Introduction:
Ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract are more commonly encountered by people. Usually, the lining of the gastrointestinal tract is intact. When this intactness is broken down by open sores, the condition is termed ulcers. Ulcers are raw areas in the gastrointestinal lining and are painful. Based upon the site of open sore the ulcers are termed as,
Esophageal ulcers.
Gastric ulcers.
Duodenal ulcers.
These ulcers are otherwise known as peptic ulcers, and peptic ulcers can be caused by a multitude of factors.
What Conditions Cause Peptic Ulcers?
Helicobacter pylori - These H.pylori bacteria are the predominant cause of peptic ulcers. They cause infection of the stomach’s lining and cause raw and eroded areas.
NSAIDs - Second most common cause is the extensive use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). People use this mainly for pain relief. But using NSAIDs for more extended periods might erode the gastrointestinal lining. Prostaglandins are substances produced by bodily tissues to play a variety of roles, such as inducing uterine contraction, constricting and dilating the blood vessels, contracting or relaxing gastrointestinal smooth muscles, etc. They also help the gut lining resist the corrosive effects of stomach acids. But these NSAIDs interfere with prostaglandin’s effect and cause ulcers.
Cigarette smoking.
While all the above factors cause ulcers stress, skipping meals and frequently consuming spicy meals do not cause ulcers but worsen the symptoms of an existing ulcer. Also, caffeinated beverages and drinks, alcohol, carbonated drinks, etc., exacerbate or worsen the underlying ulcer by increasing acid production and eroding the lining.
Will My Partner Get Ulcer if We Kiss Intensely?
A peptic ulcer is not a contagious disease, meaning it does not spread from one person to another but with an exception in the case of an ulcer due to H.pylori infection. Yes, you can probably spread the H.pylori infection to your partner. H.pylori is a bacteria that resides in your stomach’s protective layer. Though not clear at times in some people, it causes infection and inflammation of the stomach lining, causing ulcers. And whenever you kiss your partner, the infection can get transmitted to your partner resulting in ulcers. It can also spread through contaminated food and water.
How Do I Know if I Have Ulcer?
People with ulcers can have no symptoms at all or have any one or more of the following symptoms:
Indigestion.
A feeling of fullness.
Burning sensation in the upper abdominal region.
Painful stomach whenever hungry.
Belching.
Nausea.
Bad breath, even with good oral hygiene.
Some people have recurrent ulcers but have no symptoms, while some have their ulcers healed and still experience prolonged ulcer symptoms. Hence the nature of the ulcer does not coincide with the symptoms experienced by the patient.
Should I Be Worried About My Ulcer?
Ulcers are quite common worldwide. You do not have to worry about it, as treatments are available to keep it under control. But if you do not seek proper treatment, it can get complicated to cause bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract. In that case, it is concerning. It can lead to anemia. Symptoms like black stools, sharp abdominal pain, persistent stomach pain, blood vomit, and bloody stools will be present. You should seek immediate medical treatment.
An ulcer can also form a hole or perforation in your stomach or intestine, leading to infection of the abdominal cavity. These ulcers can either form scars or swell up extensively due to inflammation. Either of the conditions can cause obstruction of food passage leading to poor appetite, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Poor appetite, in turn, fuels ulcers.
How Can I Prevent Peptic Ulcers?
Elimination of risk factors can protect you from peptic ulcers.
Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Limit your intake of caffeinated foods and drinks.
Take your meals on time and regularly.
If you suspect you have gastric ulcers, then avoid consuming spicy foods and carbonated drinks.
If you need to take NSAIDs for a prolonged period, then consult with your doctor and check if you can have a lower dosage of the drug.
Take medications with food and plenty of water.
Ensure you are prescribed antacids if you take tablets for other conditions.
Balance your stress levels.
Some probiotic foods like yogurt, tempeh, kefir, pickle, aged cheese, kimchi, miso, etc., are known for their beneficial effects on your gut health. Consuming them can help you maintain your gut health and prevent unnecessary infection and inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract.
Practice hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water before having food cooking, handling food, after using the restroom, soon after reaching home, etc. The H.pylori infection can transmit through the feco-oral route.
Drink clean, boiled, or bottled water.
Cook your foods thoroughly and eat.
Is Peptic Ulcer Treatable?
Yes. Ulcers can be healed successfully with treatments. The following treatment options are available for peptic ulcers;
Antibiotics - For ulcers due to H.pylori infection, antibiotics like Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, Tetracycline, Tinidazole, etc., will be prescribed for approximately two weeks to kill the bacteria.
Anti-Ulcer Medications - Drugs belonging to the proton pump inhibitors group help reduce stomach acid production and relieve the symptoms. Such drugs include Pantoprazole, Omeprazole, Rabeprazole, etc.
Antacids - These are drugs that neutralize the effect of stomach acids—these act to relieve the symptoms but do not aid in healing the ulcer.
Other medications like Sucralfate and Misoprostol may be prescribed for protecting the gastrointestinal lining.
Conclusion:
Please be informed that if you have ulcers and are under medication, failing to have control on habits worsening ulcers, or having risk factors that hamper the healing process does not yield expected results in terms of improvement of your condition. Hence, make sure you follow all the preventive measures mentioned above and seek appropriate treatment if you have similar symptoms discussed earlier.
