Stomach Ulcer Treatment Options Golborne

A stomach ulcer (sometimes known as a peptic ulcer or gastric ulcer) is a hole or sore in the lining of the stomach, very much like the ulcers commonly found in the mouth.

About 1 to 2 cm across, they are slightly larger than a mouth ulcer, and are known to have two main causes. Although it was believed that stressed could cause a stomach ulcer it is now thought this is not the case, and that stress merely exacerbates an ulcer that was already present.

Causes of stomach ulcers

Bacteria – in 1982 it was discovered that a bacteria called helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is responsible for causing the intestinal or stomach ulcer. It does this by secreting an enzyme called ‘urease’ which neutralises stomach acid. This stimulates the stomach to produce more acid than it needs, which damages the lining causing the sore. H. pylori spreads through food, water and saliva, and it is thought that 50% of all humans have the bacteria in their stomachs. In most people there are no symptoms, but for a small minority of people it can trigger a stomach ulcer. Scientists are not sure why the bacteria doesn’t cause a stomach ulcer in everyone, but they have found that stress can make the symptoms worse. A stomach ulcer caused by the H. pylori bacteria can be cured with a short-term course of antibiotic.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - taking a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (such as ibuprofen) can cause your stomach to reduce the amount of protective mucus it produces, leaving your stomach lining vulnerable to attack from its own acid. The drug can also affect blood flow to the region making it more difficult for your body to repair damaged cells. These factors combined can cause stomach ulcers to form...

Profile of the Author: This article is written by Jackie Griffiths , a freelance journalist who writes health, medical, biological, and pharmaceutical articles for national and international journals, newsletters and web sites.

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