A stomach ulcer



A stomach ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. Your stomach has a lining of mucous secreting cells that coats the inside of the stomach, protecting it from digestive juices. Stomach ulcers occur when this protective lining is damaged. This allows for stomach acids to eat away the underneath sensitive tissue. The majority of stomach ulcers are caused by the Helicobacter Bacteria. The bacteria grow in the digestive tract of human and in the lining of the stomach leading to inflammation



Both the acid and the bacteria irritate the lining causing a sore or ulcer. About 50% of the global population is infected with Hellicobacter Pylori, 10% of those infected with H. Pylori may develop an ulcer. Long -term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also cause stomach ulcers. Some over the counter NSAIDs include aspirin, Ibuprofen, or naproxen. A rare disease called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can also cause stomach ulcers. In this disease, the body of the patient produces exceesively amounts of stomach acid which damages the protective mucous lining of the stomach.



Excessive use of alcohol increases the risk of developing ulcers. The most common symptom of stomach ulcer is pain in the abdomen. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss. Treatments include antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications. If left untreated, stomach ulcers can become severe and can burn through the wall of the stomach. This allows the digestive juices and food to leak into the abdominal cavity. This severe medical emergency is known as a perforated ulcer. Some stomach ulcers may set the stage for stomach cancer.



People infected with H.pylori have an increased risk of stomach and bowel cancer. H.pylori bacteria cause alterations in the cells lining the stomach. These alterations are associated with stpmach and other cancers. The bacteria proctec themselves from the immune cells and do not allow the repair of the damaged stomach lining. Prolonged inflammation can cause chronic inflammation which can lead to stomach cancer. Also, the hgh doses of NSAIDs reduce the flow of blood to the stomach interfering with the body’s ability to reapair cells thus, increasing the chances of developing cancer