Causes Of An Ulcer
While originally it was believed that lifestyle was the major cause of an ulcer, that is no longer the case. While alcohol and stress can still affect the condition of an ulcer, it is actually bacteria which originally causes the ulcer. In particular, Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori as it is more commonly known is the bacterium that causes an ulcer.
Scientists believe that it is the spiral shape of H. pylori that allows it to enter the stomach, where it then attaches itself to the stomach wall. The bacterium creates an enzyme called urease, which produces ammonia. The ammonia causes the mucous on the stomach wall to be damaged to the point that stomach acid can enter and create an ulcer.
While it is this form of bacteria which causes an ulcer, other lifestyle factors do contribute to the ulcer’s development. These include use of alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, stress, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These include aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen and piroxicam. These lower the stomach’s built-in preventative measures, such as being able to produce bicarbonate and mucus which can lessen the strength of stomach acid.
Symptoms of an Ulcer
Ulcers can take several years to develop and there can be a long period of time where there are no symptoms of an ulcer at all. As the ulcer grows and gets worse, symptoms start to develop, such as a burning-type pain in the abdomen. Lots of times people wake up in the middle of the night with this type of burning sensation.
The burning feeling will undoubtedly be followed by feeling sick to the stomach or nauseous after eating a meal. If you don’t go to your doctor for diagnosis (x-rays or testing for H. pylori), these symptoms will worsen to the point where you feel weak and fatigued all the time. It may be followed by blood in the stools.
Most ulcers are treated with an ulcer diet and medicines but sometimes surgery is needed. Your doctor will urge you to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, abstaining from alcohol and drinks with caffeine, and sticking to an ulcer diet. That usually means no spicy foods as well. H-2 blockers are usually given to decrease the amount of acid in your stomach. The most well-known of these are Zantac ™, Tagamet™, and Pepcid™.
There are now proton-pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec™, that are even more effective in reducing the amount of acid in the stomach--up to 95%. Some medications protect the stomach lining from acid, such as over-the-counter Pepto-Bismol, Tums™ and Rolaids™, and prescription drugs like Sulcrate™, Carafate™ and Cytotec. These are ineffective if the ulcer continues to grow and many times antibiotics are given.
If you do think you are developing an ulcer, see your doctor right away. Early treatment methods, such as antibiotics and an ulcer diet can keep your ulcer from becoming a serious, life-threatening condition.