Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Wellness.

At Oosa Herbal Care Ventures, we believe in a holistic approach to health, which includes understanding the root causes of common ailments. One such condition is the stomach ulcer, a painful and often misunderstood issue that affects many people. By shedding light on what causes stomach ulcers and how they manifest, we hope to empower you with the knowledge to manage your digestive health and find a path to natural wellness. What is a Stomach Ulcer? A stomach ulcer, also known as a peptic ulcer, is an open sore that develops on the lining of the stomach. They can also occur in the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers) or the esophagus (esophageal ulcers). These ulcers form when the protective mucus layer of the stomach is thinned or compromised, allowing strong stomach acids to erode the tissue underneath. Causes of Stomach Ulcers: What's the Real Culprit? For many years, stress and spicy foods were thought to be the primary causes of ulcers. While they can certainly aggravate symptoms, we now know that the vast majority of ulcers are caused by two main factors: H. pylori Bacteria: The most common cause is an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacteria can live in the digestive tract and weaken the protective lining of the stomach and duodenum, making it more susceptible to damage from stomach acid. Many people have this bacteria, but for some, it triggers an ulcer. NSAID Pain Relievers: The long-term, regular use of certain over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is the second most common cause. Common examples include ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin. These medications can irritate the stomach lining and interfere with its ability to produce the protective mucus, leading to ulcer formation. Other Contributing Factors: While not direct causes, certain lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing an ulcer or can worsen existing ones: Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can irritate and erode the mucus lining of the stomach and increase stomach acid production. Smoking: Smoking can increase stomach acid, decrease the protective mucus layer, and slow the healing process of ulcers. Stress and Spicy Foods: While not a direct cause, chronic stress can affect the body's immune response and healing capabilities, while spicy foods and highly acidic foods (like citrus) can irritate a pre-existing ulcer. Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers: What to Look For The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a dull, burning, or gnawing pain. This pain is often felt in the stomach area (the space between your breastbone and navel). Other common symptoms include: Burning Stomach Pain: This is the hallmark symptom. The pain may feel worse between meals when the stomach is empty, or at night. It can often be temporarily relieved by eating certain foods or taking antacids, as these neutralize the acid. Bloating or a Feeling of Fullness: You may feel uncomfortably full after eating only a small amount of food. Heartburn or Acid Reflux: A burning sensation in your chest that can radiate up your throat. Nausea and Vomiting: A feeling of sickness or throwing up. Intolerance to Fatty Foods: Some people find that fatty or fried foods worsen their symptoms. Severe Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention: While less common, some symptoms can indicate a more serious complication, such as a bleeding ulcer. Seek immediate medical care if you experience: 🔹Vomiting blood (which may look red or black) 🔹Dark, tarry stools (a sign of bleeding) 🔹Difficulty breathing 🔹Unexplained weight loss 🔹Fainting or feeling lightheaded At Oosa Herbal Care Ventures, we have various herbal products that we use in addressing ulcer related illnesses. Feel free to browse through the products page for better understanding of which medication/medications you may need. You can also chat with our consultant for more advice.