What is an ulcer?
Millions of people around the world suffer from
ulcers. An ulcer is a sore or hole in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first
part of the small intestine). People of any age can get an ulcer and women are affected
just as often as men.
What causes ulcers?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium
that lives on the lining of the stomach. Although we use to think that spicy food, acid,
and stress were the major causes of ulcers, we now know that nine out of ten ulcers are
caused by H. pylori. Medicines that reduce stomach acid may make you feel better, but your
ulcer may come back. Here’s the good news : since most ulcers are caused by this
bacterial infection, they can be cured for good with the right antibiotics.
What are the symptoms of an ulcer?
The most common ulcer symptom is gnawing or
burning pain in the abdomen between the breastbone and the belly button. The pain often
occurs when the stomach is empty, between meals and in the early mornings hours, but can
occur at any time. It may last for minutes or hours and may be relieved by eating food or
by taking antacids.
Less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting,
or loss of appetite.
Sometimes ulcers bleed. If bleeding continues
for a long time, it may lead to anemia with weakness and fatigue.
If bleeding is heavy, blood may appear in
vomit or bowel movements, which may appear dark red or black.
How can your doctor tell if you have H.
pylori?
Your doctor may choose one of the following
tests to determine if your ulcer is caused by H. pylori.
Endoscopy
Your doctor may decide to perform an Endoscopy.
This is a test in which a small tube with a camera inside is inserted through the mouth
and into the stomach to look for ulcers. During the Endoscopy, small samples of the
stomach lining "biopsy" can be obtained and tested for H. pylori using PyloriTek.
C13 Urea Breath Test Non-Invasive , Non
Radioactive
This breath test Horizons C13,
can determine if you are infected with
H. pylori. In
this test, you drink a harmless liquid and in half an hour , a
sample of your breath
is tested for H. pylori.
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