If you notice that your stomach pain subsides when you eat, you may have an ulcer. Ulcers are common open sores that develop in your stomach, esophagus, the beginning of your small intestines or in your small intestines. Stomach pain is a general symptom that may be caused by various digestive conditions. A clinical diagnosis may simply require a description of your symptoms. The pain in the stomach may be minor or severe, depending on the severity of the sore in the digestive tract. Do not attempt to treat your stomach pain without first talking with your physician.
Definition
An ulcer is an open wound found in the digestive system that causes stomach pain before eating or after eating certain foods that are acidic. Ulcers occur when the lining of your digestive tract gets worn down and exposes the soft tissue underlying. Most ulcers are located in the small beginning portion of the small intestines, called duodenal ulcers. Stomach ulcers are called gastric ulcers and esophageal ulcers are located in the esophagus.
Symptoms
A common symptom of an ulcer is feeling better after you eat or dink something. You may find that eating will alleviate your stomach pain temporarily but returns within one to two hours. The relief may come from a temporary coating from the food or beverage that protects the soft tissue from exposure to harsh chemicals during digestion. Once the food leaves the area of the ulcers, you develop pain again. Other symptoms include vomiting, the feeling of being full very fast, stomach pain that interrupts your sleep, unexpected weight loss, bloating, burning or a heavy feeling in your stomach.
Cause
Physicians once thought that ulcers were the result of stress or ingesting foods that were spicy or high in acid, but are actually primarily the result of an infection. The most common bacterium that causes ulcers is Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium eats away at the lining of your digestive system, leaving the tissue exposed and sensitive to acid, juices and spices. Although stress doesn't cause an ulcer, it can aggravate your symptoms. Other causes of ulcers include drinking excessive daily amounts of alcohol, smoking, chewing tobacco and exposure to radiation.
Examination
A physical examination is necessary to determine the cause of your stomach pain relieved by eating. Other conditions that can cause pain your stomach include Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome and food intolerances.
