Pain and Bloating: Is it Indigestion or a Stomach Ulcer?

If your stomach is in pain and it hurts to move because you’re so bloated, you’re going to want relief fast. After a quick online search you’ve seen your symptoms might be from indigestion or ulcers, but which one is it?

Ulcers are lesions or sores that develop on your stomach lining or in your small intestine. They are usually caused by a bacteria called H. pylori. This is a bacterium most of us won’t have reactions to, but for others it can create ulcers.

Some painkillers, particularly NSAIDs, can cause ulcers as well. Common NSAIDs are ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.

The main symptom of an ulcer is a burning stomach pain that lasts anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. It may happen more often at night or after eating and doesn’t go away after taking antacids.

Symptoms of an Ulcer

• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Indigestion

Indigestion is the broad term applied to a persistent pain in your abdomen. It can be caused by a wide range of factors like overeating, eating certain foods or drinks, being stressed, smoking, or having heartburn. One of the main signs of indigestion is chronic pain and bloating.

Other symptoms of indigestion:

• Feeling sick
• Gassiness
• Heartburn/acid reflux
• Feeling full even if you haven’t eaten

Ulcers can only be diagnosed by a doctor and may require a test like a gastroscopy. If diagnosed, the treatment will depend on what caused the ulcer. If it is a result of a bacterium infection, you will need to take antibiotics and may also be prescribed PPIs (proton pump inhibitors).

For NSAID ulcers, you may just be given PPI’s. With treatment, ulcers should go away within a few months. To help with the symptoms during this period, you should cut back on spicy foods, cigarettes, alcohol, and stress.

Indigestion can be treated with lifestyle changes and gastrointestinal medication. Some things you can do yourself include cutting back on acidic foods and drinks, alcohol and tea/coffee, and not eating late at night. Propping your head and shoulders up when you go to sleep can help stop night time pain.

Pharmacy Planet has several gastrointestinal medications to ease the symptoms of indigestion. Visit our website to order Lansoprazole Capsules and Omeprazole Losec Capsules online in the UK with swift, safe delivery.