A Stomach Ulcer Primer

It is not without good reason that the stomach ulcer has become one of the most common health problems in the country. Take the corporate world for example; due to the competitive nature of the corporate world, workers are so overworked that many will skip lunch, and/or even dinner to complete the job tasks that they are responsible for at work. Ulcers now affect increasing numbers of these types of workers every year.

The stomach ulcer is also referred to by other names such as peptic ulcer, and even just the word ulcer. This type of ulcer is characterized by a hole located in the gastrointestinal tract that results in problems to the digestive system. The size of these ulcers can range from 1/8 of an inch to ¾ of an inch in circumference. This type of ulcer does pose the potential threat of becoming malignant.

The most common type of ulcer, which occurs in the first 12 inches of the small intestine, is called the duodenal ulcer. The duodenal ulcer is benign, is not contagious, and will not develop into cancer.

Stomach Ulcer Causes

A stomach ulcer is caused when hydrochloric acid, which is frequently present in the digestive juices of the stomach, causes the destruction of the gastric, or intestinal lining of the stomach. Many experts believe that the bacteria Helicobacter pylori also plays an important role in the development of the stomach ulcer.

This bacteria may be transmitted through contaminated food, or water. Stomach ulcers caused by this bacteria can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

Another frequent cause of stomach ulcers is the improper use of aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory drugs. Injuries to the gastric mucosal lining, and a weakening of the mucous defenses can also lead to stomach ulcers.

An abnormal, or excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid can also be a factor as can cigarette smoking. Although not totally proven yet, it appears that stress, and even inherited genes can be a factor in the development of ulcers.

It is also possible for stomach ulcers to develop as a secondary symptom to another disease. Here is an example; conditions like mastocytosis can lead to ulcers.

Ulcer Symptoms To Look Out For

Recognizing and pinpointing an ulcer attack is not very difficult. The ulcer attack is most often characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach area, and/or in the area of the upper abdomen, and possibly just below the breastbone.

The ulcer attack may last from as little as 30 minutes, or may persist for as long as 3 hours. It is quite common for these attacks to come and go for weeks; then stop for a few weeks, and then begin again.

Stomach ulcer attacks may also be accompanied by heartburn, or the feelings of indigestion and hunger. A loss of appetite resulting in weight loss are additional symptoms to watch for. Vomiting, and anemia may also occur as a result of the bleeding in the stomach caused by tears in the intestinal walls.

When do these attacks occur? While there is actually no specific time, for most people attacks will occur immediately after having ingested food. While on the other hand, others will suffer from an attack hours after having eaten.

If for any reason you feel that you may have experienced symptoms of stomach ulcer, call your doctor, and take the better safe than sorry approach.

Copyright ©2007 Carl DiNello

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Carl DiNello is an Article Author whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internet's most popular topics. To read more on this topic, please visit Ulcer Signs & Symptoms! You may republish this article on your website, or e-zine so long as none of the content, or author information has been edited or changed in any way, and all links are left active and unchanged.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated