Stomach Ulcer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

A sore or lesion that forms in the lining of the stomach is known as a stomach ulcer. Ulcers may be quite painful. Ulcers of the stomach are often referred to as gastric ulcers and peptic ulcers.

• Peptic Ulcer Disease: This is the most common type of stomach ulcer and occurs when the lining of the stomach or small intestine is damaged by stomach acid.
• Stress Ulcers: These ulcers are caused by prolonged stress or trauma, such as a serious illness or injury.
• Gastric Ulcers: Certain drugs or an infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria may be to blame for the development of these ulcers, which are found in the lining of the stomach.
• Duodenal Ulcers: These ulcers occur in the small intestine (duodenum) and are usually caused by an imbalance between digestive juices in the duodenum or infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

Infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the primary factor in the development of stomach ulcers.Other potential reasons include:

• The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, for an extended period of time.
• Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol.
• Stress and spicy foods may also play a role in causing stomach ulcers, although the evidence is inconclusive.

• A burning feeling or a sharp pain in the abdominal region
• A sense of fullness, bloating, or belching may be experienced.
• Heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Dark or black stools (from blood in the digestive tract)

• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Maintain a healthy weight by sticking to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Yoga and meditation are two examples of stress-relief practices that may help you relax and unwind.
• Take the medicine exactly as directed by your doctor in order to lower the amount of acid produced by your stomach or to preserve the lining of your stomach or small intestine.
• Avoid foods that are known to irritate your stomach such as spicy, fried or fatty foods, citrus fruits, caffeine and carbonated beverages.

• Physical examination: Stomach ulcers can often be detected during a physical examination. The doctor may feel the abdomen for tenderness, swelling, or lumps.
• Review of medical history: The review of medical history for a patient with a stomach ulcer includes obtaining information about their symptoms, lifestyle habits, diet, past medical history, family history of stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal issues, medications taken, and any recent changes in health.
• Endoscopy: To check for ulcers in the stomach, a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera is passed through the mouth and into the stomach.
• Blood tests: To look for anaemia or infections that might be linked to peptic ulcers.
• Imaging tests: CT scans and X-rays may be used to look for any blockages in the digestive tract that could be causing an ulcer.
• Breath test: A breath test can detect Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach which is linked to peptic ulcers

• Internal bleeding: Stomach ulcers can cause severe and life-threatening internal bleeding.
• Perforation: Stomach ulcers may create a hole in the stomach wall, which can lead to infection and other issues.
• Malnutrition: Stomach ulcers can make it difficult to digest food, leading to malnutrition or weight loss.
• Anemia: Stomach ulcers can lead to anemia due to blood loss from internal bleeding.
• Obstruction: Scar tissue from stomach ulcers can block the digestive tract, causing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

• Drink a glass of aloe vera juice every morning on an empty stomach to reduce inflammation.
• Have a mixture of honey and cinnamon powder in lukewarm water after meals to reduce pain and discomfort.
• Consume buttermilk with rock salt, coriander, and cumin powder to reduce burning sensation in the stomach.
• Drink a cup of chamomile tea twice daily to soothe the lining of the stomach and promote healing.
• Consume fiber-rich meals including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains to help avoid the formation of ulcers.
• Include probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, etc., in your diet for better digestion and improved gut health.

Eating a balanced diet is important for managing a stomach ulcer. Foods that are easy to digest, low in fat and high in fiber, and include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are best for people with stomach ulcers.

• The following foods may be good for those with stomach ulcers:
• Fruits: Apples, bananas, blueberries, oranges, pears
• Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, leafy greens (e.g., spinach), sweet potatoes
• Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, quinoa
• Lean proteins: Beans (e.g., black beans or kidney beans), fish (e.g., salmon or tuna), poultry (e.g., chicken or turkey)
• Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds or chia seeds), olive oil
• Herbs and spices: Basil, cinnamon, ginger root
• Probiotic foods: Yogurt or kefir with live cultures

• Foods high in fat, such as fried foods and full-fat dairy products: These can increase acid production and worsen symptoms.
• Spicy foods: These might cause irritation to the stomach lining.
• Citrus fruits and juices: These are very acidic and may cause irritation to the stomach lining.Tomatoes, tomato sauce, and ketchup: These are acidic and may aggravate symptoms.
• Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol is a known irritant to the stomach lining and can worsen ulcer pain or cause bleeding in some cases.

• Medications: Medications play an important role in treating stomach ulcers by eliminating any underlying bacterial infections, reducing excess acid production in the stomach, and protecting existing sores or lesions from further damage caused by acidic exposure.
• Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle modifications are crucial to stomach ulcer treatment and prevention. These changes include eating a healthy diet, avoiding foods that irritate the stomach, limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and reducing stress.
• Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR): This procedure involves using an endoscope to remove the ulcer from the stomach lining.
• Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD): This procedure is used to remove larger and deeper ulcers from the stomach lining.
• Laparoscopic surgery: This type of surgery is done through small incisions in the abdomen and involves removing part of the stomach or repairing a damaged area of the stomach wall.
• Open surgery: In some cases, open surgery may be required to treat a stomach ulcer, which involves making a large incision in the abdomen and directly accessing and treating the affected area of the stomach wall or removing part of it.

A person suffering from stomach ulcers should consult a gastroenterologist.

A gastroenterologist is a medical professional with experience in identifying and treating stomach ulcers and disorders of the digestive system.

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): When it comes to treating stomach ulcers, these medications work the best. They function by reducing stomach acid, which eases pain and speeds up recovery.
• H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs): These medications reduce acid production in the stomach and help to relieve pain and promote healing.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is causing the ulcer, such as H. pylori bacteria.
• Antacids: These medications can provide short-term relief from symptoms caused by excess stomach acid, such as heartburn or indigestion.
• Cytoprotective agents: These medications protect the lining of the stomach from further damage, helping to prevent future ulcers from forming and promoting healing of existing ones.

The length of time required for healing from a stomach ulcer varies depending on how severe the problem is and the selected course of therapy. In general, a complete recovery might take anything from a few weeks to a few months. Most patients may anticipate a complete recovery from their stomach ulcer with the right care and lifestyle modifications.

• The results of treatment for stomach ulcers vary from person to person.
• The main objectives of treatment are to lessen symptoms and fully cure the ulcer.
• It is possible for an ulcer to remain healed after treatment has been completed; however, it is important to note that some people may experience recurrence of the ulcer after a period of time.
• Following a healthy diet and taking any recommended drugs on time are crucial to lowering the chance of recurrence.

• Pain medications and antacids should be taken as prescribed to help manage discomfort and reduce the risk of further damage to the ulcer area.
• Patients should follow a diet that is low in fat, sugar, and caffeine and high in fiber to help promote healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Regular exercise can help keep the digestive system functioning properly and reduce stress levels which can contribute to ulcer formation or recurrence.
• It's crucial to schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor to assess your symptoms, track your healing process, and possibly change your prescription.

Generally, the cost can range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 10,000 or more for medication and hospitalization charges.

Surgery costs can be even higher depending on the complexity of the procedure.

• Common side effects of stomach ulcer treatments include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and abdominal pain.
• Less common side effects may include fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps, rash or itching skin, dry mouth or increased appetite.
• Rare side effects can include depression or anxiety, blurred vision or hearing loss and anemia.

If you are suffering from any complications relating to stomach ulcer then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can cause complications like internal bleeding, malnutrition, anemia, etc. in which treatment course can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.