Ulcers

Ulcers are sores that erode mucous membranes in the skin and penetrate the underlying muscles. Peptic ulcers are those that occur in the lower part of the oesophagus, the stomach or the duodenum.They are formed when these areas get exposed to stomach acidsand the enzyme pepsin. Peptic ulcer is a common disease in both men and women.

An ulcer in the upper part of the small intestine is called duodenal ulcer and a lesion in the stomach is called gastric ulcer.

Symptoms:
A person suffering from peptic ulcer faces a gnawing or burning pain which occurs 2 to 3 hours after eating. It is worse when the stomach is empty and can be relieved by eating a small amount of food or by taking an antacid. People suffering from ulcers also develop intestinal bleeding, heartburn, bloatig and gas, nausea and vomiting.

Causes:

• Excess secretion ofthe stomach acids does play a role in the cause of ulcer but most ulcers develop when the bacteria Heliobacterpylori infects the intestinal tract.
• Emotional stress, smoking and heavy drinking also contribute to a person's risk of ulcer. Hereditary predisposition is also a cause in some people.
• Ulcers are also caused in people who are subjected to extreme physical stress such as serious burns or surgery.Heavy use of drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and other non steroidal, anti - inflammatory drugs also causes ulcers.

What to do?

1. Visit the family doctor for the correct prescription of anti biotics.
2. A daily yogurt supplement with live lactobacillio can reduce the side effects like nausea and diarrhea during antibiotic treatment.
3. Quit smoking as it is a factor which is linked to poor healing and ulcer recurrence.
4. Discontinue harmful medication which causes ulcers.
5. Exercise as it raises your endomorphin levels that dull pain and elevate mood.