How To Treat A Bleeding Ulcer
This article was co-authored by Dale Prokupek, MD. Dale Prokupek, MD is a board-certified Internist and Gastroenterologist who runs a private practice based in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Prokupek is also a staff physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and an associate clinical professor of medicine at the Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles . Dr. Prokupek has over 30 years of medical experience and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the liver, stomach, and colon, including chronic hepatitis C, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, anal condyloma, and digestive diseases related to chronic immune deficiency. He holds a BS in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin Madison and an MD from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed an internal medicine residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a gastroenterology fellowship at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine.There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 407,516 times.
Stomach Ulcer Therapeutic Endoscopy
When a stomach ulcer goes untreated, it can start to bleed, and this can quickly become a medical emergency. When this happens, you may require surgery to repair the stomach damage. Fortunately, surgery for ulcers is not common because the other treatments are so effective.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcers
Signs of a peptic ulcer include:
- most commonly, burning pain in the belly between the breastbone and the belly button
- nausea
- feeding problems
- blood in vomit or bowel movements, which may look dark red or black
If your child has any of these signs and symptoms, call your doctor. Many can be caused by other childhood illnesses, but should be reported to your doctor. Based on your childâs medical history and symptoms, the doctor may want your child to see a pediatric gastroenterologist. This is a doctor who treats problems of the stomach, intestines, and associated organs.
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Peptic Ulcers Are Sores That Develop In The Lining Of The Stomach In This Article We Have Recommended Some Natural Remedies For People Suffering From Peptic Ulcer
Repeated burning pain in stomach is an indication that the person is suffering from peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcer is a health condition when open sores develop on the inside lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. It is an infection, which is mainly caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. H pylori are spiral-shaped bacteria that damage the mucus coating, which is present in the body to protect the lining of the stomach and duodenum.
Gastroprotective Effect Of Natural Products To Achieve Qouh
Natural products and their compounds are highly effective in anti-ulcer treatment, possessing a gastroprotective action and being gentle on the bodys systems without any side effects. While many synthetic and prescription drugs provide symptomatic relief, they also have harsh side effects. Our previous studies have shown that gastroprotective actions from Artemisia ethanol extract treatment was quite efficient in accelerating the ulcer healing at the early phase of ulcer healing and hindering the recurrence of gastric ulcer after complete ulcer healing, whereas an acid suppressant was somewhat inferior in these aspects of ulcer healing. The achievement of ideal QOUH can only be accomplished with intervention of the enhancement of gastric defense systems. The molecular basis for the QOUH achievement with Artemisia treatment were efficient remodeling of regenerated gastric mucosa, intervention of several growth factors, abundant gastric mucins, including trefoil proteins like trefoil peptide , and significant suppression of inflammatory cytokines like IL-2, TNF-, COX-2 and nitrosative stress. Also, mechanisms of Artemisia extract showing resistance to ulcer recurrence were excellent remodeling activity, enrichments of molecular chaperones like HSP27, as well as significant decreases in inflammatory cytokines like COX-2, IL-2 and TNF-, and quenching nitrosative stress.
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Causes & Risk Factors
Blood in poop is one of the most tell-tale signs of rectal bleeding. It can often be quite alarming, especially if youve never experienced it before. Try to stay calm. There are actually quite a number of possible causes of rectal bleeding. Much of the time, it is one of the symptoms of hemorrhoids making itself visible.
Most common bleeding from the anus causes:
- A tear in the skin of the anus
- Ganglion cyst
- Radiation treatment
It is possible to have rectal bleeding and not know it. Some rectal bleeding is only visible if a stool sample is put under a microscope. A stool guaiac test can be conducted to find invisible blood in a stool specimen.
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What Is A Stomach Ulcer
Stomach ulcer, also known as peptic ulcer, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, is an open ulcerated erosion on the gastrointestinal tract or on the upper part of the small intestines. Ulcer develops when the acidic content from the digested food damages the gastrointestinal tract or the intestinal walls. The hydrochloric acid present in the digestive fluids and the enzyme pepsin in the stomach damage the gastrointestinal tract, thereby causing stomach ulcers.
While ulcer developed in the stomach is known as gastric ulcer, the one developed in the duodenum is known as duodenal ulcer. And both these ulcers are together referred as peptic ulcers.
- Long term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen
- Infection caused by bacterium Helicobacter pylori
How to cure stomach ulcers at home?
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The Pros And Cons Of Pain Relief Drugs
Hereâs a rundown of the benefits and risks of some popular pain medications. It should help simplify your choices when youâre in the drugstore.
Keep in mind that you shouldnât use any over-the-counter painkiller on a regular basis. If youâre in that much pain, you need to talk with your doctor.
ACETAMINOPHENTylenol, Panadol, Tempra
- How it works. Acetaminophen is not an NSAID. Experts arenât actually sure how it works, but it seems to affect chemicals that increase the feeling of pain.
- Benefits. Acetaminophen reduces pain and lowers fevers. Unlike aspirin and other NSAIDS, acetaminophen is believed to be safe for people with ulcers. It doesnât affect the natural lining of the stomach. Since it doesnât thin the blood, it doesnât increase the risk of bleeding either. It is safe for women who are pregnant and nursing.
- Side effects and risks. Experts say that acetaminophen is safe for people with ulcers. But like any drug, it can cause other side effects. Very high doses of acetaminophen â well over the recommended maximum of 4,000 mg/day â can cause serious liver damage. Long-term use of acetaminophen in high doses â especially when combined with caffeine or codeine can cause kidney disease.
Acetaminophen doesnât reduce swelling, like aspirin and other NSAIDs do. It may be less helpful for treating pain thatâs caused by inflammation, such as some types of arthritis.
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Dont Forget The Psyche
As previously mentioned, but worthy of further discussion, stress affects the gastrointestinal tract. Fear can decrease blood flow to the stomach, while anger causes the capillaries in the stomach to become engorged, more friable, and susceptible to bleeding. Chronic anxiety can increase acid production. The following true account from the 1950s poignantly illustrates the critical role of emotional health and the power of forgiveness.
With her physicians help, she worked through the problems in her marriage, as well as many others. However even with all the treatments, counseling, and her own persistence, she was still no better physically and continued to bleed. Maria, her doctor said, you have worked so hard on your problems. Is there anything else that might be troubling you? I cant think of a single thing. Her doctor was ready to schedule her for surgery when, in the middle of the night, she was urgently called to Marias room. Maria was pacing violently back and forth, hands clenched, hissing repeatedly, I hate her! I hate her!
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Foods You Should Avoid If You Have Stomach Ulcers
Its not enough to use home remedies for stomach ulcers. You should also know positive shifts in habit and diet that will enable you have the recovery.
Certain diets weaken the esophageal sphincter, allowing acidic gut content to reflux back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, indigestion, and discomfort. By avoiding these cuisines you will start your ulcer healing process. These include:
- Salted nutriments
and gastric ulcers.
When To Seek Medical Help
You need to contact your healthcare provider and get medical help if you:
- Experience sharp pain in the stomach
- Notice blood in stools, or notice black stools
- Vomit blood that looks like coffee grounds
- Experience weakness, difficulty breathing, or fainting6
You must not rely on home remedies alone for dealing with stomach ulcers and should consult a qualified doctor for advice if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies.
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Facts About Peptic Ulcer
- Peptic ulcer is a sore in the inner lining of the esophagus, duodenum or stomach
- The two most important contributing factors to be blamed for ulcers formation are the stomach infection by a bacterium called H. pylori and chronic usage of NSAIDs .
- Smoking Cigarette is also a leading cause for failure of treatment of ulcers.
- Most common symptom is pain that can occur anywhere in the region from the belly button till the breast bone. It occurs after a span of one to three hours after consumption of food or when the stomach is empty. Sometimes it is felt in the back. The pain persists from a couple of minutes to several hours. It is intermittent. The condition worsens during nighttime or when a person is lying down.
Herbal Helps For Ulcers
Numerous studies have found the anti-inflammatory herb licorice to be an effective anti-ulcer compound.16 Note, though, that glycyrrhizic acid, one of the primary active ingredients in licorice, can cause an elevation in blood pressure and in some individuals, salt retention, leading to rapid weight gain. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is a form of the herb with the glycyrrhizic acid removed. Studies show it may be a successful anti-peptic ulcer agent without any known side effects.17
Aloe Vera inhibits H. pylori. The gel of this succulent herb serves as a moisturizing emollient that promotes healing and stimulates protein synthesis in tissues.18 Please, note that individuals with low thyroid levels should not take aloe vera internally on a regular basis.
A few more words about ginger. In his book, The Green Pharmacy, medical botanist, James Duke, mentions that ginger contains 11 anti-ulcer compounds. Both it and the herb chamomile are purported to be helpful in treating ulcers.19 Many naturopathic-oriented doctors recommend drinking two to three cups of strong chamomile tea each day for treatment of PUD.
A cautionary note: if you are taking any medications, be sure to consult with your pharmacist regarding any potential herb-drug interactions before using botanical agents.
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Stomach Ulcer Treatment Plan: 4 Natural Treatments
1. Boost Immunity Against H.pylori
Many people host H. pylori in their bodies, but only a minority of people infected with H. pylori develop ulcers. A highly inflammatory lifestyle weakens the immune system and makes the digestive system more susceptible to an infection caused by H. pylori bacterium. H. pylori itself can then cause even more inflammation within the stomach and small intestine, creating a vicious cycle thats hard to break.
Research shows that today about 30 percent to 40 percent of people in the U.S. get an H. pylori infection, but usually the infection remains dormant, without any noticeable symptoms emerging for years or even ever. Other research suggests that H. pylori is present in more than 90 percent of duodenal ulcers and about 80 percent of stomach ulcers.
H. pylori contributes to ulcers by damaging the mucous coating that protects the lining of the stomach and duodenum from acids. Once damaged, stomach acid is able to get through to the sensitive lining, causing burning and irritation. H. pylori can be spread through unclean water, food or utensils, plus through bodily fluids but its only likely to cause an ulcer when someones immunity is low for other reasons.
You can also protect yourself from H. pylori infection by frequently washing your hands with soap and water and by eating foods that have been cooked completely.
2. Limit Use of NSAID Pain Relievers
3. Manage Stress
4. Eat A Stomach Ulcer Diet
What Triggers Stomach Ulcer Symptoms
Stomach ulcers are irritated by stomach acid. Some people notice this irritation more after they eat, and some people notice it more on an empty stomach. There are also certain irritants that seem to make ulcer symptoms worse and make them more difficult to heal. Smoking and alcohol are the biggest ones.
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Conventional Stomach Ulcer Treatments
Your doctor will likely suggest the use of the following treatments for ulcer healing and prevention:
- Stopping the use of NSAIDs, alcohol, and cigarettes.
- Using antacids and acid-reducing medications as a temporary way to reduce ulcer pain.
- Proton pump inhibitors , histamine blockers, H2-receptor antagonists like Ranitidine or the protectant sucralfate can also be prescribed to coat the stomach lining and protect ulcers from being further damaged by stomach acids.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed to manage or inhibit the growth of H. pylori.
Helicobacter Pylori Bacteria Tests
The above two stomach ulcer tests were invasive in nature. H.pylori tests, on the other hand are usually non-invasive in nature. Here the doctor tries to determine if the ulcers were caused by bacterial infection. This can be determined through a blood, breath, stool and/or tissue tests.
Blood tests typically are most common. It is important for a doctor to examine the cause for the ulcer because the treatment for ulcers caused by medication is much different than those caused by the H. pylori bacteria.
Breath tests or Urea breath tests are usually administered post treatment to check if the medication had the desired effect, but in certain cases they are used for diagnosis too. Here, the patient is made to drink a urea solution, which contains special carbon atoms. If the patient has H.pylori bacteria then these will break the urea releasing the carbon into the blood stream. This is then transferred to the lungs and exhaled by the patient. Breath tests are reputed to have an accuracy rate of 95 percent.
Stool tests detect if the bacteria is present in the patients fecal matter. According to several research studies the stool test, medically referred to as H. pylori stool antigen test is the most accurate tool for detection of H.pylori bacteria in stomach ulcers.
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Effective Natural Remedies For Stomach Ulcer
Now, let us look at different natural remedies for stomach ulcer that we can use at home.
Recent studies found that different substances from plant sources not only protect the stomach but also speed up the healing of stomach ulcer.
These plants can be use as a combination or individually.
Cloves belongs to the plant family Myrtaceae. It is one of the important herbs used as an indigenous medicine and spice in many Asian countries, Africa and other parts of the world. Recent studies show that extracts of cloves, a spice, possess some phytochemicals which show anti-ulcer properties.
Aloe vera: 4 matured leaves of aloe Vera mixed with water and honey have proven to heal stomach ulcer. Dosage is 3 tablespoonful three times daily.
References
What Should I Do If I Think I Have A Stomach Ulcer
Always seek medical care for a stomach ulcer. While you may be able to manage symptoms temporarily with over-the-counter medications, these wont heal the ulcer. You need to identify and treat the underlying cause. An untreated ulcer can lead to serious complications, even if your symptoms are mild. The major cause of stomach ulcers, H. pylori infection, can also lead to other complications.
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B Complications Of Peptic Ulcer
When you linger long with peptic ulcer without treatment, you may develop the following health complications.
Internal bleeding
Duodenal ulcer sometimes leads to bleeding. The high loss of blood may lead to anemia. In instances where it reaches this stage, an emergency precautions should be taken. You need to seek medical attention before settling for the use of remedies.
Intestinal obstruction
The ulcer hinders effective movement of food within the belly making you feel full faster.
Intestinal perforation
In severe cases, the ulcers form holes on the lining of the stomach wall. Ulcer wounds on the gut walls can lead to bacterial infection to the delicate internal organs.
Risk of gastric Cancer
According to medical research, H pylori infections increase the risk of gastric cancers.