Painful sores that appear on the lining of the stomach or upper portion of the small intestine are called stomach ulcers, often referred to as gastric ulcers. The delicate lining of the stomach is exposed to stomach acid due to the erosion of the mucus layer that lines it. This is the main cause of these symptoms.Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, infection is the most frequent cause of stomach ulcers. These microorganisms erode the stomach's and small intestine's protective mucous layer, leaving them more vulnerable to stomach acid injury. The prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), which can irritate the stomach lining and raise the risk of ulcer formation, is another important contributing factor. Examples of NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.A burning sensation in the stomach region, especially after meals and at night, is one of the main symptoms of stomach ulcers. Other symptoms may also exist. Eating or using antacids can briefly relieve this ache. Nausea, vomiting, bloating, and a discomforting or full sensation are possible additional symptoms.In order to diagnose stomach ulcers, a patient's medical history, physical examination, and procedures like endoscopy—which includes inserting a flexible tube equipped with a camera into the digestive tract to directly view the stomach lining—are usually combined. Tests for H. pylori infection can also be performed on the breath, blood, or feces.The etiology of stomach ulcers determines how to treat them. Antibiotics and acid-reducing drugs are administered together to treat H. pylori-caused ulcers in order to get rid of the bacteria and let the ulcer heal. Acid-reducing drugs, such as H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), assist lessen stomach acid production, allowing the ulcer to heal and avoiding recurrence. Preventing the development or recurrence of ulcers also involves controlling stress and staying away from NSAIDs.Rarely, issues like bleeding, perforation (a hole in the stomach lining), or obstruction could arise and call for emergency care. Nonetheless, the majority of stomach ulcers heal fully and without problems with the right care and lifestyle modifications.Avoiding risk factors like overusing NSAIDs, controlling stress, and swiftly treating a detected H. pylori infection are all important in preventing stomach ulcers. Reducing the chance of stomach ulcers also involves maintaining a healthy diet and way of life, which includes giving up smoking and consuming less alcohol. Encouraging and preventing complications related to stomach ulcers require routine medical examinations and timely treatment of any symptoms.
