“IF YOU DON’T STOP WORRYING,
YOU’RE GOING TO GET
AN ULCER…”
Has anyone ever told you this before? While it’s true that stress can harm your health, scientists now know that ulcers aren’t caused by stress or spicy foods. In fact, ulcers, which are sores that form in the stomach lining or the first part of the small intestine, are most often caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). They can also be caused by frequent or longtime use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen. If not treated, ulcers can cause swelling and scarring that block the passage of food and can even eat a hole in your stomach.
Stomach ulcers – what to know
The most common symptom of ulcers is a burning pain in the stomach between the breastbone and the navel. People generally experience this pain between meals, in the middle of the night, or the early morning hours. The pain can last a few minutes or several hours and is typically relieved after eating foods or taking antacids. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, blood in the stool, and anemia.
Common symptoms include
- pain or discomfort in the upper part of your abdomen, anywhere between your belly button and breastbone
- feeling full too soon while eating a meal
- feeling uncomfortably full after eating a meal
- nausea and vomiting
- bloating
- belching
Serious ulcer symptoms include
- Vomiting or vomiting blood — which may appear red or black
- Dark blood in stools, or stools that are black or tarry
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling faint
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Appetite changes
The symptoms noted above could indicate a perforation in the stomach or intestine, a severe bleeding ulcer, or a blockage in the digestive tract. These are medical emergencies that require immediate treatment.
Effectively reduce your chance of getting an ulcer
Effectively reduce your chance of getting an ulcer- Drink water that you know is from a safe, clean source
- Practice good hygiene and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
- Try to reduce how often you use NSAID pain relief medications like aspirin and ibuprofen
- Ask us about using an alternative pain relief medication such as acetaminophen
- Come in if you experience any symptoms of an ulcer. Call 949-566-8179.
Dig into the topic Stomach Ulcers – What to Know a little deeper at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services page here
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