for the last week i have been sick to my stomach. I thought it was happening after i ate something, but now i really think it is every time i have a cigarette. Yes i am a smoker, but this has never happened before. What could be causing this.
Dr. Joshua’s Answer:
The most likely cause would be an ulcer. Cigarettes increase the secretion of stomach acids momentarily and will aggravate the symptoms of a gastric ulcer. This would explain the symptoms after eating as well.
What can be done? Quitting smoking is #1, cutting down on coffee, reducing stress, and a course of PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor), medication, ask for a 1- to 2-week prescription from your doctor. If it’s not much better after 2 weeks, a gastroscopy needs to be done.
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