Understanding Stress Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

There are many forms of stress such as mental, psychological or physical stress. Certain types of stress may be more likely to affect different types of ulcers. Many in the medical field disagree as to what the actual role of mental or psychological stress is in causing ulcers of any type. Most of the research and tests conducted so far have not been able to give a clear answer to this question But research continues, as understanding grows that the gut and brain are interconnected at various levels. Research is also going on on how stress affects the body's immunity power and how it can affect treatment.

This type of ulcer, commonly called a stress ulcer, is thought to be caused by physical stress. Physical stress can be in the following forms like -

• Severe Long-term Illness
• Surgery
• Trauma To The Brain Or Body
• Severe Burns
• Central Nervous System Injury

Other ulcers, such as mouth ulcers and peptic ulcers, are not directly caused by stress. Another connection between stress and ulcers involves stress causing ulcers.

Mouth ulcers can be particularly stressful and cause pain and difficulty talking, chewing, eating and drinking. Peptic ulcers can be stressful due to its symptoms.

Read more - (Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers)

Symptoms of all types of ulcers include pain and an open wound. Only open wounds will be visible in mouth ulcers. Other symptoms of mouth ulcers may include:

• Burning
• Pain When Touched
• Extreme Sensitivity

The doctor performs an endoscopy to see ulcers or lesions present inside the intestine. During an endoscopy, the doctor uses a special instrument called an endoscope to look at the lining of your GI tract and check for any ulcers. This device is a long, flexible tube with a small camera at the end. You are sedated during this procedure.

The most common symptom of peptic ulcer is usually pain. Another problem is internal bleeding. For some people the bleeding is not significant. However, if bleeding becomes severe, surgery may be needed. Other peptic and stomach ulcer symptoms include:

• Burning
• Stomach Irritation
• Nausea
• Weight Loss
• Loss Of Appetite

Read more - (Effects of stress on the body)

Complications
Serious complications are not common, but there are some you should know about. Some mouth ulcers are actually a type of oral cancer. An ulcer that does not heal after treatment and occurs on the tongue, between the cheeks and gums, or under the tongue may be oral cancer. Peptic or stomach ulcer, in some cases, can cause the following serious symptoms:

• Loss Of Appetite And Weight Loss
• Difficulty Breathing
• Dizziness Or Fainting
• Vomit
• Nausea
• Black Stool
• Internal Bleeding
• Gastric Obstruction

Stress ulcers are most likely to occur if you are already taking medications for a major illness, surgical procedure, trauma, or injury.

Read more - (4 signs of stress)

Treatment of peptic or stomach ulcers depends on the cause of the ulcer. If the ulcer is caused by H. pylori bacteria, it can be treated with antibiotics and acid-blocking medications. Stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be treated with over-the-counter medications or prescriptions recommended by your doctor. These treatments may include:

• Stopping NSAIDS
• Proton Pump Inhibitors, Which Make Less Natural Acid In Your Stomach And Help Faster Healing
• H2-receptor Antagonists, Which Work Like Proton Pump Inhibitors

Mouth ulcers can be managed by making the following lifestyle changes such as:

• Avoid Certain Foods, Such As Salty, Hard, Acidic, Spicy, Hot, Or Alcoholic Foods.
• Treat Any Infections Associated With Mouth Ulcers.
• Don't Stress
• Stop Or Limit The Use Of Tobacco Products.
• Brush Your Teeth Gently Twice A Day.
• In Women, Some Mouth Ulcers May Heal After Menstruation When Your Hormones Change.

Managing stress may be helpful in treating your ulcers. Stress is thought to limit the function of the immune system. Managing stress will have positive effects on the entire body. You should also look into treating stress to treat your ulcers.

Read More - (Stress and Anxiety)

Triggers for mouth ulcers may include:

• Viral Infection
• Biting Or Bruising Your Lip, Tongue, Or The Inside Of Your Cheek
• Changes In Women's Hormones
• Tension
• Spicy Food
• Certain Medical Conditions

Causes and triggers of peptic/stomach ulcers may include:

• H. Pylori Infection
• NSAIDS, Including Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, And Others
• Severe Stress, Major Depression, And Certain Other Mental Illnesses

Read more - (How stress affects digestion )

Some physical stresses that can cause ulcers include:

• Surgical Procedures
• Burning
• Brain Concussion
• Traumatic Injury To Body
• Central Nervous System Injury

When To See A Doctor
For any type of internal ulcer (peptic ulcer, stomach ulcer, or stress ulcer) you should contact your doctor if the pain does not go away after treatment. If you start vomiting blood, have tarry or bloody stools, or have sudden severe pain, you should seek medical help immediately. For mouth ulcers, if they do not heal within two weeks after treatment with over-the-counter medications or if the pain significantly affects your ability to eat and drink, you should see a doctor or dentist. 

Read more - (Stress relieving foods)

Overall, any type of ulcer can be managed and treated. It is important to consult your doctor to find out the initial cause and also what might be causing it to recur or worsen.