Stomach ulcers (peptic ulcer)

Did you know that there is bacteria in your stomach??Its called helicobacter pylori and it was responsible for around 60 per cent of stomach ulcers and at least 90 per cent of duodenal ulcers.

What you think is stomach ulcer ??

A stomach ulcer (peptic ulcer) is a break in the tissue lining the stomach. Most are caused by infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Symptoms may include abdominal pain just below the ribcage, indigestion, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, blood in the vomit or bowel motions and symptoms of anemia, such as light-headedness. Treatment options include antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications.

Now lets know some of the symptoms of stomach ulcer ..

• Abdominal pain just below the ribcage

• Indigestion • Nausea • Loss of appetite • Vomiting • Weight loss • Bright or altered blood present in

vomit or bowel motions • Symptoms of anemia, such as

light-headedness • Shock due to blood loss – a

medical emergency.

Causes of stomach ulcers

It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Helicobacter pylori – bacteria is thought to be responsible for around 60 per cent of stomach ulcers and at least 90 per cent of duodenal ulcers.

Certain medications – which include aspirin or clopidogrel, taken regularly to help prevent heart attack or stroke, and drugs for arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) are thought to cause around two fifths of stomach ulcers.

Cancer – stomach cancer can present as an ulcer, particularly in older people.

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Sometimes an X-ray exam may be performed to visualize the ulcer. A liquid containing a metal element called barium is ingested for this procedure. If an ulcer is found, the physician may then do an endoscopy in which a flexible tube.

Diagnosis & tests

Doctors most commonly diagnose ulcers using endoscopy. This involves "taking a camera directly into the stomach to look for ulcers and taking biopsies to make sure the 'ulcers' aren’t really cancer or something else.

There are several other tests for the diagnosis of stomach ulcers. A physician may use a blood, stool, or breath test to detect the presence of H. pylori or antibodies to H. pylori.

A breath test consists of drinking a glass of liquid that contains a radioactive substance. This substance reacts with H. pylori so that when an individual with stomach ulcers blows into a bag, the breath will contain the radioactive carbon in the form of carbon dioxide.

What is the treatment for a stomach ulcer?Special diets are now known to have very little impact on the prevention or treatment of stomach ulcers. Treatment options can include:

•Medication .

•Subsequent breath tests.

•Changes to existing medication .

•Reducing acid .

•Lifestyle modifications .

What is a diet for ulcers and gastritis?

A diet for ulcers and gastritis is an eating plan that limits or does not include foods that irritate your stomach. Your stomach can be irritated by foods that increase stomach acid. You will need to limit or avoid drinks and foods that cause your symptoms, such as stomach pain, heartburn, or indigestion.

Which foods should I limit or avoid?

Not all foods affect everyone the same way. You will need to learn which foods cause your symptoms. Seasonings, such as pepper, increase stomach acid and may irritate your stomach. Foods that contain chocolate, are spicy, or are high in fat may also irritate your stomach. Drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine may also cause symptoms