Ulcers are sores that form on the surface of an organ in the body. They occur most often in the stomach and duodenum, but ulcers can also form on the surface of other organs.

Ulcers are caused by the overproduction of acid and pepsin enzymes, which are normally found in the body, leading to tissue destruction. Ulcers may be accompanied by symptoms such as pain, nausea, weight loss and usually require treatment.

Why Does Ulcers Occur?

The biggest reason for the occurrence of ulcer is the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori and regular intake of NSAIDs (aspirin and antirheumatic drugs). Other causes of ulcers can be listed as follows:

• Stress
• Alcohol and cigarette consumption
• Genetic predisposition (inherited)
• Environmental pollution
• Cortisone type drugs
• Frequent coffee drinking habit

What Are The Types Of Ulcers?

The ulcer can be divided into two general types, gastric ulcer if it occurs in the stomach and duodenal ulcer if it occurs in the upper part of the small intestine.

What Are The Symptoms Of Stomach Ulcer?

Although stomach ulcers can be seen in all ages and genders, they are more common after the age of 50 and in men. Duodenal ulcers are more common than stomach ulcers.

Patients with this type of ulcer often present to the doctor with a feeling of pain, burning and discomfort in the upper abdomen.

Apart from this, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer may also occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, excessive gas and bloating, burping, and weight loss.

How Is Ulcer Treated?

After the diagnosis of ulcer is made by clinical, laboratory and imaging studies, drugs that suppress helicobacter pylorimide are used. If bacteria are still present, antibiotic therapy for the infection is started.

With ulcer medications, it is aimed to reduce stomach acids and reduce the person's complaints. Removing the effect of stomach acid on the ulcer triggers healing.

The method used other than drug therapy is to cut the vagus nerve, which stimulates the nerves to prevent the secretion of acid and pepsin. However, discontinuation does not eliminate the risk of recurrence. In some cases of ulcers, serious complications may develop and surgical operation may be required.