Get to Know the Different Kinds of Ulcers

Suffering from an ulcer is very common. Did you know that there are actually 7 different types of ulcers? Ulcers can actually occur in various parts of the digestive system aside from the stomach, but all of them pretty much share the same symptoms — dull or sharp pain in the stomach or upper abdominal area, burning sensation in the chest, excessive burping, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and bloating. It is important for you to be diagnosed with the correct kind of ulcer so that the appropriate treatment may be given and you may steer clear of some of its root causes.

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In this article, let us put the spotlight on the various types of ulcers. We will discuss the 3 most common ones (gastric, duodenal and peptic ulcers) and the 4 less common ones (esophageal, stress, refractory and bleeding ulcers). Read on!

Common Types of Ulcers

• Gastric ulcer – This is the type of ulcer that occurs in the stomach itself, with much of its symptoms being more defined than all the other types of ulcers. Experts say that a bacterium (H. pylori) is the reason behind this problem. The intake of antacids is the primary treatment for gastric ulcer. Anyone who has it is strongly advised against consuming spicy and greasy food.

• Duodenal ulcer – Just like what the name suggests, this is something that occurs in the duodenum — the first part of your small intestine that is immediately past your stomach. Even though it takes place outside the stomach, having this can leave you feeling like you’re suffering from heartburn. Just like gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer is actually easy to treat.

• Peptic ulcer – It’s something that can occur in the stomach or duodenum. This type of ulcer is caused by the chief digestive enzyme found in the stomach which is called pepsin. This can be easily treated with the intake of antacids. Also, trigger foods such as spicy and greasy ones should be avoided in order to keep peptic ulcer at bay.

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Less Common Types of Ulcers

• Esophageal ulcer – The name of this type of ulcer makes it obvious where it occurs. To be precise, this affects the lower part of your esophagus. The symptoms of esophageal ulcer such as pain and difficulty swallowing tend to be exacerbated as stomach acids come into contact with the affected part of the esophagus. Since this is bacterial in nature, it’s not unlikely for your doctor to prescribe antibiotics.

• Stress ulcer – Obviously, this is something that takes place when you are stressed. You may also end up with this if you are suffering from an illness or your health is in a bad state. Stress ulcer may affect your esophagus, stomach and duodenum. As your stress levels get reduced or as you bounce back from an illness, this type of ulcer tends to go away on its own.

• Refractory ulcer – Earlier, it’s been said that peptic ulcer is something that can be treated quite easily with the intake of antacids in order to neutralize pepsin and allow the affected areas of the stomach or duodenum to heal on their own. If peptic ulcer fails to respond to such treatment and persists for at least 3 months, it then becomes refractory ulcer.

• Bleeding ulcer – According to medical authorities, this is the most dangerous form of ulcer. It’s for the fact that there is internal bleeding involved which could lead to some serious complications. This happens when a simple ulcer is left untreated and worsens. Needless to say, a bleeding ulcer requires immediate medical attention in order to keep at bay some complications.

Having ulcer is quite common and it can happen to everyone. By seeing your doctor immediately and having the right kind of treatment, it’s something that can be easily managed.

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