Ulcers

What are different kind of stomach problems faced now-a-days?

Most stomach ulcers, cancers and gastritis are caused by the bacteria named Helicobacter Pylori.
The capacity of the stomach to store food can be reduced to make us feel full sooner. The procedure, known as bariatric surgery is a blessing for those with uncontrolled obesity, and related complications such as diabetes.
Bacteria can live in moist and warm areas of the body, and the stomach is an ideal habitat. Healthy bacteria breaks down minerals, vitamins and complex carbohydrates. Harmful bacteria invade the protective mucus layer and can cause infections and inflammations.

Gastric secretions and muscular waves almost disappear when we are depressed. Stress increases acid production. Also, coffee, nicotine and alcohol increases acid production.

- Gastritis: It is the inflammation of the stomach lining that is caused by excessive usage of alcohol or prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Acid reflux: It is the flow of stomach contents into the oesophagus. Heartburn occurs because the oesophagus does not have a protective lining.
- Peptic Ulcer: It is a sore where the stomach lining has been eaten away. Burning pain is the symptom. It will get worse if it is left untreated.
- Gastric Cancer: It can develop anywhere in the stomach. It causes good amount of deaths worldwide annually. Symptoms include indigestion, heartburn and loss of appetite. In advanced stages, symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, bloating after meals, weight loss, fatigue and bleeding in vomit or stools.
- Vomiting: It is the expulsion of the stomach contents through mouth, and even nose. Nausea is the feeling that one is about to vomit. It can also lead to dehydration. The pyloric sphincter relaxes, and, through retroperistasis, contents from the middle of the small intestine upwards are forced out. The color, content and frequency of vomit may indicate the condition.

| More

If you found this post informative, why not sign up to receive new posts ?
It's simple, and free, and you can even opt to receive by email:
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe to Good Health Tips by Email

Peptic Ulcer – what are the causes, signs and symptoms

The duodenum is the first part of your small intestine. A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum. A rash in the upper portion of the small intestine or in the stomach lining is called peptic ulcer. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer; of the duodenum, a duodenal ulcer.

Causes of Peptic Ulcer

- Helicobacter pylori : It is usually caused by a bacterial infection of Helicobacter pylori. It weakens the protective mucous coating of the stomach and duodenum, allowing acid to get through to the sensitive lining beneath. Both the acid and the bacteria can irritate the lining and cause an ulcer to form.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Long-term use of these pain relievers is the second most common cause of ulcers. These drugs block prostaglandins, substances in the stomach that help maintain blood flow and protect the area from injury.
- Cigarette smoking not only causes ulcer formation, but also increases the risk of ulcer complications such as ulcer bleeding, stomach obstruction and perforation.
- Evidences suggest that life stresses or personality types contribute to ulcer disease.
- Alcohol, coffee, colas, spicy foods, and caffeine have no proven role in ulcer formation.

Signs and Symptoms of Peptic Ulcer

- Sharp and severe pain and discomfort in the upper central abdomen.
- Ulcer pain occurs usually an hour after meals.
- It rarely occurs in night.
- Duodenal ulcer usually occurs between meals when stomach is empty and is relieved by food.
- The pain lasts for minutes to hours.
- It comes and goes for several days or weeks.
- Some other symptoms may include weight loss, poor appetite, bloating, burping, vomiting and
feeling sick to your stomach.
- Sudden sharp stomach pain that doesn’t go away.
- Black or bloody stools.
- Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.