Stomach ulcers, also called gastric ulcers, are serious obstacles that cause lesions that have opened at the level of the stomach. Gastric ulcers generally affect people over the age of 50 and show the highest incidence of female gender. There are many factors leading to the development of gastric ulcers, but this disorder generally occurs due to poor blood flow on the inside of the stomach and overproduction of digestive juices. Infection with Helicobacter pylori is also a major cause of gastric ulcer. These bacteria weaken the stomach wall and allow stomach acid to cause inflammation and ulcers on the mucosal protective cover of the stomach. In addition, Helicobacter pylori causes overproduction of digestive juice and further progresses the ulcer.
Gastric ulcers usually occur in the region of the posterior stomach wall rich in the pylorus. In the early stage of the disease, the ulcer appears as a circular lesion with a diameter of 1 to 2 cm. In the absence of appropriate medical treatment, the ulcer expands and a wide hole is formed in the stomach wall. This complication is called perforating ulcer and is considered to be a medical emergency. Together with visceral bleeding, perforated ulcers occupy thousands of deaths in the United States.
Progression of gastric ulcers does not follow an accurate pattern. In some cases, ulcers may slowly develop and cause mild, almost unrecognizable symptoms, but ulcers may develop rapidly, resulting in severe ongoing abdominal pain or burning sensation. When gastric ulcers potentially evolve, physicians usually experience great difficulties in tracking and diagnosing disease. In many cases, gastric ulcers are revealed for a long time since becoming severe, and people suffering from this disease are more prone to a wide range of life-threatening complications.
The most common symptom of gastric ulcer is abdominal pain. Pain is usually ongoing and tends to intensify after meals and at night. Some people also experience remarkable pain that can not even tolerate clothing. Constipation, nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms of gastric ulcers. Blood vomiting is a clear indication of complications.
Currently, there is no special treatment for gastric ulcer. Some patients respond well to the treatment of antacids and antibiotics, but other patients may recur as soon as the medication is finished. Gastric ulcers have outstanding chronic characteristics and most people face it for many years. Multiple gastric ulcers are more difficult to overcome and require treatment.
Although gastric ulcers do not necessarily cure, treatment can hinder its progression and alleviate the symptoms that occur. With appropriate diet, today's available medication therapy can minimize the risk of complications.
