Peptic ulcer - Cause and Treatment

What causes stomach ulcer?

Ulcer is one of the major problems that affect the stomach. Ulcer causes severe pain in the abdomen and stomach. What causes ulcer? What are the symptoms? What is the treatment?

In older days it was believed that ulcer was caused by not taking food on time. Recently australian doctors discovered that ulcer was caused a type of helical bacteria. More than 80 percent ulcers (gastric ulcer, duodenal ucler) are caused by bacteria. These bacteria enter the body through unclean water and may stay at the body for several years if not treated. These bacteria are not get killed inside stomach even with higher concentration acids. Our stomach produce hydrochloric acid that are very strong. The ph of this acid may go up to PH2 or even PH1. This can dissovle even metals. But these bacteria can survive this acid test.

Another cause for ulcer is medication in the form of tablets. Mainly Arthritis tablets, pain relievers like aspirin, paracetamol etc. and other non-steroids. Smoking and alchohol are another reasons.

Ulcers are detected by biopsy test and treated by endoscopic surgery.

Ulcers people should not take spicy food as it will increase the burning pain. Liquid food are recommended. Tender-coconut, curd, non-citrus fruit juice are good. Never take citrus fruits like lemon, orange etc as it contains acids.

Ulcers caused by bacteria are cured using antibiotic medications. There is no such thing as ulcer causing food. But always take clean, hygienic home made food with less spice.