STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Misty · Dooney & Bourke

stomach ulcers

Elle · Hermes

Stress can cause ulcers, but they've recently found that most are actually caused by a very common bacteria instead. Extended use of most pain medications or alcohol are causes as well. I think it's highly unlikely that you've developed an ulcer, though it sounds like you may have created a little acid reflux situation for yourself!

Stress can cause an increase in stomach acid production (which is why it's commonly blamed for ulcers) - the excess stomach acid makes you nauseous and reaches the lower part of your esophagus, causing the heartburn. Luckily, treatment for the heartburn/reflux is the same as what's usually recommended as first-round ulcer treatment, and that's some kind of acid blocking drug like Pepcid, Prilosec, etc. I'd start with one of those, eliminate alcohol and pain meds for awhile, and try to stay away from spicy/acidic foods and see how you feel. If it doesn't help at all or it comes back as soon as you lay off the treatments, I'd call the doc and go in since it may be bacterial. The test for the bacteria is simple and the treament is just 1-2 weeks of antibiotics, if needed.

If you have a few minutes a day for some yoga, that might help, too.

Hope you feel better really soon!

*obviously not a doctor and I don't play one on tv, but I have done an unfortunate amount of research on ulcers, so ymmv.*

joy0302 · Kate Spade

You could have an ulcer or it could be acid reflux. I have had acid reflux since dealing with a very stressful time and alot of the symptoms are the same as an ulcer. Try taking something over the counter like Pepcid and there are a few things you can try that your doctor would tell you like not eating about 4 hours before you go to bed, cut down on alcoholic beverages, caffeine, chocolate, tomatoes and fried and fatty foods. Hope you feel better soon!

AllieGurl · Marc Jacobs

Couple of things ..

Ulcers

Acid Reflux

Galbladder attack.

On a side note, I was misdiganosied with ulcers for 3 years and it ended up being my galbladder.

HTH!

Misty · Dooney & Bourke

thanks, guys. i've been taking OTC the past few days and that has seemed to help. but in the event that it gets worse or doesn't stop entirely in a week or so, i will be heading to the doc.
thanks again for your responses/advice! i hope to feel better soon too. :)

halleybird · Hermes

generalized anxiety can cause it too.