The Gut Feeling Revolving Gastric Ulcers

Gastric ulcers are extremely painful sores that occur in the stomach lining. While super oily food and stress are underlying risk factors, unexpectedly the most common cause is an infection from bacteria known as Helicobacter Pylori. The discovery of this bacteria even won a Nobel Prize in 2005 and led to development of an antibiotic age. These bacteria are naturally present in the acidic environment of the stomach. These bacteria can overgrow in excessive acidic conditions or from unsanitary conditions. This can irritate the stomach causing inflammation.

The initial symptoms are hard to figure out and include severe heartburn, nausea, stomach pain and bloating. The discomfort only worsens with time. People end up on liquid diets which again are very painful. Late stages ulcers may lead to bleeding and non-healing sores that may become difficult to treat. It may also result in dark stool along with blood. Depending on the type of ulcer, you may lose or gain weight.

Unknown Causes of Gastric Ulcers

1. Excessive Use of Painkillers

Patients with chronic diseases like arthritis frequently consume anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin. These drugs interfere with the enzymes that are responsibly for protecting the inner lining of stomach. This leads to infiltration of immune cells leading to inflammatory response. In worse cases, it may result in a hole in the duodenum that may require emergency surgery.

2. Alcohol Consumption and Smoking

Alcohol and smoking can irritate the lining of the stomach causing reduced blood flow and thus flared up inflammation and irritation in stomach lining.

3. Poor Sleep

Latest research has pointed out that disturbed sleep is linked to a higher occurrence of gastric ulcers. Our sleep time is when the body recovers the most. Any disturbance in the sleep cycle can also affect the gut. While the reason is unknown, we believe this is the only plausible cause.

4. Stress

Stress indeed is a very underrated cause of gastric ulcers. People undergoing mental trauma or stress have a very high risk of development of ulcers. Stress causes stomach acid to increase which can erode the protective layering.

Are Gastric Ulcers Treatable?

Patients across the world have approached Advancells for its revolutionary PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment and have seen visible improvement in their condition. Whether the ulcers are gastric or Diabetic, PRP treatment has been an effective treatment option that relieves the long pain and distress for the patient. There is an enhanced recovery of patients as compared to conventional treatments that take months to cure. While current treatments do cure ulcers, the tendency of relapse is very high. PRP consists of a mixture of growth factors that speed up the body’s wound healing mechanism thus aiding in faster recovery. Platelets are also body’s natural healers which make this therapy safe. The therapy is very simple and involves 3 stages:

1. Isolation of blood from the patient
2. Concentration of PRP from the blood
3. Infusion of the PRP back into the patient. It is relatively pain-free and the effects could be observed through a period of few weeks.

If you are suffering from gastric ulcers and are interested in knowing more about this new technology, do let us know in the comments section below.