Knowing If You Have An Ulcer
Burning stomach pain, burping, bloating and heartburn are among the common signs of an ulcer, Abdi said. But Borum noted that its not unusual for people with ulcers to be asymptomatic until they develop a complication, such as bleeding or perforating, as in Dingells case. About 2 to 10 percent of ulcer patients will experience a perforated ulcer, which often manifests as acute, severe and diffuse abdominal pain, Borum said.
Because of the overlap between symptoms of various gastrointestinal problems, Borum urged people to pay attention to their bodies. If your symptoms are recurring, persistent and increasing in severity, you should definitely seek medical attention, she said.
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How Is An Ulcer Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. They may do an endoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube attached to a camera down your throat and into your stomach. Your doctor will test your blood, breath or stool for H. pylori. They also can test a sample of your stomach lining. Your doctor also will ask you if you regularly take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines.
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The Risk Of Stomach Bleeding Associated With Nsaids Is Increased In Certain People Including Those
WITH A HISTORY OF STOMACH BLEEDING OR STOMACH ULCERS
OVER THE AGE OF 60
TAKING A BLOOD THINNING OR STEROID DRUG
WHO HAVE 3 OR MORE ALCOHOLIC DRINKS EVERY DAY WHILST USING AN NSAID
TAKING OTHER DRUGS CONTAINING PRESCRIPTION OR NONPRESCRIPTION NSAIDS
TAKING MORE THAN THE RECOMMENDED DOSE OF AN NSAID OR FOR A LONGER TIME THAN DIRECTED
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Diagnosis Of A Stomach Ulcer
Diagnosing a stomach ulcer is done using a range of methods, including:
- Endoscopy a thin flexible tube is threaded down the oesophagus into the stomach under light anaesthesia. The endoscope is fitted with a small camera so the physician can see if there is an ulcer.
- Barium meal a chalky liquid is drunk and an x-ray is performed, showing the stomach lining. These tests are less common nowadays, but may be useful where endoscopy is unavailable.
- Biopsy a small tissue sample is taken during an endoscopy and tested in a laboratory. This biopsy should always be done if a gastric ulcer is found.
- C14 breath test this checks for the presence of H. pylori. The bacteria convert urea into carbon dioxide. The test involves swallowing an amount of radioactive carbon and testing the air exhaled from the lungs. A non-radioactive test can be used for children and pregnant women.
Common Questions About Pantoprazole
Pantoprazole is a type of medicine called a proton pump inhibitor .
Proton pumps are enzymes in the lining of your stomach that help it make acid to digest your food.
Pantoprazole prevents proton pumps from working properly. This reduces the amount of acid the stomach makes.
You should start to feel better within 2 to 3 days. It may take up to 4 weeks for pantoprazole to work properly so you may still have some symptoms during this time.
If you bought pantoprazole without a prescription, and feel no better after 2 weeks, tell your doctor. They may want to do tests or change you to a different medicine.
If youâve bought pantoprazole from a pharmacy without a prescription, do not take it for more than 4 weeks without speaking to your doctor.
If you take pantoprazole for more than 3 months, the levels of magnesium in your blood may fall.
Low magnesium can make you feel tired, confused and dizzy and cause muscle twitches, shakiness and an irregular heartbeat. If you get any of these symptoms, tell your doctor.
Taking pantoprazole for more than a year may increase your chances of certain side effects, including:
- vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include feeling very tired, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers and pins and needles
If you take pantoprazole for longer than 1 year your doctor will regularly check your health to see if you should carry on taking it.
- having problems swallowing
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When To See A Doctor
Anyone who thinks they may have an ulcer in their stomach should consult their doctor. Any stomach symptoms that last for more than a few days or keep happening need evaluation and treatment.
A slow-bleeding ulcer can be signaled by symptoms of anemia, such as being tired and breathless. More serious bleeding is an urgent medical problem and can be signaled if blood is vomited up, or stools are black and sticky.
Perforation, or a hole in the stomach, is also an emergency. Without quick treatment, the wall of the stomach can become infected. Sudden stomach pain that gets worse can indicate perforation, and any signs of being very unwell with infection need treatment as soon as possible.
Medications To Prevent Nsaid
The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that misoprostol, proton pump inhibitors, and double doses of H2-receptor antagonists are effective at reducing the risk of both gastric and duodenal non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications induced ulcers. In high risk patients, the use of a traditional NSAID + PPI appears equivalent to a COX-2 inhibitor alone. The most effective strategy in high risk GI patients appears to be the combination of a COX-2 inhibitor + PPI.
Misoprostol, PPIs, and double dose H2RAs are effective at preventing chronic NSAID related endoscopic gastric and duodenal ulcers. Lower doses of misoprostol are less effective and are still associated with diarrhoea. In patients with previous NSAID bleeds, a COX-2 inhibitor alone is equivalent to a tNSAID+PPI, though the re-bleeding rates with both strategies are still relatively high. A strategy of a COX-2 inhibitor+PPI appears to offer the greatest GI safety in high risk patients.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are important agents in the management of arthritic and inflammatory conditions, and are among the most frequently prescribed medications in North America and Europe. However, there is overwhelming evidence linking these agents to a variety of gastrointestinal toxicities.
To review the effectiveness of common interventions for the prevention of NSAID induced upper GI toxicity.
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What About Diet And Stress
The idea that ulcers can be caused by taking over-the-counter pain relievers may come as a surprise to people who have long believed that diet and stress are major factors.
Dingell, a self-described junk food queen and Diet Coke addict, who typically drinks 10 to 12 bottles a day, said she anticipated being told by her doctors that she would need to make changes to her diet. But, experts said, the belief that certain foods and carbonated or acidic beverages can cause or worsen ulcers is a common misconception.
Either of those can cause abdominal pain for different reasons, Stevoff said. A lot of times, people equate their abdominal pain with having an ulcer.
Your gastrointestinal tract only has a limited amount of ways to express its displeasure, Staller said, such as nausea, vomiting, a sour stomach or indigestion, pain and bowel symptoms. It can be challenging for laypeople and doctors to determine whats causing symptoms, and its common to confuse another gastrointestinal malady, such as indigestion, with ulcers, he said. The vast majority of patients with indigestion that Staller performs endoscopies on dont have an ulcer when we look, he added.
How Are Stomach Ulcers Treated
If you have a stomach ulcer, you may be given:
- a combination of antibiotic medicines to eradicate the Helicobacter pylori bacteria if it is present
- medicines that reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces, such as proton pump inhibitors
Some people have one of these treatments, while some have both.
If you have a stomach ulcer that was caused by taking anti-inflammatory medications, do not stop these without talking to your doctor first.
To help manage symptoms, you can also:
- eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, and make sure there is enough iron in your diet
- avoid foods that make symptoms worse, such as fatty meals, alcohol, tomatoes, spicy foods, coffee, chocolate or hot drinks
- lose weight if you are overweight
- take an antacid
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What To Eat If You Have A Stomach Ulcer
Since H. pylori bacteria is now known to be an important cause of ulcer formation, scientists are exploring what foods may have a role in fighting against an infection.
In addition to taking the antibiotics and acid-blocking medications recommended by your doctor for your ulcer treatment, eating these foods may also be helpful against the ulcer-causing bacteria:
for ulcer treatment. These foods, such as miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi, may prevent reinfection.
Turmeric is currently being studied as a potential treatment for ulcers as well.
Garlic, decaffeinated green tea, and licorice round out the list of things you might want to incorporate in your diet.
Prevention Of Peptic Ulcers
Using alternatives to NSAIDs, like acetaminophen, to relieve pain can help prevent peptic ulcers. If you need to use an NSAID, opt for the lowest dose and take it with a meal.
Peptic ulcers caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori are not usually preventable, but good hygiene such as washing your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the bathroom may help limit the spread.
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What Tests Are There For A Stomach Ulcer
If your doctor thinks you may have a stomach ulcer, the initial tests will include some blood tests. These tests will help to check whether you have become anaemic because of any bleeding from the ulcer. The blood test will also check to see that your liver and pancreas are working properly.
The main tests that are then used to diagnose a stomach ulcer are as follows:
- A test to detect the H. pylori germ is usually done if you have a stomach ulcer. The H. pylori bacterium can be detected in a sample of stool , or in a breath test, or from a blood test, or from a biopsy sample taken during a gastroscopy. See the separate leaflet called Helicobacter Pylori for more details.
- Gastroscopy is the test that can confirm a stomach ulcer. Gastroscopy is usually done as an outpatient day case. You may be given a sedative to help you to relax. In this test, a doctor looks inside your stomach by passing a thin, flexible telescope down your gullet . The doctor will then be able to see any inflammation or ulcers in your stomach.
- Small samples are usually taken of the tissue in and around the ulcer during gastroscopy. These are sent to the laboratory to be looked at under the microscope. This is important because some ulcers are caused by stomach cancer. However, most stomach ulcers are not caused by cancer.
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When Should I Stop The Drug And Get Immediate Medical Attention
You should cease taking NSAIDs if:
- Signs of allergy occur, such as rapid breathing, gasping, wheezing, hives, skin rashes, puffy eyelids, and/or rapid heart beat.
- dizziness, depression or confusion.
- yellowing of the eyes that could indicate liver injury .
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Home Remedies For Peptic Ulcer Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is another effective home remedy for peptic ulcers. Especially, it helps calm and soothe inflammation and pain due to mucilage property in the inner bark of the slippery elm. Moreover, the mucilage also helps get rid of excess fats in the intestines. To see best results, you can use it as follows.
- Take the inner bark of the slippery elm and then grind it into a powder.
- Mix this powder in one cup of warm water.
You had better drink this mixture three times a day for one week.
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What To Avoid If You Have An Ulcer
If you have an ulcer, avoid NSAIDs or smoking, which can reduce the ability of the stomach lining to protect itself against stomach acid. Foods that increase stomach acid, such as dairy, coffee, and soda should be taken out of the diet. Highly acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus, will only make things worse. Finally, substances that irritate the stomach, such as alcohol or spicy foods, are probably not a good idea.
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Foods To Limit When You Have Acid Reflux And An Ulcer
Some people who have an ulcer also have acid reflux. In some people, certain foods can relax the lower part of the esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. A relaxed LES makes it easier for acid to back up into the esophagus and cause heartburn, indigestion, and pain.
Foods that may make acid reflux worse include:
Currently, there are many people experiencing a stomach ulcer at some points in their lives. Stomach ulcers are the open sores within the lining of the stomach. This condition happens due to the presence of acid in the stomach. The damage may occur and cause pain to the patients.
If you are suffering from this common digestive issue, you should not skip this article since we will uncover top effective home remedies for a stomach ulcer pain. Read on below!
Beyond Diet: How To Help A Peptic Ulcer
In the past, people with peptic ulcers were often sent home to care for themselves until the sore healed itself. Today, the eradication of H. pylori is the central concern in the majority of cases. It is only by eliminating the bacteria that recurrence can be fully prevented.
While other things can cause peptic ulcers, such as the overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , H. pylori accounts for 85% to 95% of all cases.
In addition to changes in diet, the treatment of peptic ulcers will typically involve one or more of the following:
- Antibiotics: These are prescription antibacterial drugs used in combination to kill H. pylori. Options include Flagyl , Amoxil , clarithromycin, and tetracycline.
- Proton pump inhibitors : These are over-the-counter and prescription drugs used to reduce stomach acids. Options include Prilosec , Prevacid , Nexium , and Protonix .
- Histamine-2 receptor blockers: These are over-the-counter and prescription drugs aslo used to reduce stomach acids. Options include Pepcid AC , Tagamet HB , and Axid AR .
- Antacids: These are over-the-counter agents used to neutralize stomach acids. These include Tums , Milk of Magnesia , and Pepto-Bismol .
- Cytoprotective agents These are prescription drugs ed to protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine. Options include Carafate and Cytotec .
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What Are The Possible Complications Of Peptic Ulcer Disease
An ulcer left untreated may cause serious complications, including:
- Internal bleeding: While most people with ulcers wont have bleeding, this is the most common complication that can occur. A slow bleeding ulcer can cause anemia or even severe blood loss.
- Perforation: An ulcer that is continuously eroded by acid can eventually become a hole in the stomach or intestinal wall. This is intensely painful and also dangerous. It allows bacteria from the digestive tract to enter the abdominal cavity, which can lead to an infection of the abdominal cavity called peritonitis. From there, the infection is at risk of spreading to the rest of the body . This can lead to a life-threatening condition called .
- Obstruction: An ulcer in the pyloric channel, the narrow passageway that leads from the stomach into the duodenum, can become an obstruction that blocks the flow of food into the small intestine. This can happen after the ulcer has healed. Ulcers that have gone through a healing process may build up scar tissue that enlarges them. An ulcer that is big enough to obstruct the small intestine can stall the digestive process, with numerous side effects.
- Stomach cancer: Some gastric ulcers can become malignant over time. This is more likely when your ulcer is caused by H. pylori infection. H. pylori is a contributing cause of gastric cancer, though fortunately this is uncommon.
What Happens After Treatment
A repeat gastroscopy is usually advised a few weeks after treatment has finished. This is mainly to check that the ulcer has healed. It is also to be doubly certain that the âulcerâ was not due to stomach cancer. If your ulcer was caused by H. pylori then a test is advised to check that the H. pylori infection has gone. This is done at least four weeks after the course of combination therapy has finished.
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Banana Good For Stomach Ulcer
Ingredients: Banana 2 and basil juice 1 teaspoon. .
Method: Take 2 ripe of banana, crush well and mix with 1 teaspoon of basil leaves juice to make fine paste. Now eat the remedy in the morning before breakfast.
Continuous to keep this process once daily and up to 4 to 6 months to get well soon completely. This remedy has best natural treatment for stomach ulcer.
Since the traditional fruit contains anti-bacterial properties and ability to inhibit both peptic and gastric stomach ulcers. And the ability to strengthen intestinal layers.
Advice: Do not consume any types of spices and alcohol. To prevent constipation, eat only boil foods.
Other Options For Pain Relief
Painkillers aren’t the only answer for many of life’s aches and pains. Many effective and safe alternatives don’t have any side effects at all.
- Ice packs, for acute injuries such as a sprained ankle, can keep down swelling and ease pain.
- Heat with a hot towel or heating pad can be helpful for treating chronic overuse injuries.
- Physical activity can help reduce some kinds of discomfort, such as arthritis pain.
- Relaxation with techniques such as yoga or meditation — may reduce pain. Biofeedback may help as well. These approaches are best for pain that’s amplified by stress, such as tension headaches.
- Nontraditional techniques with low risks — such as acupuncture — benefit some people.
So remember: Pain relief doesn’t only come from a pill bottle.
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