Excess stomach acid or other irritants in the stomach or intestine can result in formation of erosions and ulcer craters; often these are large enough to hold a good part of the surgeon’s thumb. A breakdown of the protective mucous barrier of the stomach accelerates the damage. We all form small ulcers every now and again, but sever progressive ones can lead to pain and major hemorrhage (bleeding). Sever ulcers can even perforate (make holes) all the way through the wall of the stomach or small bowel.
Prevention
Stress, in all its forms, is a frequent contributing factor. Smokers have several times the frequency of ulcers than do non-smokers. Smoking causes constrictions (tightening) of the small vessels, and that prevents adequate nourishment to the wall of the stomach. Diets that have pepper or spices usually don’t play very much of a role; but irregular meal habits, by preventing the buffering (neutralization) of the acid by food, often can result in a dietary contribution to the problem. Medications are frequent irritants. Alcohol, particularly hard spirits, can be a culprit. Drugs – such as corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, piroxicam, naproxen, or aspirin – are often responsible. Much of the time, the medications that result in ulcers are later found to have been medically unnecessary.
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