Ulcer: Causes And Symptoms

Ulcer is an open painful wound. It was a myth that it is caused by eating spicy food, drinking excessive alcohol and undergoing some stress. Ulcers mainly develop in the stomach or upper part of intestine. These are known as peptic ulcers.

Causes

The main cause of ulcer is a bacterial infection that is caused by certain medicines or excessive smoking. Taking pain-killers on a regular basis also causes ulcers.

Smoking also causes peptic ulcers. This happens because the nicotine in the cigarettes builds up acid in the stomach which causes ulcers to build up. Drinking alcohol on daily basis makes the eruption of ulcers very prominent because alcohol wears down the lining of stomach and intestine.

Stress can also be the cause of ulcers if it is associated with some mental or emotional factors.

In all, the basic cause of ulcers is acid development in the stomach and certain changes in the immune system.

Some people say that ulcers get transferred from one to another. The saliva of the infected person also contains the ulcer causing bacteria. So kissing can also be dangerous.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of an ulcer is pain in the abdomen. Pain is between the breast bone and belly button. Pain occurs early morning or at night. It can also occur after some hours of having a meal.

The pain is so sharp that it becomes difficult to bear it. Loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, blood in vomiting and blood in the stool are several other symptoms of this problem.

Diagnosis

One must immediately consult the doctor. Doctors would ask you the problems you are facing and then ask you to go for X-ray and some other tests that would confirm the ulcer and treatment should be started.

Precautions

The patient should always wash the hands after using toilet and vomiting. Strictly avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Caffeine is also dangerous in it. So avoid coffee and tea also.