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Stomach Ulcer
Stomach Ulcer is caused due to a break in the inner tissue lining of the stomach. The people suffering from stomach ulcer get lesion in the inner surface of the stomach. Duodenum, the adjoining intestinal tract can also be affected by ulcer. The lesion located in the stomach region is called gastric ulcer and the lesion located in the duodenum region is called duodenal ulcer. The gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer together are called stomach ulcer.
Stomach Ulcer is caused due to a break in the inner tissue lining of the stomach. The people suffering from stomach ulcer get lesion in the inner surface of the stomach. Duodenum, the adjoining intestinal tract can also be affected by ulcer. The lesion located in the stomach region is called gastric ulcer and the lesion located in the duodenum region is called duodenal ulcer. The gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer together are called stomach ulcer.
The stomach is a major organ of our digestive system. It is located in the upper abdomen, just below the ribs. The food that we swallow passes to the stomach through esophagus. In the stomach the food gets mixed with powerful gastric juices. The gastric juices contain enzymes and hydrochloric acid, which help to digest the food. The inner lining of stomach is provided with multiple folds. The mucosa or gastric epithelium present in the inner surface of stomach gets damaged by stomach ulcer.
Stomach Ulcer is found in a large number of people who have hyperacidity. The hyperacidity is usually caused due to increased secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. It is a strong acid, which is secreted by the cells of the inner surface of stomach. The acid works on the food in the stomach and helps to digest. Due to some factors the secretion of hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach increases and it affects the stomach. Due to hyperactivity the strong acid works more on the inner lining of the stomach and damages it to a considerable extent. During stress the secretion of hydrochloric acid increases and this causes more damage to the stomach cells. Stomach ulcer can also be caused due to taking of highly spiced foods, alcohol, coffee, and smoking. Some other factors like, emotional disturbances, stress, and nervous tension can lead to stomach ulcer. Food poisoning, ingestion of certain drugs and certain infections also can cause stomach ulcer. The causing organism of most of the stomach ulcer is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium.
Stomach ulcer is caused due to hyperactivity and so to check this condition we should stop taking those foods, which cause this. Taking fried food and spices should be avoided. The common symptoms of ulcer include, abdominal pain just below the ribcage vomiting, nausea, indigestion, loss of appetite, weight loss, blood in the vomit or in the bowel motions etc. The preventive measures for stomach ulcer is keeping yourself free from the stress and strain of life. Worry and tension can make the condition of Stomach ulcer worse. Sufficient rest and sleep as well as regular bowel movement help in controlling the situation. In severe cases medication is needed. The patients who are suffering from stomach due to Helicobacter pylori can be treated with antibiotics to destroy the H. pylori. The drugs are prescribed to ensure the healing process caused due to ulcer.