- Common symptoms
- How to confirm gastric ulcer
- What are the causes
- How the treatment is done
- Home treatment options
Gastric ulcer, also known as peptic ulcer or stomach ulcer, is a wound that forms in the tissue lining the stomach, caused by several factors, such as poor diet or infection by the bacteria H. Pylori, for example.
She has stomach pain, nausea and vomiting as a symptom, especially after eating, although she may also not have symptoms for a long time. Usually, the presence of an ulcer is not a very serious situation, and should be treated with antacid medications, which prevent the gastric juice present in the stomach from making the wound even bigger.
Common symptoms
Gastric ulcer causes symptoms such as:
- Severe abdominal pain in the form of a twinge, which worsens when eating or drinking; Burning pain in the "mouth of the stomach"; Nausea; Vomiting; Headache; Bleeding in the stomach wall, which can cause blood to leak in the stool, visible or identified in the stool blood test.
It is common for symptoms to become worse after eating, so your appetite can become diminished and cause weight loss.
It is also important to remember that, in addition to gastric ulcer, a duodenal ulcer can be formed, located in the first portion of the intestine, which usually causes symptoms during fasting periods or during the night.
How to confirm gastric ulcer
In order to diagnose gastric ulcer, the general practitioner or gastro physician may order an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, after identifying the symptoms that indicate this problem.
To perform this exam, the doctor will place a probe, with a microcamera on the tip, inside the individual's mouth up to his stomach, being able to clearly visualize the internal walls of the stomach and his injuries, and being able to perform biopsies of the tissue. Understand how endoscopy is done and how to prepare for the exam.
What are the causes
Gastric ulcers form when the stomach is vulnerable to its own acidity, when its defenses are weakened. Possible causes are:
- Genetic factor; Use of drugs that affect the defenses of the stomach wall, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or ASA, for example; Infection by the Helicobacter Pylori bacteria, which multiplies in the stomach and weakens its protective barrier; Consumption of alcoholic beverages, which have irritant effect; Stress, a situation that affects the defenses of the stomach lining and favors the appearance of symptoms.
In addition, an unbalanced diet, rich in fat, sugars and irritating foods such as caffeine or pepper, for example, can aggravate the symptoms and the progression of the ulcer and other gastric diseases, such as reflux. Better understand the causes of how an ulcer forms.
How the treatment is done
The treatment for gastric ulcer is made with the use of drugs that decrease stomach acidity, such as antacids or acidity inhibitors, such as Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Lansoprazole or Esomeprazole, for example, even during pregnancy.
You can also use analgesics, to control pain, and tranquilizers, so that the individual is more relaxed, as long as they are properly guided by a doctor. To eliminate H. Pylori, when identified in the exam, antibiotics are used, such as, for example, Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin.
Food should be made with cooked fruits and vegetables, grains, light dairy products, bread, and lean meats, avoiding very hot foods, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, sandwiches, fast food, fried foods and sweets in general. Also avoid foods that promote the release of gastric acid, such as coffee, black tea, mate, condiments, hot sauces and acidic fruits such as cashew, orange, lemon and pineapple. Learn more about what to eat and what not to eat in gastritis and ulcers.
Home treatment options
A great home treatment for gastric ulcer is to drink the pure juice of a potato a day, preferably on an empty stomach, taking it right after preparation.
The potato is a natural antacid that has no contraindications, very effective in case of gastritis and ulcers. Check out the recipe on home remedy for ulcer.
