Have you ever heard about stomach ulcers? A stomach ulcer is a common medical condition that can affect people of any age.

It is a type of peptic ulcer that transpires in the form of small holes or sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. It induces burning and cutting pain in the abdominal area and affects approximately 1 out of 10 Americans.

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A stomach ulcer: what it is and risk factors to look out for

Your body produces acid to digest food and protect itself from harmful bacteria. The stomach and intestines are shielded by a layer of protective mucus, which can be worn down due to the following risk factors:

1. Frequent use of such anti-inflammatory drugs as ibuprofen and aspirin.
2. Poor hygiene, which can cause various harmful bacteria ( almost in all cases – Helicobacter Pylori).
3. Use of steroids.
4. Genetics.
5. Age. Stomach ulcers most frequently affect people over 50 but can be developed at any age.

It is important to pay attention to your lifestyle and any changes that it may cause in your general condition.

The major risk factor is an overproduction of stomach acid, which can be inherent in many people. In this case, it is advised to minimize the intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

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Symptoms of stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers are treatable, but it’s important to be aware of the symptoms. The sooner you can detect warning signs, the better your chances are to minimize the risks and stop the condition from spreading further.

Most common symptoms include:

• acid reflux;
• stomach pain;
• indigestion;
• weight loss;
• nausea;
• heartburn;
• loss of appetite.

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Sometimes, stomach ulcers show no symptoms at the early stages. However, there are more troubling factors signaling about the problem:

• sharp stomach pain;
• bloody stool or vomit.

If you have these symptoms, seek medical consultation as soon as possible. Remember, ulcers are easily treatable especially at the early stages.

When to see a doctor

Stomach pain and heartburn after food intake is a bad sign, especially if it starts to occur more and more often.

Everything must be done to avoid ulcers that progress and bleed. It will be visible in stool or vomit and accompanied by severe pains. In the worst-case scenarios, surgical treatment might be involved, which is why it’s so important to look out for the primary symptoms of stomach ulcers.

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There is, however, a way to avoid the development of an ulcer by controlling diet and lifestyle. Try to avoid previously mentioned risk factors. In addition, a proper diet can significantly reduce the risk of disease and stabilize digestion. Consider including more of the following products in your daily diet:

1. Probiotic yogurt protects the body from harmful bacteria.
2. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory qualities.
3. Foods with high fiber content generally reduce the risk of stomach ulcer development.
4. Vitamin C is the most powerful antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables which can stop bacteria.

Pay attention to any changes in your body and be attentive to yourself; you will be alerted of the issue before it has a chance to become a serious problem. If you suspect that you have stomach ulcers, visit your doctor as soon as possible. Better safe than sorry.

This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.