What Are the Preventions of Ulcers?

Fortunately, ulcers can be prevented. Besides avoiding the foods that aggravate symptoms, you can also quit smoking, limit alcohol and caffeine intake, and reduce stress. Certain types of medicines may be prescribed, including NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) (such as aspirin and ibuprofen). Other types of drugs include H2-blockers, which reduce stomach acid and histamine production, and other drugs.

Although NSAIDs are effective at reducing stomach pain, they can actually lead to ulcers if taken too often. Acetaminophen, which is present in some cough and cold liquids, is a common NSAID that is not associated with ulcers, but if used in excess can harm the stomach lining. In order to reduce your risk of ulcers, make sure that you consult your doctor.

If you notice that your stomach is hard or becomes painful to the touch, call a doctor immediately. If you notice dark blood in your stool, call your doctor right away. You should also seek medical care if you feel faint or lightheaded. NSAIDs and Helicobacter pylori are two of the most common causes of ulcers. Symptoms should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.

If the pain is mild and reversible, you may have a non-perforated ulcer. In this case, surgery is required. An endoscope is inserted into the stomach with a thin flexible tube. The doctor can also take an x-ray. A barium enema can also be performed. X-rays are not required unless the ulcer is large enough to make it impossible to do so.

A peptic ulcer occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes damaged by digestive acids. There are two types of peptic ulcers: duodenal and gastric. Both can occur simultaneously. The most common symptom is upper abdominal pain. If you don't have this condition, you should consult your doctor. The symptoms may be a sign of a larger problem. The symptoms of a peptic ulcer vary from person to person, but the main symptom is usually upper abdominal pain.

Causes

The main causes of stomach and duodenal ulcers are Helicobacter pylori infection and certain anti-inflammatory drugs. Genetics, smoking, and stress are all factors that increase stomach acid levels. Also, alcohol consumption is linked to the occurrence of ulcers. It wears down the stomach lining and increases the risk of stomach cancer. While there is no known cure for ulcers, preventing them is the best way to prevent their onset.

Infections with Helicobacter pylori are common and often go undetected. Nearly half of the world's population has an infection with H. pylori, which can cause a stomach ulcer if it grows in the lining. It is unknown how this infection is spread, but it can be passed from person to person by direct contact, water, or food. The best way to prevent an infection from spreading is to treat the infection with an antibiotic.

Aside from antibiotics, there are other simple measures that you can take to prevent an ulcer from spreading. Taking NSAID pain relievers regularly can also help prevent an ulcer from developing in the first place. If you have an ulcer, you should seek medical care immediately. While ulcers are not caused by stress, they can be aggravated by various factors, including NSAID pain relievers. It is important to avoid stress and spicy or acidic foods, and try to limit these habits to prevent an ulcer.

Treatments for ulcers depend on the severity of the condition. While antacids and acid-suppressing medicines can help relieve the symptoms for a short period of time, these medications are not effective for the long-term. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. The treatment may include antibiotics for the H. pylori infection. This type of medicine will usually be prescribed twice a day for one week.

Conclusion

One of the most common symptoms of an ulcer is a dull, burning pain in the abdomen, which usually occurs during the morning or afternoon, or even during the night. The pain may also be severe enough to wake you up during the night. An x-ray of the stomach is required to determine the exact cause. If you suspect you have an ulcer, a healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and prescribe treatment based on the severity of the problem.