Stomach Ulcer Symptoms

Stomach ulcer refers to the condition where erosion is caused to the gastrointestinal tract. These ulcers are also called gastric ulcers and the most common type is usually found within the first 12 inches of the small intestine. The size of a stomach ulcer may be between 1/8 and 3/4 of an inch. A stomach ulcer can also become malignant in some cases. Millions of people in America are diagnosed with stomach ulcers every year. Even though this is a common problem affecting a lot of people, it can be quite debilitating to live with stomach ulcers. People who smoke, drink alcohol, eat a lot of spicy food and frequently take anti inflammatory medicines are prone to displaying stomach ulcer symptoms. Modern day stressful life has only aggravated this condition.

The common symptoms of stomach ulcers include:

• People with stomach ulcers often experience a burning sensation in the stomach or a gnawing feeling. Such a sensation of pain can last for as long as 3 hours. Many times people commit the mistake of assuming this burning sensation to be a case of heartburn or indigestion and even hunger pain. However what sets apart this pain is that it may or may not occur after an individual has had his meal and the location of this pain is the upper abdomen area. Sometimes the pain can also be experienced in the region below the breastbone. With different people this pain may occur at different times. Some may have this pain only at night while others may have intense pain lasting for weeks followed by a period when there is no pain. Such a pain is often relieved if the individual takes rest and antacids or consumes some milk.

• Weight loss is another telling sign or symptom of a stomach ulcer. Often people with stomach ulcers tend to avoid eating to prevent the pain from intensifying.

• People who suffer from stomach ulcers also frequently experience vomiting bouts and also nausea.

• Some other symptoms of stomach ulcers may include belching, heartburn, indigestion and feeling of fatigue. Patients with stomach ulcers may exhibit disinterest in food because of the pain and deep burping and also acidic retches.

• Serious stomach ulcers are usually accompanied with individuals passing black stools or stools that are often dark in color and contain blood. This serious condition often needs surgery. The pain in a severe case of stomach ulcers is often sharp and stinging and this kind of pain does not go away easily. There may also be a case of the person vomiting blood.

The usual line of treatment for stomach ulcers depends on the symptoms and the gravity of the problem. However ordinarily doctors prescribe antacids and where antacids do not seem to work other medication is prescribed to decrease the production of acid. Since stomach ulcers are caused because of damage to the stomach’s protective lining a medication can also be prescribed to provide a protective cover on the lining. Eating balanced meals that are high in nutrition, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake and reducing consumption of anti inflammatory medicines is important for recovery. Also reducing stress can help in reducing the possibility of developing stomach ulcers.