Ulcers basically are the sores or lesions that appear either outside or inner side of the stomach or the intestines. It can also appear in the mouth causing mouth ulcer. Depends on the location of the sore or the lesion, there are several types of ulcers known. These include decubitus ulcer, peptic ulcer, mouth ulcer, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, ulcerative colitis, bed sores and canker sore (herpes). Internal ulcers usually occur at the mucus lining of the organs. The sores developed in the lining of the stomach are due to over production of the stomach acid which eradicates the inner lining of the stomach. This is known as stomach ulcer or gastric ulcers and they are common ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by inflammation, stomach pain and bleeding through rectum. These symptoms are quite common in individuals suffering from ulcers.
• Stress – It is a major culprit because it develops many disorders. It not only affects the individual mentally but also physically. Stress develops ulcers because it makes the body acidic. Problems in the personal and professional life increases stress and thus contribute in the formation of ulcers.
• Poor diet – The other reason is the poor diet. Because of lack of time, we have anything which is readily available and thus we increases acid level in the system. This habit of having more acidic food leads to gastrointestinal reflux disorder or acid induce inflammation.
• H.pylori infection – Some bacteria found naturally in our digestive system. This bacterium is known as Helicobacter pylori or H.pylori which is harmless. But in some cases it is seen that this bacterium is responsible for the formation of the ulcers.
• Bleeding – This usually occurs in peptic ulcer. The patient either vomits blood or passes bloody stools. The patient could experience dizziness if the bleeding is severe.
• Intestinal perforation – It occurs due to rupture of the sore producing severe pain. In some cases, the stomach becomes hard.
• Obstruction – It develops because of the inflammation and swelling around the sore. This obstructs the movement of food from the stomach to the intestine. This also delays the emptying of the stomach causing dilation.
• Chronic ulcers – Some ulcers keep reoccurring once treated and hence become chronic ulcers.
Causes of ulcers
Apart from excess stomach acid production, other factors are also involved contributing in formation of ulcer. These factors are listed below• Stress – It is a major culprit because it develops many disorders. It not only affects the individual mentally but also physically. Stress develops ulcers because it makes the body acidic. Problems in the personal and professional life increases stress and thus contribute in the formation of ulcers.
• Poor diet – The other reason is the poor diet. Because of lack of time, we have anything which is readily available and thus we increases acid level in the system. This habit of having more acidic food leads to gastrointestinal reflux disorder or acid induce inflammation.
• H.pylori infection – Some bacteria found naturally in our digestive system. This bacterium is known as Helicobacter pylori or H.pylori which is harmless. But in some cases it is seen that this bacterium is responsible for the formation of the ulcers.
Complications of ulcers
It is necessary to get ulcers treated on time because if left untreated, it may lead to life threatening condition. Some of the complications that can occur include• Bleeding – This usually occurs in peptic ulcer. The patient either vomits blood or passes bloody stools. The patient could experience dizziness if the bleeding is severe.
• Intestinal perforation – It occurs due to rupture of the sore producing severe pain. In some cases, the stomach becomes hard.
• Obstruction – It develops because of the inflammation and swelling around the sore. This obstructs the movement of food from the stomach to the intestine. This also delays the emptying of the stomach causing dilation.
• Chronic ulcers – Some ulcers keep reoccurring once treated and hence become chronic ulcers.
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