Stomach ulcer

Stomach ulcers affect many people. The problem is often caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. In fact, around 50-60% of the adult population carries Helicobacter pylori. Stomach ulcers can also arise for other reasons. A simple test can show whether Helicobacter pylori is present in the blood. Below we describe more about stomach ulcers and how they are treated, and further down you can read about the most common symptoms.

A stomach ulcer can flare up and then disappear after a few days, but the problems often return. A stomach ulcer often causes pain in the upper abdomen, and many people also experience a general feeling of discomfort. The bacterium that often causes the ulcer can live in the body for a long time without the person knowing it. After several years, ulcers may develop in the stomach or duodenum. If an ulcer is not treated, various diseases can develop and in some cases it can lead to cancer and other more serious conditions. The condition can be treated. There are medicines that fight the bacterium as well as effective medicines that reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach. A perforated ulcer can also lead to anemia (iron deficiency).

How Helicobacter pylori causes stomach ulcers

For many years, doctors believed that stomach ulcers were caused only by stress, poor eating habits, smoking or other lifestyle-related factors. When the bacterium was discovered in 1982, medical science was able to establish that in many cases this bacterium was the underlying cause of stomach ulcers.
Once the bacterium enters the body, it secretes an enzyme (urease), and the body responds by increasing production of hydrochloric acid. This attacks the stomach lining, which protects the stomach from the strong acid it contains. When the bacterium damages the stomach lining, an ulcer develops. The ulcer can cause infections and affect the entire digestive system.
Most people are infected as children, and today it is suspected that the bacterium is often spread within families. It can be ingested through food or water and is probably then spread further through feces. Good hygiene and always washing your hands thoroughly after using the toilet help minimize the risk of infection.

Treatment for stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers often heal on their own, and many people do not even know they have had one. Unfortunately, they often return, so a stomach ulcer should always be investigated and treated by a physician. If an ulcer is not treated, it can develop into a bleeding or perforated ulcer. This can lead to very serious complications.
The treatments available today are effective and help the majority of patients. The type of treatment depends on what caused the ulcer. In some cases, doctors prescribe proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole) together with antibiotics.
In other cases, proton pump inhibitors alone are sufficient. They reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which may be enough for the stomach lining to heal. If the ulcer was caused by Helicobacter pylori, two different types of antibiotics are often prescribed. The treatment is frequently given together with a proton pump inhibitor until the ulcer has healed completely.

The stomach produces as much as 2 liters of gastric acid per day. This acid digests food efficiently and relatively quickly. However, the acid must not come into contact with other tissue, so the stomach has a mucous membrane that contains the highly corrosive acid. If this lining is exposed to Helicobacter pylori or the stomach produces too much acid, the lining can be damaged. The corrosive acid then comes into contact with tissue and a stomach ulcer develops.

Symptoms of stomach ulcers

Symptoms of stomach ulcers can vary and are often different for each individual. However, some symptoms can be considered typical of stomach ulcers regardless of the underlying cause. In some cases, symptoms may be worsened by food.
Below we describe the most common symptoms, and further down you will also find the most common causes of stomach ulcers.

A burning sensation in the upper abdomen - it may come and go and often feels better after eating.
Nausea
Diarrhea

What can I do myself to relieve stomach ulcers?

• Avoid alcohol
• Eat more fruit and vegetables: Eating plenty of different fruits and vegetables is key to a healthy digestive system. These foods are also rich in antioxidants. A 2017 study indicates that this may be important in the prevention and treatment of stomach ulcers.
• Fiber: A diet rich in dietary fiber reduces the risk of developing stomach ulcers.
• Probiotics: Foods containing active bacterial cultures, such as probiotic yogurt, may help reduce Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Probiotics have been shown to improve symptoms of indigestion.
• Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant may help in relation to H. pylori, especially when taken in small doses over a longer period. Fruits, legumes and vegetables such as oranges and tomatoes contain high levels of vitamin C.
• Zinc: This micronutrient is important for maintaining a healthy immune system and healing wounds. Oysters, spinach and beef contain high levels of zinc.
• Selenium: This may reduce the risk of infectious complications and can also support healing. Brazil nuts, tuna and halibut contain high levels of selenium.
• Once again: avoid alcohol, as it causes the body to produce more stomach acid. This can contribute to stomach ulcers.