Peptic Ulcers

A peptic ulcer is the wearing away of the mucous membranes of any area in the gastrointestinal tract. It is caused due to acidity. Peptic ulcers are very painful conditions. Peptic ulcers are caused by a bacterium called helicobacter pylori.

The symptom of ulcer is a burning sensation in the stomach. The pain may go on for some hours and even up to some weeks. Most people dismiss this pain by thinking it is got to do with indigestion, or heartburn. They resort to temporary pain-relieving  methods like taking antacids or consuming diary products.

Most peptic ulcers are caused by this bacterium. Helicobacter pylori bacterium resides in the stomach. When acid is secreted into the stomach, this bacterium can use this to cause serious damage to parts of the intestine between the stomach and the jejunum, along with damaging the stomach.

Another cause of peptic ulcer is the highly acidic digestive fluids that the stomach produces to digest food. The stomach does have some internal mechanism to shield itself from these harmful digestive fluids. It secretes a substance that coats-itself onto the inner-wall of the stomach. Also, the stomach circulates blood to manage the digestive fluids.

Now peptic ulcers happen when the time of the stomach-wall coating is inconsistent with the time of the dispensing of the digestive fluids. The digestive fluids attack the unprotected stomach walls, and cause ulcers. Irregular food habits contribute to this condition.

Stress is also a culprit. People with high stress levels can take up smoking, drinking caffeine, and alcohol. All these substances increase the propensity to contract ulcer. Caffeine is an acidity-stimulant. Ulcers are common in people with liver problems. Most liver problems are associated with heavy alcoholism.

Peptic ulcers can be treated by changing food habits and general living habits. People with peptic ulcers are asked to avoid spicy food. Spicy food invariably contains acidity-stimulants. Since smoking aggravates ulcer, people suffering from peptic ulcers should kick the butt immediately.

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics that destroy the helicobacter pylori bacterium in the stomach. Home remedies like drinking banana juice, or eating bananas can slowly heal peptic ulcers. Banana is said to possess a compound that helps in the healing process of peptic ulcers.