Gastric ulcer or stomach ulcer is eroded, raw area in the stomach lining. Gastric ulcer is more common among males in the age group of 55-70 years. It is more also common in people who take anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen, smoke tobacco, drink alcohol, often feel stressed, or have high caffeine intake.

Causes and Symptoms of Gastric Ulcer

Gastric ulceris caused when digestive juices and stomach acids injure the lining of the stomach. These ulcers are also caused by anti-inflammatory drugs, from the presence of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, certain medications, increased production of gastric acids and infection, decreased resistance of stomach lining to gastric acids and disorders causing over secretion of stomach juices.

Heartburn in the middle of upper abdomen, indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea, repeated episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding and weight loss are some of the most common symptoms of gastric ulcer. Many patients awake in the night due to severe pain, and this pain is relieved by taking antacids. If there is internal bleeding, there might be vomiting with digested or bright red blood and also have tarry, black bowel movements.

Diagnosis Of Gastric Ulcer

Doctors diagnose gastric ulcer by examining the patient, and having a look at the medical history. Based on the risk factors such as age, gender, history of using medications, location of pain, hemoglobin level, history of smoking and history of alcohol use, the doctor may suspect gastric ulcer. A person is suffering from ulcer or not is verified by endoscopy and imaging studies. There are certain non-invasive tests as well, including breath test and blood test for immune response.

Doctors prescribe the drugs to reduce the rate of stomach acid secretion in stomach lining of mucous tissues to treat the gastric ulcer. Surgical treatment is prescribed only if doctor suspects malignancies and complications. If ulcer is left untreated, there can be perforation of stomach wall, hemorrhaging and obstruction that prevents passage of food.

The recurrence of gastric ulcer can be prevented by making certain changes in lifestyle. Some of the self-care methods include avoiding unnecessary use of aspirin, cutting down on alcohol, giving up smoking, and avoiding caffeine and sodas. Patients should also try to eat nutritious, well-balanced meals, and learn to manage stress. Get daily dose of exercise, and sleep well.

Some people suffering from gastric ulcer diet can eat whatever they like, but for others, certain foods can cause excessive acid production, causing irritation and heartburn. The gastric ulcer diet is compulsory for gastric patients as it consists of breads, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy products. If you are an ulcer patient, there are lists of things you can eat and what you should not. There are many ulcer-friendly recipes that can help cure and prevent the gastric ulcers.

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