This gastric acid is a variable mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, phosphate, sulfate), and organic substances.
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What causes ulcer?
Researchers haven't found any evidence to support that stress or certain foods could cause ulcer.
The two major causes of ulcer are;
- An infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori)
- Overused of painkiller drugs such as naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin.
Also a condition known as zollinger Ellison syndrome.
This happens as a result of the body increasing the production of gastric acid, less than 1 percent of stomach ulcer is caused by this syndrome.
Duodenal ulcer categorically occurs in people with type O blood group. This is possible due to the fact that their body do not produce substance that covers the surface of the blood cells that protect the lining of the duodenum.
What are the symptoms of ulcer?
The symptoms of ulcer depends on the severity of it.
- Burning sensation or pain in the middle abdomen (the most common symptom)
- Burping or acid reflux
- Heart burn (a burning sensation in the chest)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dull pain in the stomach
How is ulcer diagnosed?
The first step in diagnosing ulcer is physical test.
- This includes feeling the doctor feeling the belly and asking if you feel any pain or bloating,
Followed by:
- The test to look for any sign of Helicobacter pylori bacteria,
This is done by drinking a clear liquid and breathing into a bag, the bag is then sealed. A higher than normal level of carbon dioxide shows the presence of H.pylori
Other test includes;
- Endoscopy (usually to test for bleeding)
- Barium swallow (usually help doctors see the small intestine and stomach on the X-ray machine
- Endoscopic biopsy (the removal of a piece of the stomach tissue,so it can be analyzed in the lab
How are ulcer treated?
Ulcer treatment depends on the cause of it. A non-acute ulcer are mostly treated with drug prescription from the doctor.
But;
- In rare cases, surgery may be required.
- If the ulcer is caused by painkiller drugs, you will need to quit them
- The use of protectant drugs, which coats the intestines and protect them from gastric acids
Can ulcer be prevented?
Yes, it can, by;
- Eating healthful diet
- eating foods with lots of fruits and vegetables, broccoli, spinach apples and fiber.
Home remedies for stomach ulcer
This below supplement are not intended to replace ulcer prescription medications
- Probiotics
- Glutamine (food such as chicken, fish, eggs, cabbage, and spinach)
An untreated ulcer can lead to bleeding, and even death when severe.
If you are having pains in your stomach, please consult a doctor, it's important to know whether or not it's an ulcer