications, such as weight loss and anemia.

    Food intolerances

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    When To Talk To Your Health Care Provider

    Bloating can be normal, but it can also be a sign of serious conditions. Its important to keep track of what foods cause you to feel bloated, but also note if you experience other symptoms that have accompanied bloating.

    If you notice a drastic change in weight or changes in your bowel movementssuch as changes in color or consistencyyou need to tell your provider that as well, as they can be signs of an underlying condition, Hoffman said. If you ate too much and are having trouble digesting your food, then you know that was the likely cause of your bloating and cramping, but if its come on suddenly with a healthy diet, you should err on the side of caution and visit your provider.

    What Causes Stomach Ulcers

    Grape Juice

    Your stomach normally produces acid to help with the digestion of food and to kill germs . This acid is corrosive, so some cells on the inside lining of the stomach and the first part of the gut known as the duodenum produce a natural mucous barrier. This protects the lining of the stomach and duodenum.

    There is normally a balance between the amount of acid that you make and the mucous defence barrier. An ulcer may develop if there is an alteration in this balance, allowing the acid to damage the lining of the stomach or duodenum. Causes of this include the following:

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    Does Pantoprazole Cause Bloating

    The link between bloating and pantoprazole is not clear. Short-term PPI for a week or two is unlikely to cause bloating. However, studies show that long-term pantoprazole is linked to increased risks of bloating.

    In one study, 8-week and 6-months PPI treatments were associated with increased bloating and flatulence in more than 80% of patients.

    The researchers in this study used esomeprazole instead of pantoprazole. However, similar effects should result from pantoprazole treatment as they are closely related drugs.

    Also, the study has some limitations in its design, such as the small number of participants and the exclusion of patients with complete heartburn relief.

    However, The study gives you an insight that bloating can be a possible side effect of the long-term use of pantoprazole.

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    What Is Wind Made Up Of

    Over 90% of wind in the gut is made up of five gases: nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane. The remaining 10% contains small amounts of other gases.

    Nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide: the nitrogen and oxygen comes from swallowed air whilst the carbon dioxide is produced by stomach acid mixing with bicarbonate in bile and pancreatic juices. When these gases move into the small intestine most of the oxygen and carbon dioxide are absorbed into the blood stream and the nitrogen is passed down the large bowel . In other words, the vast majority of gut wind originates from swallowing or digestion, not from bacterial fermentation.

    Hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide: the small intestine is the place where the food we eat is digested and absorbed the residues, such as dietary fibre and some carbohydrates, then pass through to the large bowel. The colon contains different kinds of bacteria which are essential to good health and which ferment material from the small intestine, producing large volumes of gasses such as hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide. Most of these gases are absorbed into the blood stream and eventually excreted in the breath but the rest is passed as flatus.

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