How do stomach ulcers affect sleep quality. What are the most effective strategies for managing ulcer pain at night. Which sleeping positions provide the most relief for ulcer sufferers. How can diet modifications improve sleep with a stomach ulcer. Why do certain lifestyle changes help alleviate nocturnal ulcer symptoms.

Understanding Stomach Ulcers and Their Impact on Sleep

Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or small intestine. These painful conditions can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, making it challenging to find comfort and rest. The discomfort often intensifies when lying down, exacerbating the difficulty in falling asleep and maintaining uninterrupted slumber.

Common symptoms of stomach ulcers include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort (often relieved by eating or taking antacids)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Bloating
• Heartburn

Why do ulcers tend to cause more pain at night? The body’s circadian rhythm influences gastric acid secretion, with levels typically increasing during the evening and night. This natural increase in stomach acid can intensify ulcer symptoms, making sleep more challenging for those affected.

Optimizing Sleep Positions for Ulcer Relief

Finding the right sleeping position can significantly alleviate discomfort and promote better rest for those with stomach ulcers. Which positions are most beneficial?

• Sleeping in a semi-upright position using a wedge pillow
• Lying on the left side to reduce pressure on the stomach
• Slightly elevating the head of the bed (about 6-8 inches)

These positions help minimize stomach acid reflux and reduce pressure on the affected areas, potentially leading to more comfortable sleep. Experimenting with different positions can help individuals find the most suitable arrangement for their specific condition.

Creating an Ideal Sleep Environment for Ulcer Sufferers

The sleep environment plays a crucial role in promoting restful slumber, particularly for those dealing with stomach ulcers. How can one optimize their bedroom for better sleep?

• Maintain a cool room temperature (around 60-67°F or 15-19°C)
• Use blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out light
• Invest in a comfortable, supportive mattress and pillows
• Use white noise or earplugs to minimize disruptive sounds
• Keep electronic devices out of the bedroom to reduce blue light exposure

By creating a dark, quiet, and comfortable sleep environment, individuals with stomach ulcers can minimize external disturbances and focus on achieving restful sleep despite their condition.

Medication Management and Timing for Improved Sleep

Proper medication management is essential for those seeking relief from stomach ulcer symptoms at night. Which medications can help, and how should they be timed?

• Antacids: Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid
• H2 blockers: Reduce acid production over several hours
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Offer long-lasting acid reduction

Timing is crucial when using these medications for nighttime symptom relief. Taking antacids shortly before bed can provide immediate comfort, while H2 blockers or PPIs may be more effective when taken earlier in the evening to allow time for the medication to take effect.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate medication regimen for individual needs. They may recommend a combination of treatments or adjust dosages to optimize nighttime symptom management.

Dietary Strategies for Managing Nocturnal Ulcer Symptoms

Diet plays a significant role in managing stomach ulcer symptoms, particularly during nighttime hours. Which dietary modifications can help improve sleep quality for ulcer sufferers?

• Maintain a gap of at least two hours between the last meal and bedtime
• Avoid trigger foods such as spicy dishes, citrus fruits, and chocolate
• Limit caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon and evening
• Opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
• Include foods rich in flavonoids (e.g., apples, cranberries, onions) which may inhibit H. pylori growth
• Incorporate probiotic-rich foods to support gut health

By adopting these dietary strategies, individuals can reduce the likelihood of nighttime flare-ups and promote more comfortable sleep. It’s also beneficial to keep a food diary to identify personal trigger foods and adjust the diet accordingly.

The Role of Hydration in Ulcer Management

Proper hydration is crucial for overall health and can impact ulcer symptoms. How does water intake affect stomach ulcers, especially at night?

• Drinking water can help dilute stomach acid, potentially reducing discomfort
• Staying hydrated supports the mucus layer that protects the stomach lining
• Sipping water throughout the day is preferable to consuming large amounts at once
• Avoiding excessive fluid intake close to bedtime can prevent nighttime bathroom trips

While proper hydration is important, it’s essential to find a balance that doesn’t disrupt sleep patterns. Individuals should aim to drink most of their daily water intake earlier in the day, tapering off in the evening to minimize nighttime disturbances.

Lifestyle Modifications to Alleviate Ulcer Symptoms and Improve Sleep

Certain lifestyle changes can significantly impact the severity of stomach ulcer symptoms and, consequently, sleep quality. Which modifications are most beneficial?

• Stress reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga)
• Regular exercise, preferably earlier in the day
• Quitting smoking or reducing tobacco use
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption
• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
• Practicing good sleep hygiene (e.g., avoiding screens before bed, establishing a relaxing bedtime routine)

Implementing these lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and intensity of ulcer symptoms, leading to improved sleep quality. It’s important to approach these modifications gradually and consistently for the best results.

The Impact of Stress on Ulcer Symptoms and Sleep

Stress can exacerbate stomach ulcer symptoms and disrupt sleep patterns. How does stress affect ulcers, and what strategies can help manage it?

• Stress can increase stomach acid production, potentially worsening ulcer symptoms
• Chronic stress may impair the body’s natural healing processes
• Stress-induced behaviors (e.g., poor eating habits, increased alcohol consumption) can further aggravate ulcers

Effective stress management techniques include:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Regular exercise
• Maintaining social connections and support systems

By incorporating stress reduction techniques into daily routines, individuals with stomach ulcers may experience fewer nighttime symptoms and improved overall sleep quality.

Natural Remedies and Supplements for Nighttime Ulcer Relief

While medical treatments are essential for managing stomach ulcers, some natural remedies and supplements may offer additional relief, especially at night. Which options show promise?

• Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL): May help protect the stomach lining
• Aloe vera juice: Potentially reduces inflammation and promotes healing
• Cabbage juice: Rich in vitamin U, which may support ulcer healing
• Probiotics: Can help balance gut bacteria and support digestive health
• Zinc carnosine: May enhance the stomach’s protective mechanisms
• Mastic gum: Shown to have anti-H. pylori properties in some studies

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating any new supplements or natural remedies into an ulcer management plan. These options should complement, not replace, prescribed medical treatments.

Herbal Teas for Soothing Nighttime Ulcer Discomfort

Certain herbal teas may offer comfort and potentially alleviate ulcer symptoms before bedtime. Which teas are most beneficial?

• Chamomile tea: Known for its calming properties and potential to reduce inflammation
• Marshmallow root tea: May form a protective layer on the stomach lining
• Slippery elm tea: Could help coat and soothe irritated digestive tract tissues
• Licorice root tea: May increase mucus production in the stomach (use DGL form to avoid side effects)

While these teas may provide relief for some individuals, it’s important to introduce them gradually and monitor for any adverse reactions. As with any natural remedy, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable, especially for those taking medications or with underlying health conditions.

Understanding the Connection Between Sleep and Ulcer Healing

Quality sleep plays a crucial role in the body’s healing processes, including the repair of stomach ulcers. How does sleep impact ulcer healing, and why is it so important?

• Sleep promotes the release of growth hormone, which is essential for tissue repair
• Adequate rest supports a healthy immune system, crucial for fighting H. pylori infections
• Sleep helps regulate inflammation in the body, potentially reducing ulcer-related inflammation
• Proper rest can help manage stress levels, indirectly supporting ulcer healing

Given the importance of sleep in the healing process, prioritizing good sleep hygiene and addressing nighttime ulcer symptoms becomes even more critical. By focusing on improving sleep quality, individuals may potentially accelerate their ulcer healing process and experience overall better health outcomes.

The Role of Melatonin in Ulcer Management

Melatonin, often known as the “sleep hormone,” may have additional benefits for those with stomach ulcers. How does melatonin impact ulcer symptoms and healing?

• Melatonin has been shown to have gastroprotective properties
• It may help reduce stomach acid secretion during nighttime hours
• Some studies suggest melatonin could enhance the effectiveness of omeprazole in treating ulcers
• Melatonin’s antioxidant properties may support overall digestive health

While more research is needed to fully understand melatonin’s role in ulcer management, its potential benefits for both sleep and gastric health make it an interesting area of study. Individuals considering melatonin supplementation should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if it’s appropriate for their specific situation.

When to Seek Professional Help for Nighttime Ulcer Symptoms

While many strategies can help manage nighttime ulcer symptoms, it’s crucial to recognize when professional medical attention is necessary. What signs indicate a need for immediate medical care?

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t respond to home remedies
• Vomiting blood or passing dark, tarry stools
• Sudden, sharp pain that spreads to the back or chest
• Difficulty swallowing or persistent nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve with treatment

If any of these symptoms occur, especially during nighttime hours, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. These could indicate complications such as bleeding, perforation, or obstruction, which require prompt treatment.

The Importance of Regular Follow-ups

Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are essential for managing stomach ulcers effectively. Why are these check-ups so important?

• Monitor the effectiveness of current treatments
• Adjust medications or dosages as needed
• Check for H. pylori eradication in cases of H. pylori-related ulcers
• Identify and address any potential complications early
• Provide guidance on lifestyle modifications and long-term management strategies

By maintaining regular communication with a healthcare provider, individuals can ensure their ulcer management plan remains effective and tailored to their specific needs, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of nighttime symptoms.

How To Sleep Better With A Stomach Ulcer : 9 Helpful Ways

Table of Contents

Introduction

A stomach ulcer can make it difficult to sleep, as the pain and discomfort associated with the condition can make it difficult to find a comfortable position. Additionally, the discomfort can be exacerbated by lying down, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. However, there are several ways to help manage symptoms and promote better sleep with a stomach ulcer.

Stomach Ulcers and its Symptoms

Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or small intestine. The most common symptoms of stomach ulcers include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort, which can be relieved by eating or taking antacids
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Bloating
• Heartburn

How to Sleep with a Stomach Ulcer

1. Adjusting Your Sleeping Position

Adjusting your sleeping position can help to alleviate discomfort and promote better sleep with a stomach ulcer. Sleeping in a semi-upright position, such as with a wedge pillow, can help to reduce pressure on the stomach and minimize discomfort.

2. Creating a Good Sleep Environment

Creating a comfortable and relaxing sleep environment can help to promote better sleep. A dark, cool, and quiet room can help to create the ideal sleep environment and reduce disruptions that can wake you up.

3. Medications

Medications such as antacids or acid reducers can help to alleviate symptoms and promote better sleep. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about what medications may be best for you

4. Maintain a gap between meals and bedtime

It is recommended to have a gap of at least two hours between your last meal and bedtime to avoid symptoms from acid reflux.

5. Reduce unhealthy habits and stress

Reducing stress and unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help to minimize symptoms and promote better sleep.

6. Limit or Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol can increase acid production in the stomach and exacerbate symptoms of a stomach ulcer. It is best to limit or avoid alcohol consumption to help promote better sleep.

7. Minimize Distractions Before Bed

It is recommended to avoid stimulating activities, such as watching TV or using electronic devices, before bedtime to help relax your mind and body.

8. Support Healthy Digestion

Supporting healthy digestion can help to alleviate symptoms and promote better sleep. Eating a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, and getting regular exercise can help to support healthy digestion

9. Diet

Certain foods can aggravate symptoms of stomach ulcers, such as spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, and citrus fruits. It is best to avoid these foods to help alleviate symptoms.

Treat the Underlying Cause

Treating the underlying cause of a stomach ulcer, such as an infection or the use of certain medications, can help to alleviate symptoms and promote better sleep. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options.

Risk Factors for Stomach Ulcers

Risk factors for stomach ulcers include:

• Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• H. pylori infection
• Family history of stomach ulcers
• Chronic stress
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you are experiencing symptoms of a stomach ulcer, it is important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, if you are experiencing severe pain, vomiting blood, or have lost a significant amount of weight, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your healthcare provider may recommend medications or other treatments to help alleviate symptoms and promote better sleep.

Conclusion

A stomach ulcer can make it difficult to sleep, but there are several ways to help manage symptoms and promote better sleep. Adjusting your sleeping position, creating a good sleep environment, taking medications, maintaining a gap between meals and bedtime, reducing unhealthy habits and stress, limiting or avoiding alcohol, minimizing distractions before bed, supporting healthy digestion and a healthy diet, and treating the underlying cause can all help to alleviate symptoms and promote better sleep. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

FAQs:

1. How can I stop stomach ulcer pain at night?

-Taking over-the-counter antacids or acid reducers before bedtime may help to ease stomach ulcer pain at night. Avoiding spicy, acidic, or fatty foods before bed and elevating the head of the bed can also help. Consult with your doctor for medication options that can help you manage the pain at night.

2. How can I sleep with a stomach ulcer at home?

-Elevating the head of the bed, sleeping on your left side, and avoiding eating for a few hours before bedtime can help to reduce stomach ulcer pain while sleeping.

3. How do you relax a stomach ulcer?

-Relaxing the stomach ulcer can be achieved by avoiding stress, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation, and eating a healthy diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits and vegetables.

4. Why do ulcers get worse at night?

-Ulcers can get worse at night because the stomach is empty and acid production increases. This can cause irritation and pain in the stomach.

5. Do and don’ts for stomach ulcer?

Do:

-Eat a healthy diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods

-Drink plenty of water

-Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

-Take your medications as directed

-Get enough rest

Don’ts:

-Avoid spicy, acidic, or fatty foods

-Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

-Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without consulting your doctor

-Avoid stress

-Avoid consuming caffeine.

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Dr. S. Goel  is a renowned Internal Medicine Specialist currently practicing at Ayu Health, Bangalore.  He is a Specialist in Internal Medicine, Diabetes HTN, Paediatric Care, and Family Medicine.

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6 Things I Learned About Ulcers

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Credit…Heidi Younger

• April 13, 2017

Halfway through February, I could no longer sleep through the night. At 2 a.m., I’d find myself chugging milk from the carton to extinguish a fire at the top of my rib cage. The gnawing feeling high in my stomach alternated with nausea so arresting I kept a bucket next to my laptop and considered taking a pregnancy test, even though I was 99 percent sure I wasn’t expecting.

One day on the subway platform, I doubled over and let out a groan so pathetic it prompted a complete stranger to ask, “Are you all right?” Then I knew it was time to seek medical attention. New Yorkers don’t address strangers on the subway, I told myself. It’s like breaking the fourth wall.

The next day, my primary care doctor told me I probably had an ulcer, a raw spot or sore in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. Here are some of the things I learned about ulcers during the odyssey that followed.

■ Anyone can get an ulcer. Back in the 1980s, when doctors and most everyone else thought psychological stress or spicy foods led to ulcers, two Australian scientists discovered that the main culprit was actually a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. That discovery eventually won them a Nobel Prize in 2005, and ushered in an era of using antibiotics to cure ulcers.

But that didn’t wipe out ulcers altogether. Far from it. Indeed, my tribe of fellow sufferers are legion. Nearly 16 million adults nationwide reported having an ulcer in 2014,according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. The largest group, roughly 6.2 million, were 45 to 64 years old. Those 18 to 44 accounted for 4.6 million, 65- to 74-year-olds for 2.6 million, and those 75 and older for 2.4 million.

I got a blood test to see if I was infected with H. pylori; the test came back negative, so I didn’t need antibiotics. Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen or aspirin, can also lead to an ulcer, but I wasn’t taking those medicines. My ulcer turned out to be “idiopathic,” which is a fancy way of saying that doctors have no idea why it happened.

■ It takes time to figure out what you can eat. My doctor told me I needed standard therapy: Take omeprazole, an acid-suppressing drug, for a month to give the open sore in my stomach time to heal. While some untreated ulcers start bleeding heavily or require surgery or hospitalization, he assured me I’d feel better soon.

In the meantime, I needed to figure out how to get nourishment. But having an ulcer, I’d learned, is like being a contestant on a twisted game show called “What to Eat?”. Choose poorly, and my stomach would burn like lava, leaving me listless. Choose wisely, and I’d be rewarded with a momentary reprieve, until hunger struck again. Every few hours the “game” would start over.

Maddeningly, I wasn’t sure which foods might be safe to eat until I tried them. For instance, why did a seemingly innocuous bag of salted peanuts lead to agony?

The truth is gastroenterologists don’t know why certain food causes indigestion and heartburn for patients with stomach ulcers. There are a few rules of the road: Avoid alcohol, or anything with caffeine or high in fat.

Fatty foods “sit in the stomach for a long time and fester,” said Lori Welstead, a registered dietitian who works at the digestive disease center at University of Chicago Medicine. Perhaps that was the trouble with peanuts?

Dr. David Y. Graham, a past president of the American College of Gastroenterology, perhaps summed it up most succinctly, “There’s a general rule: Don’t eat what hurts you.”

Ulcer patients must serve as their own guinea pigs, experimenting on their guts until they find sustenance that doesn’t come with a side of discomfort for them. I didn’t realize that until weeks after my diagnosis.

■ An empty stomach won’t help — and probably will hurt. Like a heartbroken soul who swears off dating to avoid future pain, I started eating less and less. So did Megan McMillen, a nurse in Morgantown, W.Va., after she discovered she had an ulcer around Valentine’s Day.

“You’re scared if you eat something what the consequences will be,” she said, so she quit eating for two days. But the downside of hunger was nausea — and an empty stomach can be doubly painful.

Without any food in there, the ulcer is bathed in stomach acid all the time, said Dr. David Greenwald, the director of clinical gastroenterology and endoscopy at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. “It’s a really common thing people report that when they have an ulcer, any food makes it transiently better.”

■ Don’t eat at bedtime. Another big mistake: eating just before sleep, said Dr. Graham, a professor of gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

“If you want pain at nighttime, eat at bedtime,” he said. That’s because when you eat, your stomach makes a lot of acid to digest the food. But “once the food is gone,” he said, acid levels remain high. A result: You’ll most likely be jolted awake by pain.

■ Don’t worry about acidic foods. I had never trusted Dr. Google before, but I was desperate. So I found a pH chart online that laid out which foods were acidic no-nos, which were neutral, and which were alkaline, so supposedly not as acidic in the stomach. The lower the pH, on a scale of 3 to 10, the more acidic the food, and the more I should avoid it, the chart told me.

This little rainbow chart became my bible. I cut out goat cheese, canned tuna, beef, pork and all nuts except almonds, which were rated as alkaline. My go-to meal became a whole avocado paired with a pound of strawberries.

Sadly, it took a full week for this so-called health reporter to even ask whether my pH chart or any of the many other food charts online were backed by reputable research.

Ms. Welstead, the Chicago-based dietitian, set me straight. “The pH of foods is not evidence-based for nutrition therapy or in the medical field,” she said. “Stomach acid is so so acidic, the foods you’re eating are not necessarily going to affect that stomach acid.”

The bad news was I had fallen down a rabbit hole of misinformation. I felt a little better after talking to Laurie Keefer, a health psychologist who specializes in digestive diseases at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, who told me her patients with ulcers often feel “out of control.”

Dr. Keefer advised me not to amplify distress by “trying to control things that probably aren’t going to move the needle on your symptoms.” Like hokey pH charts.

■ Don’t discount stress. “There’s absolutely no evidence that psychological stress or anxiety causes an ulcer,” Dr. Greenwald said. But, he and other experts caution, stress may make symptoms worse.

“If you have some discomfort from an ulcer, and on top of that you have anxiety and stress maybe over having the ulcer, your symptoms may actually be a little bit more pronounced,” Dr. Greenwald said.

In fact, “there is a growing adoption of behavioral health specialists in gastroenterology practices,” Dr. Keefer said. “We actually call it psycho-gastroenterology.”

She is embedded in the comprehensive gastrointestinal program at Mount Sinai, so after patients see a nutritionist for an ulcer or Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome, they can stop in for a psychological consultation. “It’s much less stigmatizing” that way, she said.

“Stress, anxiety and worry will only slow your recovery,” Dr. Keefer said. “Stress is anything that requires the body to adapt. If you’re spending resources on your stress, your body is not spending resources on recovery.”

It took about five weeks for my ulcer to heal. So I suppose I could have a burrito loaded with hot sauce. But I’m not fully over my fear. I still haven’t forgiven a probiotic yogurt drink that set my stomach on fire in the first days after diagnosis. I’m dead sure I never will.

A version of this article appears in print on  , Section D, Page 1 of the New York edition with the headline: What to Eat?. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe

Autumn exacerbation of stomach diseases causes and treatment

Like people, some diseases have a “favorite” season. For example, food poisoning occurs more often in summer, the cardiovascular system and kidneys suffer, and joints can ache in winter. Autumn and spring are generally recognized seasons for SARS and … stomach diseases. You can learn about what stomach diseases worsen in the off-season, why this happens and how to prevent it from this article.

Main “autumn disease” of the stomach

Often, with the next “seasonal” appearance of pain in the upper abdomen, the patient goes to the doctor with the words “My gastritis has worsened”.

However, if you are worried about pain in the epigastric region, which occur or increase in autumn or spring, then first of all you need to think about a stomach or duodenal ulcer. For peptic ulcer are also characteristic:

• the appearance of pain immediately or after some time (up to 2-3 hours) after eating, depending on which part of the stomach or duodenum is the ulcer;
• “hungry” (occur on an empty stomach, pass after eating) and night pains;
• belching sour;
• nausea;
• constipation.

Why do doctors immediately think about an ulcer?

The doctor does not consider “exacerbation of gastritis” as the most likely cause of the pain, because gastritis does not hurt . There are no nerve endings in the gastric mucosa, so inflammation and even erosion (small scratches on the mucosa) do not cause pain. Ulcers, unlike erosions, are deeper defects, they reach those layers of the gastric wall where there are nerve endings, and therefore they hurt. Pain in “normal gastritis”, as a rule, is associated with a spasm that occurs in the stomach in response to a particular stimulus.

Why can gastritis also get sick in autumn?

The fact is that the cause of most gastritis is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. If you already have a diagnosis of gastritis and pain appeared in the fall (spring), then two options are possible:

1. Since Helicobacter pylori is also the main cause of peptic ulcer development, there is a risk that, in addition to gastritis, you have an “ulcer”.
2. Helicobacter itself can provoke pain (for this situation there is even a special diagnosis “dyspepsia associated with H. Pylori”).

Of course, pain in the upper abdomen can be associated not only with diseases of the stomach. Sometimes they are caused by problems with the heart, pancreas, spine, and others. In case of pain in the epigastric region, we recommend that you consult a doctor (therapist or gastroenterologist), who can quickly determine the cause of the pain and choose the right treatment.

Why does the exacerbation occur in the “off-season”?

There is no exact answer to this question, but there are many factors that can contribute to an aggravation.

Beginning of school for children/teenagers and increase in work load for adults

As a rule, autumn is the end of vacation time, and there are countless all kinds of housework and work. As a result, there is no time left for yourself and your body, and often the first thing that everyone neglects is the regimen and composition of nutrition. Breakfasts, lunches are skipped, snacks with sandwiches or other “fast” food are introduced, there is a desire to eat more at night before bedtime. All this leads to an increased load on the digestive system and exacerbation of existing diseases of the stomach.

Stress and “autumn depression”

In autumn, daylight hours are significantly reduced, weather conditions change, and an intensive work rhythm resumes. In other words, in the autumn period, the human body is subject to severe stress. Under stress, the activity of the autonomic nervous system changes ( that part of the nervous system that regulates the functioning of internal organs ) and the production of stress hormones ( adrenaline and cortisol ) occurs. A similar restructuring of the body’s work is also reflected in the stomach: the vessels spasm in it and the formation of acid increases. Due to vascular spasm, the gastric mucosa is less well supplied with blood, which means that it recovers worse (heals harder). And the increased production of acid in the stomach leads to damage to the mucosa (the acid “corrodes” it). Strengthening the damaging effects of acid, combined with the inability of the mucosa to quickly recover, is a good background for the development of ulcers (or for painful stomach cramps in response to what is happening).

Stress management

Unfortunately, sometimes people resort to alcohol and/or smoking to relieve “emotional” stress, which are known to “stress” the stomach (worse its blood supply, increase acid production). The constant lack of sleep and the need to cheer up during a period of active work leads to an increase in coffee consumption, which also contributes to increased acid production in the stomach.

Flu and cold season

As already mentioned, during the “off season” people are prone to colds. In addition to a decrease in immunity and another stress for the body, SARS can lead to another risk provocateur of exacerbation from the stomach. To relieve fever, headaches or aching muscles and joints, patients often take so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and others). This group of drugs leads to a decrease in the production of mucus in the stomach, which protects its walls from direct exposure to acid. It has been proven that even a single dose of anti-inflammatory drugs carries a risk of damage to the gastric mucosa.

How to prevent autumn exacerbation?

1. Since the main and most common cause of both gastritis and peptic ulcer is H. Pylori infection, and external factors have only an additional effect on the stomach and duodenum, timely diagnosis and treatment of this infection is first of all necessary.
2. Despite the difficulties with free time in the autumn, try to stick to 3-4 meals a day. Breakfast should be full, coffee with cookies is not considered a meal! If you already have an exacerbation of the stomach, before visiting the doctor, try to eat “fractionally”: often (5-6 times a day), but in small portions. Exclude from the diet foods that stimulate the release of acid in the stomach: salty, fried, spicy, smoked, sauces, spices, sour berries and fruits. Avoid carbonated drinks, coffee, yeast-raised pastries, and cream cakes. At night, it is better to drink a glass of jelly or kefir (in the absence of lactose intolerance). The food should be warm (about 37 degrees): hot or cold food will irritate the stomach. Read more about the diet in our article “Do I need therapeutic diets for gastritis and other stomach diseases?”
3. Try to find time for rest, go to bed before 24:00 and sleep at least 7-8 hours. Good sleep improves recovery processes in the body.
4. Reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke. An exacerbation of a peptic ulcer is an excellent reason to quit smoking.
5. If you have flu and colds, contact your physician to select the safest and most effective anti-inflammatory drug and prescribe a “protective” remedy for the stomach.

If you are experiencing pain in the upper abdomen, heartburn, belching, nausea, problems with stool, do not ignore these symptoms, because they may be a manifestation of a peptic ulcer or other serious disease. We recommend that you undergo an examination of the gastrointestinal tract in our center under the comprehensive GastroCheck-up program. Also, this program can be useful for those who have previously been diagnosed with gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum, and now an exacerbation has begun.

Bonus. Three interesting facts

1. To prove that H. pylori causes gastritis and stomach ulcers, Barry Marshall (one of the discoverers of Helicobacter pylori) deliberately drank a pure culture of this bacterium, after which he actually developed gastritis.
2. The loss of periodicity and “seasonality” of exacerbations of gastric ulcer may be a sign of the degeneration of an ulcer into a malignant tumor.
3. Recently in South Korea analyzed the incidence of peptic ulcer. Despite the climatic conditions similar to those in Russia, the seasonality of the disease turned out to be completely different. Over 5 years of follow-up, ulcers were diagnosed in almost 15,000 patients, with clear seasonal fluctuations: the highest incidence in winter, the second largest in spring, the third largest in summer, and the lowest incidence in autumn.

why they appear and when it is time to see a doctor

Mouth ulcers are a fairly common disease that many people encounter at different points in their lives. As a rule, these inflammations do not pose a serious danger and quickly pass by themselves. However, in some cases, ulcers can affect literally all the soft tissues in the mouth and even spread to the esophagus. As a rule, this is a direct signal indicating other more serious diseases of the body, including anemia, herpes, and even cancer.

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oral care

In one of our articles, we have already talked about the common causes of mouth ulcers and effective ways to deal with them. Then it was about a non-serious lesion of the oral mucosa, which can usually be dealt with without resorting to the help of doctors.

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

However, mouth ulcers can sometimes be the result of a much more serious condition. We will discuss all these diagnoses in detail in this article. However, let’s make a reservation right away: don’t even try to “play doctor” and make a medical verdict on your own. The surest way is to immediately seek help from a qualified specialist when the first doubtful symptoms appear. Well, now back to diseases, which are characterized by the occurrence of painful inflammation in the oral cavity.

Herpes simplex

Mouth ulcers can be caused by the familiar herpes virus that attacks the skin and mucous membranes.

Herpes after covid vaccination: scientists told who was at risk

Here are the main symptoms of herpes:

• red, painful blisters that usually appear near the mouth or directly on the lips;
• the affected area begins to tingle and burn from the inside, even before the rash appears in the form of bubbles;
• inflammation may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms: fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

Anemia

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Anemia, which is characterized by low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, can also lead to painful mouth ulcers.

Here are the signals that will help diagnose this syndrome:

• pale and cold skin;
• white gums;
• frequent dizziness;
• severe fatigue;
• high or low blood pressure;
• cardiac arrhythmias.

Difficulty breathing and no energy to live: what you need to know about anemia

Anemia can occur for a variety of reasons, for example, develop after an injury or surgery

Gingivomatitis

Gingivomatitis is a common infection of the mouth and gums that most often occurs in children. This disease is also characterized by the formation of painful wounds in the mouth.

Here are the main symptoms indicating gingivomatitis:

• painful sores on the gums or inside of the cheeks;
• ulcers are grayish or yellow in circumference and have a red center;
• flu-like symptoms;
• increased salivation and pain during meals.

Infectious mononucleosis

Oral ulceration can also be a consequence of infectious mononucleosis, a disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Most often, this disease occurs in high school students and students.

Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis:

• chills;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• sore throat;
• headache;
• severe fatigue;
• excessive sweating at night;
• body aches.

Aphthous stomatitis

This focal inflammation of the oral mucosa is characterized by the formation of round ulcers, which are also called aphthae. As a rule, aphthous stomatitis does not have serious consequences and goes away on its own in a few weeks.

Here’s what can help you recognize aphthous stomatitis:

• painful oval sores that usually appear on the inside of the cheeks, palate and tongue;
• sores may be red, white or yellow in color;
• Recurrent aphthous stomatitis can also indicate Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, vitamin deficiency, and even HIV.

Folic acid deficiency

Folic acid is an important vitamin of group B. It is she who is involved in the creation and repair of DNA, and is also responsible for the proper development of the neural tube of the fetus in pregnant women. The most common consequence of folic acid deficiency in the body is anemia (as we said earlier, it can also lead to mouth ulcers).

Symptoms indicating a lack of folic acid in the body:

• chronic fatigue;
• severe debility;
• pale skin;
• mouth ulcers;
• gray hair;
• stunting.

Oral thrush

Oral candidiasis can also cause mouth ulcers. Most often, this inflammatory disease occurs in infants and young children, but sometimes it can also occur in adults. As a rule, oral thrush signals a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of oral candidiasis:

• creamy white coating on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, gums or tonsils that can be scraped off;
• pain at the site of accumulation of plaque;
• loss of taste;
• difficulty in swallowing;
• dry and chapped skin at the corners of the lips.

Enteroviral vesicular stomatitis

A febrile illness, usually caused by Coxsackievirus and other enteroviruses, can also cause unpleasant mouth ulcers. This disease, characterized by vesicular rashes on the arms, legs, and oral mucosa, most often affects children under 5 years of age.

Symptoms of enteroviral vesicular stomatitis:

• painful red rashes in the mouth, tongue and gums;
• flat red spots on hands and feet;
• in some cases spots on the buttocks and genital area.

Leukoplakia

Disease of the oral mucosa, accompanied by increased keratinization of the epithelium and its thickening, can also lead to the formation of ulcers.

Here’s what you need to know about leukoplakia:

• the disease is accompanied by the appearance of white spots on the tongue and oral mucosa;
• most often this disease affects smokers;
• leukoplakia usually resolves on its own, but in some cases indicates oral cancer;
• regular visits to the dentist will help prevent the return of the disease.

Lichen planus

This chronic disease, most commonly affecting the mouth and less commonly other parts of the body, can also cause ulcers.

Symptoms of lichen planus of the mouth:

• white lacy patches in the mouth resembling cobwebs;
• bright red, inflamed mouth ulcers;
• inflammation may bleed and hurt when brushing teeth or eating.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune, hereditary disease of the digestive tract, which is characterized by protein intolerance to certain cereals. An illness that results in poor absorption of important dietary nutrients can also lead to mouth ulcers.

Symptoms suggestive of celiac disease:

• diarrhea;
• sudden weight loss;
• abdominal pain;
• anemia;
• pain in the joints;
• bloating;
• skin rash;
• mouth ulcers.

Oral cancer

This malignancy usually affects the entire mouth, including the lips, cheeks, teeth, gums, tongue, palate, and floor of the mouth. Mouth ulcers can also indicate the development of this serious disease.

Symptoms of oral cancer:

• non-healing ulcers, white and red spots in the mouth and lips;
• sudden weight loss;
• bleeding gums;
• pain in the ears;
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Pemphigus

Painful mouth ulcers can also help with a rare and severe autoimmune disease.

Which symptoms indicate pemphigus:

• lesions of the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, anus and lungs;
• sore and itchy blisters that burst easily and bleed;
• mouth and throat ulcers that cause difficulty in swallowing food.

When to See a Doctor

As we said earlier, most mouth ulcers go away without any special treatment. However, it is important to carefully monitor the course of the disease and, in which case, immediately consult a doctor.