With the right treatment, stomach ulcers are easy to cure, but in the absence of medical care, it can escalate into something worse. Therefore, knowing what ulcer is and how to identify its symptoms is important, so that you can know the right time to call our home GP service in Costa del Sol for ulcer.
Introduction To stomach ulcer
Stomach ulcers are sometimes referred to as gastric ulcers. They are painful sores found in the stomach lining. Stomach ulcer is a version of peptic ulcer disease. Peptic ulcers include all ulcers that affect both the small intestines and stomach.
When the thick layer of mucus which shields the stomach from digestive juices becomes reduced, it gives room for the occurrence of stomach ulcers. This happens when the digestive acids begin to react with the tissues that line the stomach, eating away at them until ulcer results.
What Factors Are Responsible For stomach Ulcers?
Most of the recorded ulcer cases are caused by one of these:
- Being infected by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
- A rare condition known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome which increases the acid production of the body. Only 1 percent of all peptic ulcer cases is attributed to this syndrome.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Naproxen, Ibuprofen or Aspirin.
Signs Of Stomach Ulcers And The Right Time To Contact Our Home GP Service In Costa del Sol For Ulcer
Stomach ulcers come with a lot of symptoms, that is why it is important to understand them and know exactly when to call our home GP service in Costa del Sol for ulcer. The severity of the ulcers will determine the severity of the symptoms. The symptom that is most common is pain or a burning sensation in the middle of the abdomen, between the chest and belly button. Usually, when the stomach is empty the level of pain becomes more intense and this can last anything between few minutes to several hours.
Below are more symptoms of ulcers:
- Weight loss
- The feeling of being full after a little food intake
- Dull stomach pain
- Vomiting or nausea
- Loss of appetite as a result of pain in the stomach
- Bloating
- Acid reflux or burping
- Heartburn
- Pain triggered when you drink, eat or take antacids
- Tarry, dark stools
- Vomit that contains traces of blood or lookalike-coffee particles
- Anemia with symptoms like paler skin, tiredness or shortness of breath
This article is to help you know if you have stomach ulcer. If you are seeing any of the above listed symptoms, call our home GP service in Costa del Sol for ulcer as soon as possible. The discomfort caused by ulcer may appear mild and manageable but if left untreated can become a danger to your life.