The term ulcer describes a sore that occurs on the lining of your digestive tract. The digestive tract includes your esophagus, stomach and intestines. According to FamilyDoctor.org, most ulcers typically occur in the duodenum, which is the upper part of the intestinal tract. Untreated ulcers can be very dangerous since they can lead to internal bleeding. If you believe you have an ulcer, talk to your doctor right away. Including certain items in your diet, such as soda, tea, alcohol and spicy foods, can worsen your ulcer.
Causes
Stress and diet were once thought to cause ulcers to develop, but these things do not actually cause ulcers. A bacterial infection is at the root of most ulcers. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications can also cause an ulcer to develop. Anti-inflammatory medications typically only cause ulcers to develop when used long term. Anti-inflammatory medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and some prescription drugs that treat arthritis.
Types
There are three types of ulcers: duodenal, gastric and esophageal. Esophageal ulcers occur in the esophagus, which is the beginning of the digestive tract. Stomach ulcers are called gastric ulcers and these ulcers stay in the stomach. Duodenal ulcers occur in the duodenum, just below the stomach.
Complications
Certain things can aggravate or complicate ulcers. Stress, both physical and emotional, can cause ulcers to worsen, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Your condition can also worsen when your stomach produces too much acid. The stomach can produce excess acid when you smoke or consume foods that are very spicy and cause heartburn. Soda, tea, coffee and alcohol can also worsen ulcers because the caffeine content and the stimulants from alcohol can increase the production of stomach acid.
Warning Signs
If you already know that you have an ulcer, then pain is no stranger. There are ways to tell if your ulcer is getting worse, in which case you should call your doctor right away. Warning signs include vomiting blood, vomiting foods that you've eaten days or hours before, ongoing nausea, weight loss, feeling cold and clammy, unusual dizziness or weakness, blood in your stools and pain that does not go away when you take your medication.
