By Connie Colbert
Director, Canyon Health and Wellness Clinic
There are 10 warning signs that indicate you might have a stomach ulcer:
- Dull and, at times, sharp pain, usually in the upper portion of your abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lack of appetite because of pain or an increase in appetite, the result of increased stomach acid
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Feeling full easily
- Frequent burping
- Symptoms that may improve when you eat, drink or take antacids
- Gassy feeling
- Dark or black bowel movements
Ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach or the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common causes are infection from the bacteria H.pylori and long-term use of certain pain relievers, such as aspirin and NSAIDS – medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen (Aleve) and ketoprofen. This does not include acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Risk factors for developing an ulcer are:
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Excessive stress
- Eating spicy foods
If you have noticed all or some of these symptoms, see a health care provider to be evaluated for an ulcer. In the meantime, the symptoms may improve with the elimination of spicy or fried foods as well as citrus fruits, onions, peppers and tomato-based foods such as pizza, spaghetti and soup.
