Stomach Ulcers, Causes, and Role of Diet in Treatment

Stomach ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach. These are also termed as gastric ulcers. These ulcers originate when the thick mucus layer protecting stomach tissues from gastric juices erode and gastric juices come into direct contact with gastric tissues. These juices eat away the tissues lining the stomach and create painful open sores.

If you consult the right doctor and get proper medical attention promptly these ulcers can be cured however negligence in this regard can bring about serious consequences. To find and consult the best doctors for stomach ulcers visit marham.pk.

Causes of Stomach Ulcer

Stomach ulcers are identified to be caused by the following reasons:

• AN infection due to H-pylori
• Continuous and long term use of painkillers
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Symptoms of Gastric Ulcer

Almost always the first symptom of having a stomach ulcer is a pain in the stomach or a burning sensation. View detailed symptoms and doctor details regarding stomach ulcers. Some other symptoms associated with gastric ulcer are listed below:

• Heartburn
• Pain in the stomach particularly in an area lying between the belly button and chest.
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Acid reflux
• Reduced appetite
• Pain that gets better after eating or drinking and worsens on an empty stomach
• Dark stools
• Vomit that resembles coffee ground

Diagnosis of Stomach Ulcer

Diagnosis of stomach ulcers is done by various lab tests and investigations like family and medical history, medications in usage, symptoms, etc.

Breath Test

To find if the ulcer is caused by H.pylori a blood or stool sample may be investigated. A breath test is also used for this. You will be asked to exhale in a sterile bag. The levels of carbon dioxide, if found to be usually high, will predict the presence of H.pylori.

Barium test

You will drink barium in liquid form which will coat your GIT and upper respiratory tract. Enabling the doctor to see your intestine and stomach clearly on X-ray.

Endoscopy

A light and camera on a thin wire are inserted via nose or mouth to view the small intestine, esophagus, and stomach. Any bleeding, sore, or abnormal-looking tissues can be diagnosed using this method.

Endoscopic biopsy

This method is used to take out a small piece of stomach tissue and analyze it in a laboratory.

Treatment of Stomach Ulcers

The treatment plan for stomach ulcers is different for every patient depending upon the severity of symptoms. Medicines like H2-receptor blockers can be used in combination with others. The use of NSAIDs is prohibited as these may worsen stomach ulcers. Other measures include surgery for the cases where medications are not effective and stomach ulcers become recurrent. The treatment plan for stomach ulcers is devised by gastroenterologists. To find and consult the best gastroenterologists in Pakistan use marham.pk.

What are the best foods to eat when you have Ulcer?

It had long been believed that certain foods can cause ulcers but science has clarified this myth that ulcers cannot be due to food alone and there are several contributing factors in this regard. However, the effect of a healthy diet cannot be disregarded in aiding the treatment of ulcers. On the whole eating, a healthy diet can help sustain gut health and keep ulcers at bay. Foods that boost natural gut flora can keep H.pylori infections away. These foods include:

• Probiotic-rich foods
• Apples
• Olive oil
• Blueberries
• Leafy greens
• Broccoli