Don't Confuse, This is the Difference between Ulcer and Stomach Acid that You Need to Know

Often equated, an ulcer and stomach acid turn out to be two different conditions, you know! Already know the difference between an ulcer and stomach acid?

Ulcers and stomach acids both attack the digestive system.

Read: 5 Vitamins that are Suitable for Stomach Acid Sufferers

Stomach acid, often also called gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), is often considered the same as an ulcer because both often make the stomach feel uncomfortable.

The symptoms are similar to the point of making many people confused.

To find out the difference between an ulcer and stomach acid, let's find out more below!

Difference between Ulcer and Stomach Acid

An ulcer and stomach acid are actually two different conditions.

Stomach acid disorders are much more common than ulcers.

However, the two often attack at the same time.

In addition, there are also GERD conditions that have different causes and complications.

If you often have heartburn, consider consulting a doctor to ascertain the cause of the problem.

Here are the differences between ulcers and stomach acids that you need to know:

1. Ulcer

An ulcer is a condition that can occur as a result of a wound in the lining of the abdomen or the first part of the small intestine (called the duodenum).

Like GERD, this condition can occur due to exposure to high amounts of acid.

Heartburn is usually located in the upper abdomen, not in the chest.

You may often feel it on an empty stomach or a few hours after eating.

Well, the condition is less likely in stomach acid problems, because it tends to occur quickly after eating.

In fact, sometimes people realize that the pain of an ulcer becomes better when they eat something.

An ulcer is generally characterized by a feeling of discomfort in the upper abdominal area and the pain can appear at any time.

In addition, the symptoms of an ulcer can also be characterized by:

• The stomach feels uncomfortable after eating, over a long period of time
• The stomach feels full when eating, especially before finishing the meal
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating of the upper abdomen
• Pain in the solar plexus
• Relieve wind and burp

2. Stomach Acid Rises or GERD

When suffering from stomach acid, means that acid from the stomach rises into the esophagus.

Usually, muscles that are shaped like rubber bands keep the contents of the stomach from flowing back.

But if the muscle bands relax or the pressure in the stomach is too high, the entrails can re-enter the esophagus.

Well, this condition can damage the esophagus because it cannot handle acid as well as the stomach.

As a result, uncomfortable symptoms such as heartburn and cough arise.

Stomach acid affects the esophagus, while ulcers or ulcers usually become occurring in the stomach or intestines.

In addition, stomach acid tends to irritate the tissue layer, while ulcers erode the tissue layer.

If it is likened to a beach condition, stomach acid is like a sea wave that turns dry sand into the wet sand.

While boils like coastal erosion that occur over time.

Symptoms of stomach acid are usually more severe than an ulcer.

One of the symptoms is a burning sensation in the chest, or what is called heartburn.

In addition, there are also several other symptoms of stomach acid, namely:

• Food or stomach acid rises into the esophagus
• Chest pain
• Chest burns after eating
• The feeling of sticking in the esophagus
• Difficulty swallowing
• Breath
• Sleep disorders
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Shortness of breath like asthma symptoms
• Chronic cough
• Hoarseness due to swollen vocal cords

In addition, the symptoms of stomach acid can also worsen when consuming certain foods, such as spicy or sour foods, chocolate, and peppermint.

In fact, the condition can worsen when taking certain medications, such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Characteristics of Stomach Acid and Ulcer

It is possible that several people have an ulcer and stomach acid at the same time.

For this reason, many people suspect that an ulcer and stomach acid are the same disease.

An easy way to distinguish them is a common symptom of stomach acid is characterized by burning pain that rises to the chest.

Usually, this condition is often described as a sensation of heartburn.

Such symptoms can worsen after a big meal or if you lie down right after eating.

Well, this condition does not happen if you have an ulcer.

Another difference is that stomach acid can also cause difficulty swallowing and coughing, but is not typical in cases of peptic ulcers.

That's the information on the difference between ulcers and stomach acid that you can know.

If you experience some of these symptoms, it's a good idea for you to consult a doctor to confirm the cause of the indigestion experienced.