Abalu Khadijat Opeyemi writes,
Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain
It is a common misconception that hunger or spicy food gives room for peptic ulcers. However, diet does not play an important role in either causing or preventing ulcers rather causes what is called acid reflux (a digestive disease in which stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining)which may develop due to acute starvation.
Peptic Ulcer is usually caused by a bacterial called Helicobacter Pylori (H.pylori) or Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs).
NSAIDs are a group of drugs used to relieve pain such as ibuprofen, aspirin, diclofenac, and so on.
These can break down the stomach's defense against the acid it produces to digest food, allowing the stomach lining to become damaged and the ulcer is to form.
Apart from H.pylori and NSAIDs, there are other less common causes which include; Tobacco smoking, stress as a result of other serious health conditions.
The common symptoms of peptic ulcers are heartburn and stomach pain classically epigastric, strongly correlated with meal times. Other symptoms are; bloating, nausea, belching, troublesome breathing, and so on.
Diagnosis and treatment will depend on your symptoms and the severity of your ulcer.
However, the pain can often be relieved by eating certain foods that neutralize stomach acid but notwithstanding medical care, attention should be contacted as soon as possible.
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