Everyone Loves Ulcers and Hernias

Discussing ulcers and hernias is a delightful topic….NOT! Ulcers and hernias are actually gnarly medical conditions. An ulcer is a sore, which means it's an open and painful wound that may cause puss….YUCK! Most ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is the fancy medical term for saying an infection caused by bacteria.

H. pylori bacterium is located in the stomach and if the bacterium combines with acid discharge then it can damage the tissue of the stomach and BAM!...ulcers. While H. pylori are responsible for most of the cases of peptic (stomach) ulcers, other causes of ulcers exist.

• Frequently consuming nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause ulcers…TRANSLATION--too much aspirin or ibuprofen can cause ulcers.
• Smoking also increases the risk of developing an ulcer because the nicotine in cigarettes causes the stomach to produce acid.
• Frequent consumption of alcohol and caffeine will destroy stomach and intestinal lining, and weakens the stomach and intestines and increasing risks of ulcers.
• Severe stress can also cause ulcers…so RELAX!
• Ulcers can also develop naturally depending on the person.

While it remains unclear on how H. pylori bacteria is transmitted, doctors recommend to follow kindergarten etiquette and always wash your hands after you use the bathroom and before you eat...um duh. Also, engage in healthy habits and lifestyles.

Now let’s discuss the pleasant topic of hernias. A hernia is the protrusion of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it...OUCH! Hernias develop when a piece of the abdominal wall is destroyed or tears. Possible reasons for the abdominal wall to tear would be that your abdominal wall was weak at birth or a previous surgical incision splits. Other causes for tearing consist of extreme physical stress, internal injuries, pregnancy, or aging. The condition of a hernia can also worsen when pressure from obesity, heavy lifting, severe coughing, etc is cast upon the abdominal cavity. Hernias are also generic. No matter the cause, it is important to see a doctor for medical treatment because hernias will worsen overtime. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to prevent hernias. So cross your fingers and hope you don’t develop one!
With the holiday’s approaching try to avoid situations and activities that can cause ulcers and hernias, and remember...DON’T PUSH IT TOO HARD. Pun intended.