Symptoms of Stomach Ulcer

How to Recognize the Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

An ulcer is a lesion that develops on the skin or mucus membranes of the body. Ulcers that occur in the stomach or small intestines are known as a peptic ulcers. A peptic ulcer in the stomach is also called a gastric ulcer. Ulcers may be caused by lifestyle factors like diet and stress, or an excess amount of stomach acids. However, the majority are caused by an infection caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Ulcer symptoms are acute for some people and mild for others. Sometimes ulcers are asymptomatic, meaning a person who has them experiences no symptoms whatsoever.

Ad

Edit

1. 
   1
   Pay attention to pain in you abdomen anywhere between your breastbone and your belly button. The pain can vary in severity and duration, lasting anywhere from a couple of minutes to several hours. It often occurs between meals as your stomach empties, and could be described as a burning, stabbing or aching pain.

   • Often pain caused by ulcers can be temporarily relieved by eating foods that buffer the acid in the stomach, or by taking an over-the-counter antacid medication.
   • If your stomach pain is caused by ulcers, flareups may occur at night and whenever you are hungry.
2. 
   2
   Watch for other symptoms of ulcers that sufferers have reported. All of these symptoms don't occur for all people, but you may experience a combination of any of them.

   • An increase in the amount of gas and burping.
   • A feeling of fullness and an inability to drink a lot of liquids.
   • Being hungry a couple of hours after eating a meal.
   • Mild nausea, most common on first waking in the morning.
   • An overall feeling of being tired and not feeling well.
   • Loss of appetite.
   • Weight loss.
3. 
   3
   Recognize the symptoms of a severe ulcer. If left untreated, ulcers can cause internal bleeding and other problems, leading to a medical emergency.

   • Vomiting, especially if blood is present, can be an indication of advanced ulcers.
   • Dark, tarry or pasty stool may also be a sign of severe ulcers.
   • Bloody stools.
4. 
   4
   See your doctor if you are experiencing any ulcers symptoms. Ulcers are a serious condition that require medical treatment. Over-the-counter products may provide temporary relief, but they do not treat the condition.
5. 
   5
   Know if you are more likely to get stomach ulcers. While stomach ulcers can present for any number of reasons, to most any individual, people most at risk to develop them include:

   • People infected by the H. pylori bacterium.
   • People who regularly take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen.
   • People with a family history of ulcers.
   • People who regularly drink alcohol.
   • People who have illnesses or diseases associated with the liver, kidney, or lung.
   • People older than 50 years of age..

   
   
6.