Causes, Treatment & Symptoms of Ulcer
Our stomach releases a strong acid to improve digestion and protect against bacteria. It also secretes a dense coat of mucus to shield the body tissues from the acid. This acid can destroy stomach tissue and cause an ulcer if the mucus coating wears away and stops working correctly.
Stomach ulcers are sores on the stomach or small intestine linings. They grow as the stomach’s defensive mucus becomes inactive. In Pune, people working in the corporate sector are at high risk of acquiring ulcers due to the stress of modern life and a heavy intake of fast food. The ulcer should not be ignored and handled as soon as possible. Therefore, individuals affected by ulcers should visit one of the best gastroenterologist in Pune. Stomach ulcers are relatively easy to handle, but if left untreated, they can cause serious complications.
Symptoms of Ulcer
An ulcer causes a painful sensation in the stomach as well as biting abdominal pain. The following are some of the other main symptoms of ulcer:
- Pain in the stomach
- Bloating
- Feeling of sickness
- Retching
- Burning sensation in the stomach after a meal
Causes of Ulcer
The leading causes of an ulcer include:
- Infection with the pylori bacteria
- Excess use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin
- Hyperacidity
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Risks Associated with Ulcers
The main risk factors of an ulcer include:
- Bleeding
- Perforation
- Leakage of food and acid into the abdominal cavity
- Severe abdominal pain
- Black stool
Diagnosis of Ulcer
- To see if your symptoms improve, your gastroenterologist in Pune can recommend an acid-blocking drug to treat heartburn.
- Besides, if the symptoms are severe, you can need an upper diagnostic endoscopy, also known as a gastroscopy. It is a procedure in which the gastroenterologist looks through the stomach and duodenum using a small, translucent tube with a camera attached to one end.
- To see if you have H. pylori in the bloodstream, your gastroenterologist in Pune can order a blood test, a stool analysis, or a breath test. Further, the surgeon can take a tissue sample (a biopsy) during a gastroscopy to test for H. pylori.
Your gastroenterologist may advise you to make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, avoiding NSAIDs, or abstaining from alcohol. They can also prescribe the following treatment:
- The most common treatment for an ulcer caused by H. pylori is ‘triple therapy.’ It entails taking two drugs to destroy the bacteria and medication to reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces.
- Besides, taking antacids, consuming less alcohol, and stopping smoking, if you smoke, can also help.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery could be an alternative in some cases. If the ulcer returns, it may not heal, bleed, and prevent food from leaving the stomach; then, the only option left is surgery.
The surgical approach can include:
- removing the ulcer
- tying off bleeding blood vessels
- stitching tissue from another site onto the ulcer
- cutting the nerve that regulates the abdominal acid production
Prevention of Ulcer
To avoid contracting the disease, you should take the following precautions:
- Wash hands with water and soap regularly.
- Cook food hygienically.
- Avoid alcohol while taking medications.
- Manage stress properly.
- Avoid intake of tobacco products.
Ulcers are easily treatable, but they may become severe if left untreated. Don’t forget to pay attention to your body. Please contact a seasoned gastroenterologist in Pune if you are experiencing any of the discussed symptoms.