A stomach ulcer occurs when areas of the lining of the stomach or small intestine become eroded or worn away. Stomach ulcers can be very painful. They can also cause additional symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, bloating, and loss of appetite. Stomach ulcers can even lead to more serious medical conditions, including cancers of the stomach and digestive system. There are a number of known contributors to the development of stomach ulcers. These include poor diet, bacteria known as H. pylori (helicobacter pylori), use or overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), consuming products with caffeine or carbonation, smoking, and excessive alcohol use. But there is good news about stomach ulcers. They are largely preventable. In many instances, all it takes is a little behavior modification here and there to reduce your risk of developing a stomach ulcer. Here are some tips from gastroenterologists on how to prevent stomach ulcers.
Millions of Americans suffer from stomach ulcers. In fact, so many people in the U.S. have stomach ulcers that we’ve almost become desensitized to the seriousness of this medical condition. Stomach ulcers, sometimes also referred to as peptic ulcers, are worn or eroded areas of the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. The term ‘stomach ulcer’ can be a catch-all phrase used by laypeople for a number of ulcerative conditions within the digestive system, but physicians do have more specific terms for them. When stomach ulcers are diagnosed, they are called gastric ulcers. When ulcers of the duodenum are diagnosed, they are referred to as duodenal ulcers. And when ulcers of the esophagus are diagnosed, they are referred to as esophageal ulcers. In layman’s terms, however, these oftentimes fall into the category of stomach ulcers. There are a number of causes or contributing factors to stomach ulcers, including age, smoking, bacteria, use of some medications, excessive alcohol use, and diet. Following is more detailed information from GI doctors regarding the causes of stomach ulcers, as well as measures that can be taken to prevent them. If you think you have a stomach ulcer or are at risk of an ulcer you should contact a gastroenterologist in Queens.