What is an Ulcer?

Damage to the inner lining of the stomach and tissue loss are called ulcers. It is an ulcer disease that causes certain complaints with stomach acid contact. When stomach ulcers are left untreated, they can cause stomach bleeding and cancer. There are two types of ulcers: benign ulcers or ulcers caused by cancer.

It is diagnosed with endoscopic examination and treatment methods are started. Ulcer problem is usually encountered in advanced ages. Stomach ulcers can be seen in the use of painkillers and rheumatic drugs. At the same time, excessively spicy and fatty foods and carbonated drinks can cause ulcer complaints. At the same time, microorganisms called Helicobacter pylori, which are found in the stomach or taken into the body with drinking water, also cause ulcers.

What are the Symptoms of Ulcer?

Ulcer symptoms include cramps, spasms and burning sensation. Pain can spread throughout the abdomen and under the ribs. The pains recur periodically. Nausea and vomiting are also among the symptoms of ulcers. Stool discoloration, loss of appetite and bloody vomiting are also among the symptoms of ulcers. Treatment methods to be applied after the diagnosis of gastric ulcer; It starts with the use of drugs that reduce stomach acid and correction of eating habits.

Ulcer is a health problem that negatively affects the daily life of the person and significantly reduces the quality of life. There are many symptoms of ulcers. The most common of these symptoms is burning and pain in the upper abdomen. At the same time, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, indigestion, frequent hunger, weight loss, excessive bloating and gas symptoms are also encountered. 

In addition, some ulcer patients may have more serious symptoms such as perforation of the stomach or gastric bleeding, which require urgent treatment.

What are the Causes of Ulcer?

Ulcers have psychological, genetic and physiological causes as well as environmental causes. Ulcer problem is generally; Although it is more common in societies experiencing problems such as war and natural disasters, environmental factors can also be listed as follows;

• Presence of 'helicobacter pylori' in the stomach
• Alcohol and cigarette consumption
• filling the stomach with excessive food
• Not paying attention to the hygienic nature of food
• Not staying hungry for a long time, not chewing food enough
• Having an unhealthy and unbalanced diet
• sleep problems
• Overstrain

How to Treat Ulcers?

Although ulcer problem is a chronic problem, there is a risk of recurrence unless healthy eating habits are acquired after treatment. For this reason, it is recommended that people diagnosed with ulcers start following an ulcer diet. In ulcer treatment, drugs are used to treat the damage caused by the ulcer in the stomach and to suppress helicobacter pylorimide and reduce its effects.

At the same time, if infection is observed, antibiotic treatment can also be applied. There are the following recommendations for patients experiencing ulcer problems:

• Foods that increase gastric secretion should not be consumed.
• Bitter, sour and spicy foods should not be consumed too much.
• Cigarettes and alcohol should not be consumed.
• Meals should not be skipped, especially breakfast should not be neglected.
• Attention should be paid to adequate fluid intake.
• Small amounts of food should be consumed frequently.
• Packaged products should be avoided.