PEPTIC ULCERS

Many people think that spicy foods cause peptic ulcers,but the truth is that bacteria called helicobacter pylori are the main culprit.and while many believe that adults in highstress jobs are the only ones affected,people of any age,even children can develop ulcers. An ulcer is a sore,which means its an open,painful wound.pepetic ulcers are ulcers that form in the stomach or the upper part of the small instestine,called the duodenum.an ulcer in the stomach is called a gastric ulcer and an ulcer in the duodenum is called duodenal ulcer. Both a gastric ulcer and a duodenal ulcer result when H.pylori or a drug weakens the protective mucous coating of the stomach and duodenum,allowing acid to get through to the sensitive lining beneath. Both the acid and the bacteria can irritate the lining and cause an ulcer to form. H.pylori infection is usually contracted in childhood,perhaps through food,water,or close contact with an infected individual.infections are more common in adults older than age 60 and in developing countries.and most people with H.pylori dont display any symptoms until theyre older.in fact,they may go through life unaware that theyre infected. Although H.pylori usually doesnt cause problems in childhood,if left untreated it can cause hastristis,peptic ulcer disease and even stomach cancer later in ilfe.in the past,having peptic ulcers meant living with a chronic condition for several years or even a lifetime.but today,a better understanding of the cause of peptic ulcers and how to treat them means that most people can be cured Although peptic ulcers are rare in kids,if your child has any of the following sigs and symptoms,call your doctor Burning pain in the abdomen between the breastbone and the belly button Nausea Vomiting Chest pain Loss of appetite Frequent burping or hiccupping Weight loss Feeding difficulties

 Blood in vomit or bowel movements, which may appear dark red or black Scientist suspect that H.pylori infection may be contagious because the infection seems to run in families and is more common where people live in crowded or unsanitary conditions. Although research suggests that infection is passed from person to person, exactly how this happens isnt really known