Digestive Disorders
Ulcers
The Cause of Ulcers
No single cause has been found for ulcers. However, it is now clear that an ulcer is the end result of an imbalance between digestive fluids in the stomach and duodenum. Most ulcers are caused by an infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori
The Digestive System.
The digestive system converts the foods we eat into their simplest forms, like sugars, proteins or fats. The broken-down food is then absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine and the nutrients are carried to each cell in the body. The digestive tract begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. It is like a long muscular tube, up to 10 meters long, with digestive organs attached along the way. Ulcers can allow acid to eat through intestine walls to other organs or infect skin tissue down to the bone.
Treatment for Ulcers
Treatment usually includes medication to decrease stomach acid production. If a bacteria is the cause, antibiotics may be needed.
Prevention
Don't drink more than two alcoholic drinks a day. Don't mix alcohol with medication. Wash your hands to avoid infection. Limit use of ibuprofen and aspirin.