A stomach ulcer is a lesion form in the lining of the stomach and it is also known as Gastric Ulcer or Peptic Ulcer. In earlier days, tension-filled lifestyle and bad quality of food were held responsible for the Stomach Ulcer but later the studies revealed that it is the off-balance between Hydrochloric Acid and Pepsin, the digestive fluids cause it. Further research, revealed that the infection of a spiral-shaped bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori promotes the development of an ulcer in the stomach area.
This type of bacteria will be attached to stomach wall reducing the immunization ability of the stomach and further promote the production of acid inside the stomach which will cause inflammation and will result in Stomach Ulcer.
Signs of Stomach Ulcer
Loss of appetite, nausea, pain in the stomach just below the ribcage, anemia, weight loss, vomiting and the presence of blood in vomiting and stool are the common symptoms of stomach ulcer. Although the ulcer itself may not be serious in most of the cases but can develop into more serious medical conditions if not treated on time. Hence, these signs should not be ignored and should take medical assistance immediately if you experience any of these signs.
Diagnosis of Stomach Ulcer
Barium swallow or the Upper GI series of X-ray is the most common test to identify stomach ulcer. In order to conduct the test, the patient will have to drink a Barium milkshake which contains a liquid that will light up on an X-ray. This light up help the doctor to locate the ulcer and the real cause of the symptom. The patient will have to prepare for the test at least two days before. Only
easily digestible food is recommended during these two days before the test. Once the patient swallows the milkshake, he or she will be asked to lie down on a tilting examining table. Then the table will be tilted so the liquid will be equally distributed around the upper digestive tract. Then, the X-ray will be taken.
Treatments for Stomach Ulcer
The treatment for stomach ulcers differs from simple medication to maintain a healthy diet to a changed lifestyle. In some serious cases, surgery may be the only option.
The symptoms of the stomach ulcer can be the symptom of some other medical conditions too. Here the most important thing is to identify the ulcer and locate it. Only the hospitals and laboratories with modern equipment and highly trained medical practitioners can produce the accurate result. The tests should be executed under the supervision of and should be evaluated by a high experienced gastroenterologist. It will be better to approach any good hospitals which offer specialized treatment for gastro-related medical conditions such as Ananya Gastro for tests and treatment to get a better result.