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Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty, who is recently seen as a gang leader on Roadies XX (Double Cross) shared about having an ulcer. In a recent episode, when the gang was assigned a task, the leaders were asked to eat a traditional green chilly to support their team. In the beginning, Rhea refused to eat it as she said, “Mujhe ulcers hai mai kha hi nahi paungi. (I have ulcers and I can not eat it)”. It develops when the protective mucus layer in your stomach or small intestine wears down, letting digestive acids damage the tissue. Read ahead to know more about the medical condition and warning signs that you should not miss.
What Are Ulcers?
Ulcers develop when the protective mucus layer in your stomach or small intestine wears down, letting digestive acids damage the tissue. Dr Jagan Mohan Reddy Bathalapalli, General Surgery, Laparoscopy and Minimal Access Surgery, Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Hyderabad, shares they are painful sores that form in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (called the duodenum).
These sores develop when the protective lining of the digestive system gets damaged. A common cause is a bacterial infection (H. pylori) that eats away the stomach’s protective layer. People who take painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen regularly are also at higher risk.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
The most noticeable symptom is a burning or gnawing pain in the stomach, which can spread from the belly button to the chest. Sometimes, the pain is worse at night. Smaller ulcers might not show symptoms early. Rhea’s experience reminds us that ulcers often start subtly. Watch for these symptoms:
- Burning stomach pain: Feels like a gnawing ache, often between meals or at night.
- Nausea or vomiting: Especially if vomit looks bloody or like coffee grounds.
- Unexplained fatigue: Caused by internal bleeding (leading to anaemia).
- Dark, tarry stools: A sign of bleeding in the digestive tract.
- Rapid fullness or bloating: Even after small meals.
- Heartburn or acid reflux: Persistent and unrelieved by antacids.
- Sudden weight loss: Due to loss of appetite or pain while eating.
How to Prevent Ulcers
- Limit NSAIDs: Use alternatives like paracetamol for pain.
- Test for H. pylori: A simple breath or stool test can detect it.
- Eat mindfully: Avoid citrus, caffeine, and spicy foods during flare-ups.
- Quit smoking: It slows healing.
- Manage stress: Yoga, meditation, or therapy can reduce acid triggers.
How Are Ulcers Treated?
If an ulcer starts bleeding, doctors can stop it during a quick procedure called endoscopy. They might inject medicine, use a clamp, or seal it with heat (cauterisation). Treatment usually includes:
- PPIs (like omeprazole): Reduce stomach acid to help the ulcer heal.
- H2 blockers (like famotidine): Lower acid production.
- Antibiotics: Prescribed if H. pylori infection is detected.
- Protective medicines: Act like a liquid bandage to coat the ulcer, shielding it from stomach acid.
Conclusion
Rhea Chakraborty’s struggle is a reminder that ulcers are more than a busy life side effect and they’re a sign your body needs care. They are more than just a stomach ache. If you notice frequent pain, bloating, or unusual changes like dark stools, don't ignore them. The good news? Most ulcers heal with simple treatments if caught early. If symptoms last more than a week, it's best to see a doctor. Taking action early can save you from bigger problems later!