Frequent Stomach Pain? You Could Have an Ulcer!

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The stomach is a vital organ in the digestive system, having a very important role in processing food into the nutrients needed by the body. This organ is often a source of discomfort, one of which is an ulcer. When the stomach lining becomes inflamed or irritated, this can cause various symptoms.

If you feel pain or discomfort in the stomach, it could be a natural symptom or sign of stomach ulcers. This condition is often considered trivial, but if left unchecked it can interfere with daily activities. Then, how to solve it? Let's look at a complete review of stomach ulcers, starting from the causes, symptoms, and how to deal with them. 

What are stomach ulcers?

Stomach ulcers or dyspepsia is a condition where a person experiences pain or discomfort in the upper part of the stomach. This discomfort can include stinging, heat, bloating, or a feeling of fullness. This condition often appears after eating or on an empty stomach. 

Causes of Stomach Pain

Ulcers can be caused by various factors. The following are several factors that can cause stomach ulcers, including:

• Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection: This bacteria is the main cause of stomach ulcers, which is one of the causes of stomach ulcers. 

• Take certain medications: Some drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can irritate the stomach and cause stomach ulcers. 

• Excess stomach acid: Excessive stomach acid production can damage the stomach lining and cause inflammation. 

• Stress: Stress can affect the digestive system and increase stomach acid production. 

• Smoking: Smoking can damage the protective lining of the stomach and increase the risk of ulcers. 

• Excessive alcohol consumption: Consuming excessive alcohol can irritate the stomach and worsen ulcer symptoms. 

• Specific foods: Spicy, sour and fatty foods, such as fried foods, can worsen stomach ulcer symptoms in some people. 

Stomach Ulcer Symptoms

Apart from pain or discomfort in the stomach, other symptoms of stomach ulcers that you may experience include:

• Bloated stomach

• Nausea and vomiting

• Frequent belching

• The stomach feels full after eating a little

• Acid Reflux

• Heartburn (hot feeling in the chest)

How to Treat Stomach Pain

To overcome stomach ulcers, Premier Friends can do the following things:

Changing Diet 

Changing your diet is very important to help relieve ulcer symptoms, such as avoiding spicy, sour, fatty foods, caffeinated drinks, alcohol and soda. Instead, increase your consumption of foods rich in fiber such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

Apart from that, eat small portions but often, and make sure the food you consume is not too hot or too cold. Try to eat at least 2-3 hours before bed to avoid stomach acid reflux.

Managing Lifestyle

Apart from adjusting your diet, managing your lifestyle is also very important in dealing with ulcers. Stress is one of the main triggers for ulcers, therefore, it is very important to manage and avoid stress. Apart from that, make sure you get enough rest, because lack of sleep can disrupt the hormonal balance in the body and worsen ulcer symptoms. 

Taking Medicines

Medicines prescribed by your doctor will help relieve ulcer symptoms quickly. Doctors will usually prescribe medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, or PPIs to reduce stomach acid production and relieve symptoms. If the ulcer is caused by an H. pylori infection, antibiotics will be given to kill the bacteria that causes the ulcer. 

Don't take medication carelessly without a doctor's prescription, because it can cause unwanted side effects. Apart from that, inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, to avoid drug interactions that could interfere with treatment. 

If the symptoms of stomach ulcers that you experience get worse or do not feel better with home treatment, immediately consult a doctor at Digestive Centre, Premier Jatinegara Hospital. The doctor will carry out further examinations and provide appropriate treatment.

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