Gastric ulcer

Gastric Ulcer is a type of Peptic Ulcer Disease that specifically occurs on the inside of the stomach. Also known as a stomach ulcer, it is a painful sore that's less than one inch in diameter.

Causes

Gastric ulcers are generally caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, although they can also be caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of a gastric ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the stomach area that lasts between 30 minutes and 3 hours. This pain is often misinterpreted as heartburn, indigestion or hunger. Other symptoms can include weight loss, not wanting to eat because of pain, nausea or vomiting, bloating, burping, acid reflux and anemia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of gastric ulcers involves tests to detect the H. pylori bacteria, blood tests, stool tests or a breath test. Doctors may also opt for an Endoscopy to look at the inside of the stomach and a biopsy may be taken to test for H. pylori.

Treatment

Treatment for gastric ulcers depends on the cause of the ulcer. Most ulcers can be treated with a prescription from your doctor, but in rare cases, surgery may be required. It's important to promptly treat gastric ulcers as they can cause serious health problems, including life-threatening bleeding.

Prevention

Prevention methods for gastric ulcers include avoiding alcohol, not smoking, not mixing alcohol with medication, trying to avoid using NSAIDs when possible, and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Gastric ulcer Resources
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