Symptoms Of An Ulcer

What are the symptoms of ulcer?
(10 May 2007)

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Ulcers are deep sores or lesions on the digestive tract that may not heal on its own. The digestive tract comprises of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and intestines. Ulcers are known as gastric ulcers (stomach ulcers), peptic ulcers (stomach and duodenum ulcers) and duodenal ulcers (duodenum ulcers).

Such ulcers are caused due to various reasons that lead o sores and lesions on the stomach lining resulting in severe health complications. The term peptic ulcer is derived from pepsin enzymes that help break down protein in the stomach. Excess of pepsin enzymes and other acids can erode the lining of the stomach causing health disorders.

Ulcers are caused due to various reasons such as prolonged use of anti-inflammatory medicines, infection caused by H.pylori (Helicobacter pylori) bacteria, genetic or hereditary and due to excessive consumption of alcohol or smoking that contribute to damaging the stomach lining. Physical or emotional stress cannot lead to ulcers but can surely aggravate an existing one.

Some common symptoms associated with ulcers are discomfort while eating or drinking (signs of gastric ulcer), ease in eating or drinking but feeling of discomfort within a short time span (duodenal ulcer), nausea, vomiting, weakness, sudden weight loss, heartburn, indigestion and chest pain. Abdominal pains are the first sings of a possible ulcer. The extent of pain and discomfort signals the severity of the damage. Vomiting blood, sudden and unusual weakness and blood in stools are signs of ulcers getting worse.

Mild ulcers can be treated with the help of natural remedies such as intake of raw cabbage juice (to improve the blood flow to the stomach and strengthen the stomach lining); consuming local honey (helps eliminate bacteria in the digestive system). Most importantly one needs to have a balanced diet to avoid losing too much weight. You also need to ensure you are getting enough of required vitamins and nutrients to heal faster. Recommended diet tips include a rich fiber diet to strengthen the stomach lining. Fiber rich foods include oats, whole grains, bananas, fruits and vegetables with skin. It is advisable to avoid spicy foods, oily and fatty foods, alcohol and nicotine. Alcohol and nicotine, in particular cause damage to the stomach lining. Avoid prolonged use of medicines unless so prescribed because medicines can cause side effects such as ulcers. Practicing mild relaxation techniques such as meditation or indulging in favorite hobbies such as reading or watching movies can relieve tension. This helps your system accelerate the healing process and helps you get back in action faster.

answered by M W on 30 Apr 2009, 3:54:49

A sharp gnawing or burning pain (heartburn) in the epigastria is the primary symptom for gastric or duodenal ulcers. This pain often occurs behind the breast bone when the stomach is empty (between meals) or early in the morning. The pain usually can last from few minutes to few hours.
Other symptoms include distention of stomach due to flatulence, belching, mental tension, insomnia, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, chest pain, gradual weakening of the body, sometimes anemia (in bleeding ulcers), loss of appetite and weight.

answered by S P on 14 May 2007, 2:35:44

Symptoms Of An Ulcer

What are the symptoms of ulcer? (10 May 2007)

What are the symptoms of ulcer?
(10 May 2007)