Stomach Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Consult a Doctor

By Egbodo Peter

Peptic ulcers are open sores that form on the interior lining of your stomach and upper small intestine, according to the Mayo Clinic. Stomach pain is the most typical symptom of a peptic ulcer.

Among those with peptic ulcers are:

1. The inside of the stomach develops gastric ulcers

2. Duodenal ulcers, which develop inside the duodenum, the top part of your small intestine

The most frequent causes of peptic ulcers are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections and chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and other brands). Spicy foods and stress don’t contribute to peptic ulcers. They might, however, exacerbate your symptoms.

Symptoms

1. Severe abdominal discomfort

2. A sensation of fullness, edema, or regurgitation

3. A fatty food intolerance

4. Acid reflux

5. Feeling sick

Burning pain in the stomach is the most typical symptom of a peptic ulcer. An empty stomach and stomach acid exacerbate the agony. Taking an acid-reducing drug or eating particular foods that buffer stomach acid can often reduce the pain, although the pain may return later. Between meals and at night, the pain could be more severe.

Peptic ulcer victims frequently don’t even exhibit symptoms.

Less often, ulcers may cause severe signs or symptoms such as:

• Vomiting or throwing up blood, which can have a reddish-black color.

• Stools with dark blood or that are tarry or black

• Breathing difficulties

• Feeling lightheaded

• vomiting or feeling queasy

• Unexpected weight reduction

• Changes in appetite

If you experience any of the severe symptoms or signs mentioned above, consult your physician. If you take over-the-counter antacids and acid blockers for pain relief, but the discomfort comes back, consult your doctor as well.