Stomach ulcers are also known as gastric or peptic ulcers. They are one of the main types of ulcers that affect the stomach and small intestine parts. The presence of open painful lesions in the upper part of the small intestine or stomach lining is called stomach ulcer. These ulcers are caused when the protective layer of the stomach, which is made of mucus, is worn out due to acidic reactions of the digestive juice present. Stomach ulcers can be cured with no complications if they are diagnosed and treated early.

There are two types of stomach ulcers. These are called esophageal and duodenal ulcers. Ulcers formed within the esophagus are called esophageal ulcers and ulcers formed on the top part of the small intestine are called duodenal ulcers.

Symptoms of stomach ulcer
There are many symptoms linked with stomach ulcers. The symptoms get severe if they are not treated on time. Some common symptoms of stomach ulcers are:

• A burning sensation in the digestive tract
• A pain in the stomach that feels like a sprain
• Bloated stomach
• Low appetite
• Vomiting and nausea
• Frequent burps
• Feeling tired, gasping for air to breathe, and dull skin
• Vomiting blood
• Passing dark stools

Diagnosis of stomach ulcer
Severe symptoms occur only when ulcers are not treated on time. Consult a doctor immediately if one notices any signs and symptoms to avoid further complications. The doctor will then diagnose the presence of ulcers depending on the symptoms, lifestyle, and medications. Once they confirm the presence of the ulcer, they will put one through a further diagnosis process to check the severity of the problem.

Some of the diagnosis processes for this main type of ulcer are:

• Endoscopy
  A thin, flexible tube with a camera attached at the end of the tube is inserted into the gut through the mouth to look out for the presence of lesions and its condition in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine area. Once the lesion is found, a small section is removed by performing a biopsy.
• Barium swallow
  The doctor analyses the problem by taking an X-ray of the stomach and small intestine. The patient is then advised by the doctor to drink a thick white liquid called barium before the X-ray is taken. Barium covers the outer gastrointestinal tract to give out clear images during an X-ray.

Causes of stomach ulcer
The main cause of stomach ulcers is the presence of H.pylori bacteria. There are several reasons associated with the presence of the bacteria in the stomach or small intestines.

Some of the common risk factors are:

• Increased intake of pain killers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Increase in stomach acids due to food habits
• Increase in the intake of steroids
• Overproduction of calcium
• Increase in alcohol consumption
• Age (middle-aged individuals are susceptible)
• Smoking
• Stress
• Genetic disorder passed through ancestors