Esophageal Ulcers
There are many types of ulcers to be found. An esophageal ulcer is a hole that has formed in the lining of the esophagus. In Esophageal Ulcers this lining has become corroded by the acidic juices in the stomach. The ulcers can also be formed by a bacterium called H. pyloridus.
You can generally find Esophageal Ulcers in the lower section of the esophagus. These ulcers are also associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. While these Esophageal Ulcers can be painful they are not considered to be contagious. You should also understand that Esophageal Ulcers could be the symptoms of other diseases or conditions.
Besides H. pyloridus there are other reasons why Esophageal Ulcers form. Some of these reasons may include the following the constant use of anti-inflammatory medications, smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco, bulimia. In addition to these individuals with Esophageal Ulcers may develop iron deficiency anemia.
To detect whether you have an esophageal ulcer a diagnosis is made with a barium x-ray or endoscopy examination. Should these tests indicate that you do have an esophageal ulcer then you will need to have it treated as soon as possible. The complications that can arise from untreated Esophageal Ulcers include bleeding and perforation.
There are some treatments that you can use to destroy the presence of the H. pyloridus bacteria. The use of these treatments will eliminate the risk factors that are involved with Esophageal Ulcers and these treatments can also prevent complications from occurring.
Some of the symptoms of Esophageal Ulcers include heartburn, inflammation of the esophagus. A slight bleeding may occur, vomiting blood that is bright red in color or coffee ground black and dark, tarry stools. This type of stool condition is called melena. Should your esophageal bleeding be rapid then the blood discharge in the stools will be a bright red color.
Other symptoms of Esophageal Ulcers can include nausea, abdominal indigestion and abdominal cramping. This abdominal pain can awaken you at night, it can be relieved by antacids or milk, you may feel the pains of the Esophageal Ulcers about 2 to3 hours after eating and sometimes these pains can become worse if you do not eat any food.
The final esophageal Ulcer Symptoms are correlated together. They are appetite and weight loss. For anyone who has Esophageal Ulcers or suspect that this may have occurred the wisest course of action that you can take is to see a doctor and state that you suspect that you have an esophageal ulcer.
The tests that will be taken can inform you if you are suffering from Esophageal Ulcers or if you have any other medical condition that needs treatment as well. Remember that any Esophageal Ulcers that have been left untreated can turn life threatening therefore do not wait until complications arise to see your doctor.
