A gastric ulcer is a disorder that occurs when dangerous bacteria infect the stomach. The stomach is a bag-like structure located behind the liver in the tummy area. It is a region of the digestive system where HCL is present and plays an important role in food digestion. Besides, the stomach also secretes various essential enzymes for food digestion. However, sometimes the stomach lining may damage. The main reason for this damage is Helicobacter pylori. These bacteria live in the digestive tract and cause stomach lining infections. The cells present in our stomach lining secrete mucus that protect the stomach from the corrosive effects of its own HCL. But H. Pylori bacteria starts to feed mucus. As a result, the amount of mucus decreases. This causes mucus to thin in some regions. Consequently, HCL and other digestive enzymes begin to eat the stomach lining, resulting in a stomach ulcer. This causes severe pain and burning in the stomach. Patients also experience vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and fullness.
To diagnose stomach ulcers, doctors use an endoscopic procedure.
To Treat gastric ulcers, antibiotics are given which kills the H. Pylori bacteria. In addition, over-the-counter drugs containing antacids are prescribed which decreases the stomach acidity.
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