People with past experiences of digestive disorders are quite familiar with the signs and symptoms of stomach ulcers. An ulcer can be defined as an open sore that can get infected or cause infections throughout the body leading to intense pain. Stomach ulcers are painful sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the small intestines. They develop when the mucosal wall of the stomach lining is eroded. Autodigestion takes place when the eroded areas are exposed to pepsin, and hydrochloric acid and the region develop sore. Stomach ulcers should be treated early, lest they become severe.
Several factors trigger the disease. It could be caused by a reaction to certain stimuli. Experts believe that a diet with excess fats, spices, oil, or acid could reduce the mucus lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to autodigestin.
1. Chest pain
The most common symptoms of stomach ulcers are characterized by discomfort related to food. However, in some instances, pain occurs in other areas such as the chest. The pain is felt anywhere in the thoracic region.
Chest pain is manifested in many forms ranging from a dull pain to a sharp stab. Mostly, the pain is colicky with no associated tenderness, and it involves the T5-8 thoracic dermatomes. The pain could also manifest as a burning sensation behind the breastbone, and could travel to other parts such as the neck and jaw.
Chest pain indicates serious underlying problems such as stomach sores. It is caused by inflammation of the esophagus. The inflammation is triggered by irritation of the esophagus lining brought about by the reflux of the hydrochloric acid from the stomach. The pain comes and disappears. It may be severe after meals. In some instances, the chest pain is so severe and could be mistaken for a heart attack.
2. Upper abdomen pain
This is among the common symptoms of stomach ulcers. The pain is more intense in the upper abdomen, below the breastbone and above the navel and it can be felt at the back. It feels like a burning or gnawing sensation, and it can last a few minutes or hours. The abdominal pain is worse when the stomach is empty such as early in the morning and at night. The pain can awaken the patient from sleep.
Antacids and food can be used to relieve the pain temporarily. The antacid relieves pain by neutralizing the acid that is irritating the stomach walls and causing the discomfort and pain.
3. Heartburn
Heartburn is initiated by the stomach acid rising the alimentary canal. The esophagus has sphincter muscles that close after food gets into the stomach to prevent the indigested contents from flowing back into the esophagus. If the sphincter muscles weakens, they relax and contract at the wrong time causing the acidic stomach contents to come back to the esophagus.
It is characterized by a burning sensation in the upper abdomen and behind the breastbone (sternum). The pain rises in the esophagus and can radiate to the throat or neck. The burning can be worsened by lying on the right side or flat. It is relieved by antacids or milk.
People often experience heartburn after taking certain foods and beverages. Heartburn is common and doesn’t raise alarms in most cases. However, if it persists or become severe, you should see a doctor.
4. Indigestion
Dyspepsia is the other name for indigestion. It is characterized by discomfort in the upper abdomen. Dyspepsia is one of the earliest signs of stomach ulcer disease. Patients may feel full before taking any meal. This is a common disorder in most people. However, indigestion caused by stomach ulcer is a major nuisance. It can disrupt a person’s daily activities and lead to sleepless nights.
Persistent indigestion is linked to acid production in the stomach. If the mucus lining on the stomach is eroded or the acid production is altered, indigestion is prone to occur. Dyspepsia can be cured by acid-blocking drugs.
5. Nausea
This is an unpleasant sensation to vomit that is characterized by a queasy sensation, sweating, lightheadedness, and salivation. It is not an alarming condition, but when prolonged it is a serious symptom. It is caused by several diseases including stomach sores. Nausea caused by pregnancy is normal and should not raise alarms.
Mostly, it precedes vomiting. However, a person can have nausea but don’t vomit. It is an unpleasant feeling, and it causes discomfort. Nausea caused by ulcers comes shortly after having a meal. It is treated with antiemetics.
If the ulcers is not treated, chronic nausea may develop.
6. Vomiting
Vomiting is commonly termed as throwing up. It is also referred to as emesis. It is the involuntary and forceful ejection of stomach contents through the mouth and nose. In most cases, vomiting is a protective mechanism to eliminate harmful indigestible food particles. It is a symptom of underlying diseases such as ulcers. A person with stomach ulcers may vomit blood which appears black or red with liver-like clots.
Vomiting caused by stomach ulcers come right after meals. It can be fatal if the components get into the respiratory tract. Prolonged emesis can lead to dehydration. Therefore, it should be controlled to enhance comfort and prevent dehydration.
7. Fatigue
Fatigue is a subjective feeling of weariness which is different from weakness. It has a slow onset and can be relieved by resting. It is a subjective feeling, meaning that it can only be reported by the patients and others cannot observe it. It is a symptom of underlying health disorders such as ulcers.
Physical fatigue is caused by the reduction of energy in the muscles. Temporary fatigue is common in the early stages of ulcers. Chronic fatigue is a symptom of advanced stomach ulcers. It can cause mental or physical weariness and may lead to poor performance. It also leads to decreased concentration levels.
8. Bloating
Bloating is characterized by gas swelling and increase in diameter of the upper abdominal area. Patients with the symptom feel full and tight. The stomach may growl from time to time. Bloating is not alarming during the early stages, but as the sore become severe, it becomes more painful and causes shortness of breath. The pain is sharp and causes the stomach to cramp. When the pain is on the right, it may be mistaken for appendicitis.
The most common treatment for bloating is antacids. Though antacids do not have any effect on the gas, they enable faster belch, thus reducing gas accumulation. Additionally, food products such as vegetables are known to reduce the effect.
Treating stomach ulcers in its early stages is easy. Therefore, if you notice one or a few of the symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention before the disease worsen. Dietary changes such as avoiding alcohol, black pepper, caffeine, and garlic can reduce the risks of getting an ulcer.
