Stomach ulcer, also called gastric ulcer, is a type of peptic ulcer. It is an open sore in the stomach lining caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Some ulcer sufferers rely on antacids for relief, but this is a serious condition that must be treated by a doctor.
Instructions
1. Watch for pain in the midsection. Sufferers usually describe this pain as burning, aching, or gnawing and feel it in the area between the breastbone and the belly button. Some patients also feel pain in the back. Ulcer pains last for as little as a few minutes to several hours and could occur several times over the following weeks.
2. Notice how long relief lasts. Patients usually take antacids to relieve the pain. However, if the pain is from a stomach ulcer, it will return when the effect of the medication wears off.
3. Take note of how you feel after eating. Patients suffering from peptic ulcer report a feeling of nausea or being bloated shortly after a meal.
4. Watch for vomiting. Vomiting in ulcer sufferers is sometimes accompanied by blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds.
5. Examine waste. Ulcer sufferers usually pass stools that are black or have streaks of dark blood.
6. Watch for unexplained weight loss and changes in appetite.
Tags: peptic ulcer, ulcer sufferers