I'm sure you've probably heard when you were a child the classic phrase, "I swear you're going to give me an ulcer!" As a result, you may have thought that every time you turned a cartwheel in the house, or did a handstand on your nightstand, you were going to give your parents ulcers. While they are common and can be caused by unfavorable conditions, they are not quite as easy to obtain from stressful situations as your parents made it seem. In this article we will take a closer look at them to see what they are, how they are actually caused, and how they are treated.

What are Ulcers?

An ulcer is a sore, or open wound, that is usually formed in the stomach or upper portion of the small intestine (the duodenum) and causes painful abdominal attacks to millions of people. In fact, there are so many afflicted with the condition that doctors say approximately 1 in 10 people will get one at some point in their lives.

But why are they so common?

According to medical practitioners, they are common afflictions because their causes are the result of the common bacteria and other situations in our lives. So unlike bone cancer, or some other illness that seems to creep up on individuals without any traceable form of prevention, an ulcer is possibly preventable - though not usually.

Getting the Myths Out of the Way

As noted in the beginning of this article, many people are led to believe from early childhood that ulcers are caused by bad kids, or even eating spicy foods and drinking tons of alcohol. However, physicians have now determined that these painful afflictions are actually caused by a bacterial infection in the upper intestine or stomach, certain medications, or smoking.

The bacteria that two doctors (Barry Marshall and Robin Warren) found that can grow in the stomach is called Helicobacter pylori. It is a very common bacteria that leads to a large number of people having an ulcer. As a matter of fact, almost 1 out of every 5 people who are under the age of 40 has the bacteria in their digestive systems. And about 90 percent of those people who have ulcers are said to also have the bacteria in their systems.

One myth that actually seems to hold true among medical professionals is the idea the stomach acid is weakening the lining. This has been among the many reasons people believe ulcers are caused for many years, and it seems that it still holds true. However, while many people have assumed that extra stress is what causes the secretion in acids, professionals say that in actuality there is no outside stress that causes this secretion, instead it is just a natural disorder that some people have while others don't.

The pain that those afflicted feel during an attack is said to be due to the bacterial infection weakening the stomach or intestinal lining thus allowing the acid in the stomach to hit sensitive tissues. As a result, the acid irritates the lining and creates sores that cause excruciating pain, and because the acid is always in direct contact with the lining, the sores don't have a chance to heal.

How Will I Know Whether I Have One?

There are some definite symptoms to let you know you may have an ulcer. Most people complain of stomach pains and sharp aches between the breastbone and belly button. The pain usually comes a few hours after eating, after it has had time to settle into the afflicted areas. Some other symptoms might include a loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, frequent hiccups or burping, vomiting, and sometimes, a bloody bowel movement - however, if you find yourself suffering from the last two problems, you will need to seek medical attention immediately.

How Are They Treated?

Once your doctor has taken you through a physical examination to determine that you do have the condition, he or she will likely prescribe a combination of medications that are to be taken everyday over several weeks. Some are to be taken to kill the bacteria that likely caused the condition; then others will be used as acid blockers to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and help protect the lining of the stomach while the ulcer heals.

In addition, practitioners advise that those afflicted should stay away from teas, caffeine, milk, spicy food, and aspirin, and instead take in insoluble fiber - especially in the form of cabbage - and look into meditation, yoga, and other forms of relaxation.

By understanding the causes, symptoms and treatments of ulcers, you will be able to get the proper assistance for one if ever afflicted. But hopefully, if you're not the victim of H. pylori, you may never get it in the first place. Either way, being informed about ulcers will help you and your loved ones lead better lives.