Ulcer is one of the most commonly misjudged stomach issues. We receive hundreds of patients complaining they have ulcers which upon diagnosis is not an ulcer.
An ulcer is referred to as a sore, and it commonly leads to symptoms such as vomiting blood and the presence of black stools.
It’s important to clarify that there’s a lot of misjudgment, misrepresentation, and misinformation surrounding ulcers. Many patients who believe they have an ulcer describe symptoms like feeling heaviness in the stomach and food coming back up, which are not indicative of ulcers.
An ulcer is essentially a sore that indicates inflammation of the stomach. This condition should not be confused with non-ulcer dyspepsia, which involves similar symptoms but is not an ulcer.
There are a few key causes of ulcers:
Another significant worldwide cause of ulcers is Helicobacter pylori infection.
The definitive diagnosis of an ulcer is typically made through an endoscopic examination, where a camera is used to view the esophagus and stomach. It’s crucial to differentiate actual ulcers from other conditions as many people self-diagnose incorrectly.
Non-ulcer dyspepsia involves difficulty in digestion and is often characterized by food regurgitation and stomach pain, typically worsening after meals. Unlike ulcers, non-ulcer dyspepsia does not always require an endoscopy for diagnosis; sometimes, a simple urea breath test to check for H. pylori is sufficient. What is H.Pylori?
For both conditions, some general advice includes eating only when hungry, eating less, and avoiding oily, spicy, and salty foods. If your bedtime is at ten o’clock, it’s advisable to keep your evening meal light and eat around six or seven o’clock.
Additionally, an ultrasound may be performed to check the gallbladder for any issues. Depending on the diagnosis, medications that reduce acidity might be prescribed.
We hope this clarifies the differences between non-ulcer dyspepsia and ulcers. It is important not to self-diagnose and seek professional medical advice for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you are facing issues with stomach health, book your appointment with the finest gastroenterologist here.
