How do I know if I have an ulcer or acid reflux?

Ulcer pain is usually located in the upper abdomen, rather than in the chest. And you may notice it on an empty stomach or a few hours after a meal. This is less likely with GERD, which tends to happen quickly after eating.
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What does the beginning of an ulcer feel like?

Stomach ulcer pain usually begins in the upper middle part of the abdomen, above the belly button and below the breastbone. The pain may feel like burning or gnawing that may go through to the back. The onset of the pain may occur several hours after a meal when the stomach is empty.
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Does acid reflux mean you have an ulcer?

Ulcer or GERD: Understanding the Differences

This sore is often aggravated by your stomach acid, but is usually not caused by the acid itself. More likely, the cause is either a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
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What are the warning signs of an ulcer?

Here are the top five signs you may have an ulcer:
  • Dull, burning pain. The most common sign of a stomach ulcer is dull, burning pain in the stomach area. ...
  • Indigestion or heartburn. ...
  • Nausea or vomiting. ...
  • Change in stool color. ...
  • Unexplained weight loss.
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How do you rule out an ulcer?

The only way your doctor can tell for sure if you have an ulcer is to look. They may use a series of X-rays or a test called an endoscopy. This test allows them to pass a thin, bendy tube down your throat and into your stomach and small intestine.
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Are You Having Ulcer or Reflux Symptoms?



How do you check yourself for a stomach ulcer?

Urea breath tests and stool tests are typically the most accurate in being able to pinpoint an H. pylori presence that may be causing peptic ulcers.
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Where is the ulcer pain located?

Ulcer pain feels like burning or gnawing inside your stomach, which is between your breastbone and your belly button. It may improve temporarily when you eat or drink or when you take an antacid, medication to reduce stomach acid.
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Do ulcers cause burping?

Helicobacter pylori

pylori) is the most common cause of peptic ulcers. The bacteria penetrate the mucous lining of the stomach, making the stomach cells more vulnerable to acids. Eventually, an ulcer can form in the stomach, esophagus, or intestine. Excessive burping is one symptom of an ulcer.
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What foods soothe an ulcer?

Apples, pears, oatmeal, and other foods that are high in fiber are good for ulcers in two ways. Fiber can lower the amount of acid in your stomach while easing bloating and pain. Research has also shown that a diet rich in fiber may help prevent ulcers.
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What drink is good for ulcers?

Cranberry and cranberry extract also may help fight H. pylori . You can drink cranberry juice, eat cranberries, or take cranberry supplements. No specific amount of consumption is associated with relief.
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What does an ulcer in the esophagus feel like?

Although some patients don't experience any symptoms, the most common symptom of an esophageal ulcer is a burning pain in the chest (heartburn) which can be mild or severe. Additional symptoms may include: Difficult or painful swallowing. Pain that is lessened by eating, drinking, or taking antacids.
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What does chest ulcer feel like?

Aside from a burning pain in the center of the chest, esophageal ulcers typically cause pain or a burning sensation behind or below the sternum, in the center of the chest. Other symptoms include: loss of appetite.
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Do ulcers cause gas and bloating?

The main symptom caused by a stomach ulcer is having a pain in the upper tummy (abdomen). Other common symptoms may include: Bloating. This means your tummy swells because your stomach is full of gas or air.
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Do ulcers cause gas?

Increased Indigestion: Ulcers can cause gas pain and hiccupping following meals. Burning in the throat can be a symptom of an ulcer as well. Without treatment, ulcers can get worse and cause more serious problems such as internal bleeding and tears in your stomach or intestines.
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When should I go to the hospital for ulcer pain?

Call your doctor right away if you have sharp stomach pain, you're sweating a lot or feeling confused, or your stomach feels hard to the touch. These could be signs of a serious ulcer complication that needs immediate medical help.
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Is Pepto Bismol good for ulcers?

Antacids. These agents, purchased over the counter, can be used for relief of peptic ulcer symptoms. Except for bismuth (Pepto Bismol),which actually is used as one of the treatment programs, they do not help heal ulcers.
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How can I get immediate relief from ulcer pain?

In general, people with ulcers should use acetaminophen for over-the-counter pain relief. Unless your doctor has said it's OK, you should not use aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen sodium. If acetaminophen doesn't help with your pain, see your doctor.
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Is water good for ulcers?

Drinking and Eating With an Ulcer

Plain water is the best choice. Meal timing might also make a difference. Some patients have reported a reduction in pain if they skip between-meal snacks, because eating less often reduces the amount of stomach acid produced throughout the day. Less stomach acid means less irritation.
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Can ulcers affect bowel movements?

These sores can be caused by several conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and constipation. If you have a rectal ulcer, you may see blood in the stool, have rectal pain or experience painful bowel movements.
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What is the best over-the-counter medicine for stomach ulcers?

Two common non-prescription medications are: Antacids: Tums, Alka-Seltzer, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, Mylanta, and Rolaids are over-the-counter antacids that offer temporary relief from ulcer pain by neutralizing stomach acid. They may also have a mucosal protective role.
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Do ulcers feel like hunger pains?

The most common symptom of peptic ulcers (both duodenal and gastric) is a gnawing or burning pain in the abdomen between the breastbone and the navel, sometimes passed off as "heartburn." An ulcer can also feel like a dull ache or strong hunger pangs.
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What is the difference between peptic ulcer and gastric ulcer?

What is a peptic ulcer? A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of your stomach or the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). If the ulcer is in your stomach, it is called a gastric ulcer. If the ulcer is in your duodenum, it is called a duodenal ulcer.
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Do stomach ulcers go away on their own?

Some stomach ulcers may go away on their own without treatment, especially if you follow a strict diet and avoid triggers. However, ulcers can worsen if left untreated, so it is best to seek medical attention to prevent complications such as internal bleeding.
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Does peptic ulcer pain come and go?

Symptoms of peptic ulcer disease. The most common symptom is a burning pain in your stomach. It usually lasts for a few minutes to a few hours. It comes and goes for days or weeks at a time.
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What foods should be avoided with ulcers?

Foods to limit when you have acid reflux and an ulcer
  • coffee.
  • chocolate.
  • spicy food.
  • alcohol.
  • acidic foods, such as citrus and tomatoes.
  • caffeine.
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