Many people suffer from the pain of stomach ulcers. With medical treatment and perhaps some lifestyle changes, stomach ulcers can be remedied.
Your body will give warning signs indicating an ulcer. In this article, we’ll discuss what a stomach ulcer is and the warning signs that you may have one.
What Is a Stomach Ulcer and Why Do They Occur?
A stomach ulcer, also referred to as a gastric ulcer, is a sore or tear that develops on the stomach’s lining. Often thought to be the result of stress, coffee, or spicy food, this is a common misconception. One cause of stomach ulcers is a form of bacteria called helicobacter pylori, usually called H. pylori.
Other causes include smoking or the overuse of over-the-counter pain relievers. Medications such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Motrin, Naprosyn) can also cause stomach ulcers.
Signs of a Stomach Ulcer
Your body will give you signs that you could have a stomach ulcer. Here are a few of them.
Abdominal Pain
Burning pain in your middle or upper stomach area between meals or when you’re sleeping. If that pain subsides after taking an antacid, this can be an indication of a stomach ulcer.
Dark or Black Stool
If your stool is consistently dark in color or black, this could be caused by bleeding in the stomach, typically associated with stomach ulcers.
Stomach Ulcers Are Usually Easily Treated
Only a doctor can diagnose if you have a stomach ulcer. If caused by H. pylori, a healthcare professional can perform a test. Sometimes the diagnosis will require an endoscopy. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms outlined in this article, it’s recommended that you consult your primary care physician.
