What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
If you have stomach ulcers, you may want to ask your doctor:
- What pain reliever can I use instead of an NSAID?
- How will I know if the H. pylori infection is gone?
- How do we find out if the ulcer has healed?
- What can I do relieve symptoms at home during treatment?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Contrary to commonly held beliefs, ulcers arent caused by stress or foods you eat. Most of time, bacteria causes them. Doctors can treat the bacteria with antibiotics and other medications.
If youve been popping a lot of antacids lately, youre constantly snacking to get rid of a gnawing pain in your stomach or you have any other signs of an ulcer, the best thing you can do for your health is talk to your provider. Treatment can heal an ulcer in a matter of weeks.
How Is A Stomach Ulcer Treated
Treatment for stomach ulcers usually involves a combination of medications which reduce acid secretion, protect the mucosa, and kill H. pylori bacteria .
This allows ulcers to heal and reduces the chance of them will come back. All medications should be taken exactly as prescribed.
Examples of medications that may be considered to treat stomach ulcers include:
- Antibiotics to kill H. pylori
- H2 receptor blockers that reduce stomach acid production
- Proton pump inhibitors to block stomach acid production
- Protectants that coat the ulcer and protect it against acid and enzymes, enhancing healing
- Bismuth .
Rarely, surgery may be needed.
If NSAIDs have caused your stomach ulcer, your doctor may advise you to stop taking them, reduce their dosage, or switch to an alternative medicine. Follow his/her advice. Talk to your doctor before taking antacids as these may reduce the absorption of some other medications.
How Do We Compare
The long term use of other equine medications, such as omeprazole , ranitidine, cimetidine, famotidine, and calcium / aluminum / magnesium anti-ulceratives, comes with a set of unpleasant side effects and none of them are meant for long term use. Jeremiahs Ulcer Repulser however, can be used for as long as needed.
Omeprazole , ranitidine, cimetidine and famotidine work by suppressing almost all of the production of stomach acid from the stomach walls. Calcium / aluminum / magnesium products simply neutralize the acid made by the stomach. The theory behind these medications is basically, less acid helps heal ulcers. Unfortunately for the horse, this is the same normal acid that digests food, kills or controls fungi, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It keeps your horse nourished, safe and healthy.
While these chemical treatments can be effective, they are very expensive in some cases and very inconvenient. Most can cost upwards of $40 per day or $1,200 per month, with two or more months being the minimum usual time period for treatment.
At best, omeprazole heals only 7080% of lesions and there is a very high rate of recurrence.
Why afford or tolerate these issues for only a partial approach to GI health when there is a healthier, less costly, more easily administered natural choice available?
One month of J.U.R. costs less than two days of GastroGard® or UlcerGard®!
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So How Do They Work Exactly
Antioxidant-rich foods like cherries, blueberries, kale, and spinach boost your immune system to more effectively fight infections and even help ward off stomach cancer.
Whats more, mom was right about forcing you to eat broccoli. Research indicates that sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, shows anti-H. pylori functionality.
Probiotic foods can be a little more complicated to work into your diet, but they are worth the effort! Clinical studies indicate loading up on foods like miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi are like kryptonite for H. pylori bacteria.
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Best Drinks For Stomach Ulcers
Stomachulcer symptoms can sometimes be very bothersome. The disease may also causecomplications . What you eat does have arole to cope with certain foods /drinks may aggravate the symptoms. On theflip side, some foods and drinks may help keep the symptoms off and improveyour recovery. With appropriate strategies, the disease is manageable and evencurable though it may take more time than you think.
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Can I Use Famotidine Or Omeprazole With Alcohol
Famotidine should be avoided with alcohol. Drinking alcohol while taking famotidine can increase the risk of CNS effects like confusion or drowsiness. Omeprazole may be fine to take with alcohol in moderation. However, mixing medications with alcohol should be avoided when possible, especially if you notice an increase in side effects.
How Long To Take It For
If you buy pantoprazole from a pharmacy, you can usually take it for up to 2 weeks.
After 2 weeks:
- if your symptoms have improved, you can take it for another 2 weeks
- if your symptoms have not improved or they are worse, speak to a doctor before taking any more pantoprazole
Do not take pantoprazole for more than 4 weeks without speaking to your doctor first. If your symptoms have not improved, you may need some tests to find out what’s causing them.
If you take pantoprazole on prescription, you may only need to take it for a few weeks or months, depending on your condition. Sometimes your doctor may advise you to take it for longer, even for many years.
Some people do not need to take pantoprazole every day and take it only when they have symptoms. Once you feel better , you can stop taking it.
Taking pantoprazole just on days when you have symptoms is not suitable for everyone. Speak to your doctor about what’s best for you.
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Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cauliflower And Kale Can Help Prevent Ulcers
These cruciferous vegetables all contain sulforaphane, a compound that appears to squelch H. pylori. In one study, after patients who tested positive for the bacteria ate a half cup of broccoli sprouts twice daily for seven days, 78 per cent tested negative for the bacteria. Other studies, on mice, have shown that sulforaphane extracts can successfully destroy the bacteria in the mices digestive tracts.
Recommended dose: Consider eating a cup a day of broccoli, raw or cooked, or broccoli sprouts. Not only will the broccoli begin to battle your ulcer, but it will also provide more than a days worth of vitamin C and a generous amount of fibre: two more allies in the fight against ulcers.
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Who Is More Likely To Get Ulcers
One in 10 people develops an ulcer. Risk factors that make ulcers more likely include:
- Frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , a group of common pain relievers that includes ibuprofen .
- A family history of ulcers.
- Illness such as liver, kidney or lung disease.
- Regularly drinking alcohol.
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Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner Canned Food
Many dogs with acid reflux do better on a high-moisture diet made with simple, natural ingredients. This Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner Canned Food is a great choice because it is a wet food recipe, containing 78% moisture.
This formula also features a limited number of main ingredients including real chicken and chicken liver, several fruits and vegetables, and whole grain carbohydrates like brown rice and oatmeal.
This wet food features vitamin supplements and chelated minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition, plus it has just 396 calories per cup. Youll be glad to know that this formula provides additional benefits such as added glucosamine and chondroitin to boost joint health and it is a lean source of animal protein. Use it as a meal or a meal topper.
- Pros: High in moisture, real chicken first ingredient, digestible whole grain carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamin supplements and chelated minerals, added glucosamine and chondroitin
- Cons: Contains carrageenan as a thickener
Heartburn And Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when acid escapes out of the stomach. This can be due to a weak valve that is supposed to hold in the acid. This valve is a muscle that is responsible for keeping food in the stomach. When it doesnt close completely, the stomach acid can make its way up the esophagus, which causes the sensation of burning.
Reflux can also occur when food doesnt digest properly. The contents of your stomach get getting backed up and you end up with stomach acid in your esophagus.
As you may have heard, acid reflux is often NOT caused by too much acid. Instead, it can actually result from too little acid in your stomach. If theres not enough acid in your stomach, food wont digest quickly enough. Your body responds to this by pumping in more stomach juices, and this can cause an overproduction of these fluids.
This overflow can lead to reflux. Acid reflux is also highly related to the presence of Helicobacter pylori , though just because you have H. pylori doesnt mean you have acid reflux.
The goal in addressing acid reflux is to get your gastric balance back to normal. A very good first step is to eliminate known trigger foods , and see what other hidden triggers might exist. Personally, I know that alcohol and coffee are virtually guaranteed to lead to heartburn for me.
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Who Can And Cannot Take Pantoprazole
Adults and children aged 12 years and over can take pantoprazole.
Pantoprazole is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to pantoprazole or any other medicine
- have liver problems
- are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
- are due to have an endoscopy
If you’re going to have an endoscopy, ask your doctor if you should stop taking pantoprazole a few weeks before your procedure. This is because pantoprazole may hide some of the problems that would usually be spotted during an endoscopy.
Carrot And Spinach Juice
Raw vegetable juicesespecially carrot and spinach are very helpful. Carrot juice can be taken aloneor it can be mixed with spinach juice or with beet and cucumber juice also.
When you combine carrotwith spinach, carrot juice should be 300ml and spinach juice should be 200 mlin quantity. In the case of beet and cucumber, carrot juice should be 300mlwhile beet juice is 100ml and cucumber juice is 100 ml in quantity. Thus thefinal quantity will be 500 ml or half a liter.
Peptic ulcer patientsshould bath with cold water twice daily.
Alternate Hot and Cold hipbath for 10 to 15 minutes and mud pack application over the lowerabdomen area for 30 minutes will benefit in fast healing of ulcer. The mud packand hip bath should be done on empty stomach and should be followed by a walk.
When a patient hasabdominal or stomach pain, a hot pack with water temperature at 120F should be kept on the abdomen. It can also be keptbetween shoulder blades.
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How Do Doctors Treat An Nsaid
If NSAIDs are causing your peptic ulcer and you dont have an H. pylori infection, your doctor may tell you to
- stop taking the NSAID
- reduce how much of the NSAID you take
- switch to another medicine that wont cause a peptic ulcer
Your doctor may also prescribe medicines to reduce stomach acid and coat and protect your peptic ulcer. Proton pump inhibitors , histamine receptor blockers, and protectants can help relieve pain and help your ulcer heal.
Ulcers Can Lead To Internal Bleeding And Death
Stomach ulcers must be treated because they can lead to dangerous and even life-threatening conditions. Ulcers can bleed, and often the bleeding isnt immediately noticeable. If the bleeding becomes severe, it can be potentially fatal.
Further, its possible for an ulcer to perforate the stomach wall completely, leaking the contents of your stomach into your abdominal cavity. This is a critical condition that can result in widespread infection in the abdomen, called peritonitis. The infection can spread to your bloodstream , which can lead to organ failure or death. You have to address these issues. Again, the first step is to go to your doctor.
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Surgery And Other Procedures
If bleeding from an ulcer does not stop with medication and supportive care , a physician called a gastroenterologist will perform an endoscopy. He first identifies the ulcer and the area that is bleeding, then injects medications to stop the bleeding and stimulate the formation of a blood clot. If the bleeding recurs or you have a perforated ulcer or an obstruction, surgery may be required. About 30% of people who come to the hospital with a bleeding ulcer need endoscopy or surgery.
How Should I Use Famotidine
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you only take this medicine once a day, take it at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of Famotidine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: Famotidine is only for you. Do not share Famotidine with others.
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Foods That Help Prevent Stomach Ulcers
Date: 2019-02-04
While fairly common, ulcers can be painful and cause lasting damage if not treated. Most ulcers are caused by an infection from Helicobacter pylori bacteria which damages the protective lining of your stomach allowing acid to essentially burn your stomach. Common symptoms include indigestion, abdominal pain, and heartburn. The health experts at Envolve, an integrated healthcare solutions company, are pleased to share five foods that may help fight against the ulcer-causing bacteria.
1. Binge Blueberries. Small, but powerful, blueberries contain flavonoids, which are polyphenols that help protect the stomach lining by increasing stomach mucus that halts the growth of H. pylori. Besides warding off ulcers, this berry also may help strengthen heart health, lower blood pressure, and increase bone strength.
2. Have Honey. You might not think of this natural sweetener providing health benefits but it does! Honey may prevent acid reflux, improve cholesterol and suppress coughs and aids in the prevention and healing of wounds including ulcers. If youre unsure of what kind to buy, try raw or Manuka honey as they have the most antibacterial effects.
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About Envolve, Inc.®
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Acid Reducers For Heartburn
There are two types of drugs that cut down on the production of acid in the stomach: histamine antagonists and proton pump inhibitors .
Examples of H2 blockers available over the counter include:
Note: The H2 blocker ranitidine, which was in older Zantac products, was removed from the market in 2020 after it was found to contain a cancer-causing agent.
The proton-pump inhibitors esomeprazole , lansoprazole , and omeprazole are sold over-the-counter to treat frequent heartburn for 14 days. These types of medicines are also available as higher-strength prescriptions. Take them according to the directions on the package or as advised by your doctor.
If these medications don’t relieve your symptoms, or if your heartburn symptoms get worse or last for longer than 2 weeks, you should see your doctor.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, acid reflux is caused when the muscular valve that keeps your stomach acid separated from your esophageal lining relaxes too frequently, allowing the acid to flow backward into your esophagus. This results in that all-too-familiar irritating and rather painful burning sensation known as heartburn.
Heartburn isnt the only unpleasant side effect, however. Other acid reflux symptoms can include bloating and inflammation, burping, hiccups, coughing, nausea, and, in extreme cases, bloody stool or vomit. If you find that you are suffering from any of these symptoms more severely or frequently than usual or suffer from symptoms which are interfering with your daily lifestyle, its imperative that you see your doctor.
Peptic Ulcer Disease Treatment: Medication
Several different medication therapies are available to help reduce gastric acid and coat the ulcers:
- Antacids neutralize gastric acid. The disadvantage is that you need to take a relatively large dose for them to be effective, and they can cause unwanted side effects like diarrhea.
- Histamine blockers reduce gastric acid by blocking the H2 receptors. These medications decrease acid secretion and are a relatively safe treatment option.
- Proton pump inhibitors are drugs that block the three major pathways for acid production. PPIs suppress acid production much more effectively than H2 blockers. PPIs are the gold standard in medication therapy of peptic ulcer disease.
- Medications to protect and strengthen the mucous lining of the stomach
- Antibiotics to treat H. pylori if it is detected
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How Can I Prevent Ulcers
You may be able to prevent ulcers from forming if you:
- Talk to your doctor about alternatives to NSAID medications to relieve pain.
- Discuss protective measures with your doctor, if you cant stop taking an NSAID.
- Opt for the lowest effective dose of NSAID and take it with a meal.
- Quit smoking.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
Mixing Pantoprazole With Herbal Remedies And Supplements
Do not take St John’s wort, the herbal remedy for depression, while you’re taking pantoprazole. St John’s wort may stop pantoprazole working as well as it should.
There’s not enough information to say that other complementary medicines and herbal remedies are safe to take with pantoprazole. They’re not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They’re generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.
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