1 in 5 Americans struggle with ulcers and stomach pain. It was thought that stress was the primary cause of peptic ulcers, but research has shown otherwise. The main causes of peptic ulcer disease include the use of NSAID pain relievers such as aspirin, poor lifestyle choices, medical history, and infection from the H. Pylori bacteria. If you’ve been looking for an ulcer doctor near you, The Gut Authority can help you heal your stomach ulcer and make the right choices to prevent recurrence.
Occasionally, bacteria, stomach acid, or medications eat a hole through the mucosa’s stomach lining, which can cause peptic ulcers to form. This mucosa is a thick layer of mucus that is designed to protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine. When this layer is compromised, then small sores (called stomach ulcers) develop on the lining of your stomach and small intestine. Sometimes a peptic ulcer (an ulcer in the lining of the digestive tract) can occur as well. Peptic ulcer disease can also lead to other complications if left untreated.
A little over half of the people who have peptic ulcer disease have no symptoms. Outside of occasional dull pain, they don’t have the usual side effects associated with ulcer complications. Some common side effects of a stomach ulcer include:
Another common symptom is heartburn, which is located between the abdomen and the sternum. Your ulcer doctor may run tests, including blood tests, to determine your symptoms and root causes of abdominal issues. Understanding this digestive disease will allow our team to create an effective treatment plan to help you feel better.
The best way to prevent many stomach ulcers and reduce ulcer pain is by making lifestyle changes, avoiding certain medications and toxins, and adjusting your diet. However, if you already have developed peptic ulcers, your ulcer doctor may recommend dietary and lifestyle counseling to help heal them.
The first step in treating peptic ulcer disease is addressing the root causes. Anti-inflammatory options can help reduce stomach acid and alleviate symptoms. Additionally, managing other conditions, such as acid reflux or digestive diseases, can aid in long-term ulcer prevention.
You don’t have to deal with the pain of a stomach ulcer any longer. The team here at The Gut Authority wants to help you make the right lifestyle changes so your peptic ulcer disease can heal. Seek treatment today by calling us for expert medical advice from an experienced ulcer doctor. We’d be happy to schedule an appointment and help you on your journey to better health.