11/01/2022
Many people associate stomach ulcers with stress and spicy foods. While these things probably don't help, most stomach ulcers are caused by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori or by overuse of certain medications like aspirin and ibuprofen.
An ulcer is an open painful sore that can be found in the stomach or the first part of the small intestines, called the duodenum. The normal stomach produces acid which helps digest food and kills most swallowed bacteria, but when the protective gel layer of the stomach is disrupted by medications or Helicobacter pylori, an ulcer can result.
So how do you know if you have an ulcer? Let's give Michael here some Helicobacter pylori and a few extra doses of ibuprofen to find out. So Michael, how do you feel? Not so good? It looks like you have burning pain in the middle upper part of your belly, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss, and even what appears to be blood in your vomit and bowel movements. You better see a doctor.
