Causes and signs of a stomach ulcer

Ulcerative lesions of the stomach - a problem quite common. Such diseases bring a lot of troubles to a person's life. And the question of how the first signs of a stomach ulcer look, is becoming more urgent. The sooner therapy is started, the less likely the development of complications.

What is a stomach ulcer?

It's not a secret for anyone that the ulcer often develops against the backdrop of gastritis. Nevertheless, there are many reasons that can cause such a disease or provoke its aggravation. And before you find out what the main symptoms of a stomach ulcer look like, it is worthwhile to find out the main risk factors.

Enzymes released by specific cells have proteolytic properties - they can break down protein molecules. But the activation of these biologically active substances occurs only in the presence of hydrochloric acid. In turn, the gastric mucosa protects the tissues from the effects of the acid medium. Ulcers are formed when the balance between the level of hydrochloric acid and the amount or properties of mucus changes.

Such violations can occur under the influence of toxins and poisons, as well as against the background of the activity of certain bacteria. Risk factors include poor nutrition, smoking and alcohol abuse, uncontrolled intake of certain medications, persistent stress.

The main signs of a stomach ulcer

The clinical picture largely depends on the stage of the development of the disease. And patients often write off the deterioration of well-being on the error in nutrition. So what signs of stomach ulcers are necessary to pay attention?

As a rule, in the initial stages of the disease there are pains in the upper part of the abdomen - they can be both blunt and sharp, different in intensity. Over time, the patient begins to notice bouts of soreness at night, which, of course, affects the quality of sleep and leads to the development of constant fatigue and drowsiness.

Most often, the pain is more or less related to meals. For example, patients note the soreness that occurs with an empty stomach - it disappears 40-60 minutes after eating.

Regularly occurring nausea followed by vomiting is also signs of a stomach ulcer. Along with this, there is a decrease in appetite and as a result - rapid weight loss.

As the disease develops, the pain may weaken or even disappear, but this does not indicate a cure. At this stage, it is possible to increase body temperature, rapid pulse, bloating and bulging belly, dry mouth.

The most dangerous is perforation of the ulcer, which is accompanied by severe pain, fever, bloody vomiting, a sharp deterioration in the state of health - a person in this state needs urgent medical care.

In any case, in the presence of the above-described problems, it is worth turning to the gastroenterologist. Only the doctor knows how the signs of a stomach ulcer look . Treatment should be started only after determining the exact diagnosis. Of course, this requires additional research, in particular, sounding, radiography, and sometimes biopsy. In most cases, properly selected medication, as well as adherence to the appropriate diet, helps to cure the disease.