Boxing legend Mike Tyson, 58, is set to face 27-year-old Jake Paul on November 15. Originally scheduled for July, the fight was delayed after Tyson suffered a severe stomach ulcer flare-up during his training camp, leading to a 26-pound weight loss and other complications.
Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are fairly common, with 5 to 10% of the UK population experiencing them in their lifetime. They can occur when stomach acid damages the lining of the digestive tract. Ulcers can be caused by stomach infections with Helicobacter pylori bacteria (H. pylori) and the extended use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.
Stomach ulcer symptoms can include:
Upper abdominal pain
- • Burning or dull chest pain
- • Burping
- • Bloating
- • Heartburn
- • Nausea
As in the case with Tyson, once a peptic ulcer begins to bleed, more severe symptoms can occur, such as:
- • Vomiting blood that may appear black
Black or tar-like stools - • Feelings of dizziness or even fainting
Treatment for ulcers depends on their severity and cause. Options include:
- • Stopping or lowering the amount of NSAIDs
- • Antacids that counter the effects of stomach acid
- • Antibiotics to kill the H. pylori bacteria that causes some ulcers
While painful, ulcers are preventable by being cautious with pain relievers, avoiding smoking and alcohol, washing your hands regularly, eating thoroughly cooked foods and drinking plenty of water.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms you can test for stomach ulcers using the Newfoundland Stomach Ulcer Test which detects active infection with H. pylori bacteria in your digestive system. The test is simple to use with results in 10 minutes. It’s over 97% accurate and available for £9.99.