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Ulcers – Symptoms & Prevention
By peace | March 27, 2006
Signs and Symptoms
Stomach pain is the most common symptom of an ulcer. It usually feels like sharp aches between the breastbone and the belly button. This pain often comes a few hours after eating. It can also happen during the night or early in the morning, when the stomach is empty. Eating something or taking an antacid medication sometimes makes the pain go away for awhile.
Other symptoms of ulcers can include:
- loss of appetite
- sudden, sharp stomach pains
- nausea
- frequent burping
- weight loss
- vomiting (if blood is in the vomit or the vomit looks like coffee grounds, which only happens with severe ulcers, call a doctor right away)
- bloody or blackish bowel movements (this could indicate a serious problem, so call a doctor right away if you notice this)
Anyone who thinks he or she may have an ulcer needs to see a doctor. Over time, untreated ulcers grow larger and deeper and can lead to other problems. An untreated ulcer can cause bleeding in the digestive system or make a hole in the wall of the stomach or duodenum, making someone very sick.
Ulcer Prevention
Doctors are not totally certain how H. pylori bacteria are transmitted from person to person. The bacteria have been found in saliva, so kissing may be one way. It may also be spread through food, water, or contact with vomit (puke) that has been infected with the bacteria.
The best advice in ulcer prevention is to always wash your hands after you use the bathroom and before you eat and to take good care of your body by exercising regularly and not smoking or drinking.
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