10 Signs Of A Stomach Ulcer

Ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of your stomach. A stomach ulcer occurs when the layer of mucus found in the stomach begins to thin. The digestive juices found in the stomach then begin to destroy the stomach lining, causing a sore or ulcer to form. There are several causes for stomach ulcers; however, the main two causes are H. pylori infections and long-term usages of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin. Let's take a look at the top ten signs of a stomach ulcer and how you can ease its symptoms.

1. Abdominal bloating: If you suffer from an ulcer, you will often experience bloating in your midsection. In addition to bloating, you may experience fullness, abdominal swelling and abdominal pain if you suffer from a stomach ulcer. Unexplained abdominal bloating that continues for an extended period of time should always be checked by your doctor.
2. Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain that occurs between your breastbone and your belly button may be a sign of a stomach ulcer. This pain often occurs after eating a meal as your stomach empties. The pain can come and go and is often described as a stabbing or burning pain.
3. Discolored stools: Any changes to your bowel movements should be checked out. If you experience tar-like, sticky, dark stools, you should contact your physician immediately. Bleeding from an ulcer can cause your stools to change colors. Color changes along with consistency changes happen when the blood from your ulcer enters your intestines and is excreted during your bowel movements.
4. Heartburn: Although heartburn is typically associated with acid reflux disease, it can also be a sign of stomach ulcers. If your heartburn is relieved when you take an antacid or drink some water, you should not worry. If, on the other hand, you consistently experience heartburn, no matter what you are eating, it can be an indicator of an ulcer. Oftentimes, you will hiccup or burp often after you eat if you have an ulcer.
5. Intolerance of fatty foods: Fatty foods cause abdominal pain to worsen due to the increase of stomach acid production. This increase in acid irritates the ulcer even further. In addition, to avoid fatty foods, you should avoid acid producing beverages such as coffee, alcohol and soft drinks.
6. Loss of appetite: Many people suffering from stomach ulcers experience a loss of appetite. This can be due to the fear of eating and the symptoms that occur when eating. In addition to this, abdominal pain, bloating and nausea can make it difficult to have an appetite.
7. Malaise: When you have a stomach ulcer, you may experience malaise. They can cause bleeding, which can lead to anemia. If you suffer from anemia, you may experience malaise, fatigue, lethargy, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, and weakness.
8. Nausea: Nausea is the sensation of feeling like you should vomit. This is often a sign of a stomach ulcer. Nausea can be acute or chronic. As your ulcer grows, the amount of digestive acids is reduced, which slows down digestion. When normal digestion is interfered with, nausea and vomiting can occur.
9. Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath occurs when you experience chronic blood loss due to an ulcer. As you become anemic, you may not have enough red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, including your lungs. When you lose blood, your red blood cells decrease, resulting in shortness of breath.
10. Unexplained weight loss: Weight loss is a common sign of a stomach ulcer. Weight loss often occurs due to a lack of appetite along with nausea and vomiting. Some sufferers lose weight even if they are eating the same number of calories as they normally would eat. Unintentional weight loss should always be checked out by your doctor.

Stomach ulcers are painful sores that occur in the stomach lining. These can cause a number of adverse reactions, including fatigue, anemia, vomiting, nausea, discolored stools and an intolerance to fatty foods. There are several things that can ease the symptoms of a stomach ulcer, including eating antioxidant-rich foods like spinach, blueberries, kale, broccoli, and raspberries; eating probiotic-rich foods, including yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi; taking probiotics and digestive enzymes and limiting the consumption of NSAIDs.

Sandeep Das is an active freelance writer. His other interests include organic SEO and growth hacking. He works closely with B2C and B2B businesses and has a background in marketing.