Painkiller Overuse Risks Stomach Ulcers, Doctors Warn

Unconscious use of painkillers for minor aches poses a significant risk, potentially leading to stomach ulcers, according to Gastroenterology Specialist Dr. Nurettin Coşkun. He emphasized the importance of mindful medication use and highlighted that persistent pain should prompt medical consultation rather than self-medication.

Dr. Coşkun differentiated between gastritis and reflux, two commonly confused conditions. Gastritis involves inflammation of the stomach lining, diagnosed through endoscopy. Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when stomach acid or contents flow back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn.

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Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones can help reduce discomfort. It is also important to stop eating at least three to four hours before bedtime.

"Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining," Dr. Coşkun explained. "We diagnose it endoscopically. Reflux, on the other hand, is the name given to the complaints that arise as a result of stomach contents, acid, or food flowing back into the esophagus."

Both conditions are often linked to lifestyle and dietary habits. Gastritis symptoms can include heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Reflux typically presents as a burning sensation in the esophagus and chest, sometimes accompanied by a cough or throat irritation.

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Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. We diagnose it endoscopically. Reflux, on the other hand, is the name given to the complaints that arise as a result of stomach contents, acid, or food flowing back into the esophagus.

Dr. Coşkun advised that dietary adjustments can alleviate symptoms. Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones can help reduce discomfort. He also stressed the importance of avoiding late-night eating, recommending that individuals stop eating at least three to four hours before bedtime.

He also pointed out "alarm symptoms" that warrant immediate medical attention. These include difficulty swallowing, resistance when eating, weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, and the onset of these symptoms after age 45. "In these situations, an expert evaluation is absolutely necessary," he stated.

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Difficulty swallowing, resistance when eating, weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, and the onset of these symptoms after age 45 are alarm symptoms that require immediate medical attention.