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| Acute Heartburn Illustration (Photo: Devi Humas) |
Ulcer or gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach’s inner walls. Based on time, gastritis is classified into two types, which are acute gastritis and chronic gastritis. Untreated acute gastritis will turn into chronic gastritis.
Dr. Fatimah Masyhur, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), said that gastritis is not a disease, but an accumulation of symptoms. It is called a symptom because there is an inflammatory process in the stomach.
People generally experience acute ulcers whose symptoms are still relatively mild. This acute ulcer will not cause death. In fact, it is usually highly uncommon to occur for complications or more severe diseases.
"Since it is not a disease, the condition improves when the symptoms disappear. Maybe the symptoms will reappear a few times. However, if you can manage it well, it will automatically appear for a long time or even not appear at all," she explained.
The first aid management that ulcer patients can do before seeing a doctor is the consumption of antacid-class drugs. Where the drug will absorb excess stomach acid. Then immediately consult a doctor, to get better treatment.
Fatimah also said that lifestyle and stress levels are the most common causes of acute ulcers in the community. The lifestyle in question includes consuming foods with excess oil, acidic foods, spicy foods, and foods high in preservatives. The same goes for consuming excessive salt, smoking, having unavoidable medical conditions, and consuming food that contains harmful ingredients.
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"In addition to managing our diet, we must also control our stress levels. Specifically, by exercising regularly, getting enough rest and avoiding the consumption of drugs without a doctor's prescription. Especially non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs," she added.
Fatimah also gave some tips to prevent acute ulcers. First, always remember to wash your hands with running water and soap. Then avoid consuming spicy, tart, oily and excess fat foods, especially when the body is not in good condition.
"For example, when you have a lot of busy activities, lack of rest, or eating irregularly. Don't eat food carelessly. Also reduce the consumption of caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes," she concluded. (Dev/Wil/Fajr)
