Stomach (gastric) Ulcer
Around 7 in 10 stomach ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection called H. pylori which affects the acid in the lining of your stomach. The majority can be cured with a course of antibiotics and acid-suppressing drugs. The main symptoms of a stomach ulcer are pain below your breastbone, bloating, retching and feeling sick. Ulcers look like small, red craters and are detected with a test called an endoscopy, where a tiny camera is passed down your windpipe into the stomach.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of stomach ulcers, read on.
A stomach ulcer is usually caused by an infection with a bacterium (bug) called H. pylori. A course of two antibiotics plus an acid-suppressing medicine usually clears the infection and cures the ulcer. Anti-inflammatory medicines sometimes cause stomach ulcers.
Understanding your guts and digestion
Food passes down the oesophagus (gullet) into the stomach. The stomach makes acid which is not essential, but helps to digest food. After being mixed in the stomach, food passes into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). In the duodenum and the rest of the small intestine, food mixes with enzymes (chemicals). The enzymes come from the pancreas and from cells lining the intestine. The enzymes break down (digest) the food which is absorbed into the body.
- Next: Some terms explained
Average rating:
Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below
bryan simpson, about 1 year
the endoscope is NOT past down the "windpipe" as this goes to the lungs. scared the hell out of my partner.
Report this commentAjit Pal, about 1 year
I am experiencing pain in my stomach due to peptic ulcers since 6 months. Now I am having nexium prescribed by doctor in order to get rid of this pain. But still I am not satisfied with current treatment. sometimes I could not sleep after having my dinner
Report this commentrhys, over 2 years
i lve in lanzarote and am finding it difficult to explain my symptoms to my doctor, but i have all those symptoms except the sickness
Report this comment
N.S.BAlaji NAidu, about 1 year
Can you please send tips for gastric problems which I feel very dificult
Report this comment