Saturday, March 23, 2024

Can I Take Tylenol For Stomach Ulcer Pain

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For Infants And Children

Stomach Ache vs. Stomach Ulcer â How Do You Know? | Gastroenterologist Dr. Anish Sheth

When your child has an intestinal infection, the most important goal is to replace lost fluids and salts. These suggestions may help:

  • Help your child rehydrate. Give your child an oral rehydration solution, available at pharmacies without a prescription. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about how to use it. Dont give your child plain water in children with gastroenteritis, water isnt absorbed well and wont adequately replace lost electrolytes. Avoid giving your child apple juice for rehydration it can make diarrhea worse.
  • Get your child back to a normal diet slowly. Gradually introduce bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as toast, rice, bananas and potatoes.
  • Avoid certain foods. Dont give your child dairy products or sugary foods, such as ice cream, sodas and candy. These can make diarrhea worse.
  • Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. The illness and dehydration may have made your child weak and tired.
  • Avoid giving your child over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications, unless advised by your doctor. They can make it harder for your childs body to eliminate the virus.

If you have a sick infant, let your babys stomach rest for 15 to 20 minutes after vomiting or a bout of diarrhea, then offer small amounts of liquid. If youre breast-feeding, let your baby nurse. If your baby is bottle-fed, offer a small amount of an oral rehydration solution or regular formula. Dont dilute your babys already-prepared formula.

Get Tested For H Pylori

Consider being tested for, and if positive, treated for H. pylori bacteria to decrease the risk of developing an ulcer. H. pylori can thrive in your stomach or the first part of your small intestine and have been associated with a higher risk of ulcers.

In fact, H. pylori infection is the most common cause of stomach ulcers, and it also results in inflammation of the stomach lining.

What Else Can I Do

If certain foods bother you, do not eat them. You may heal faster if you do not smoke or use aspirin or ibuprofen. Acetaminophen will not hurt your stomach.

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How To Prevent Treat Ulcers

To lower your risk of ulcers, follow the recommended-use instructions on products containing NSAIDs, Abdi said. These typically note that the medication shouldnt be taken for longer than 10 to 14 days. The longer you take it and the higher dose that you take it outside of the labeled use, youre at greater risk for developing complications, she said.

Switching to a lower-risk pain reliever, such as Tylenol, or acetaminophen, may also be helpful, experts said. But although acetaminophen treats pain, it isnt an anti-inflammatory, and taking too much can cause liver damage.

Experts recommended that people who use NSAIDs to help manage chronic pain talk with their health-care provider, rather than self-medicate. Keep in mind that there isnt a specific dosage or use period that is considered universally safe, Stevoff said.

Everybodys different, he said. For some people, they can take massive doses of these things and never have a problem. Other people can take relatively small amounts and get an ulcer right away.

If your treatment requires taking NSAIDs over a long period, your doctor may also prescribe a common acid-reducing medication known as proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, experts said. Some PPIs, such as Prilosec and Nexium, are over-the-counter medicines.

As I have learned, NSAIDs have side effects and ignoring their potential impact isnt a good idea, she . I am exhibit A.

How Is Upset Stomach Diagnosed

Can I take Tylenol with gastritis?

Most cases of upset stomach are mild and self-limiting and able to be treated at home. The cause of more serious cases of upset can be diagnosed with a patient history of symptoms and a physical examination of the abdomen, which may include palpation of the area to check for tenderness, enlarged organs, or masses, and listening to the abdomen with a stethoscope for bowel sounds.

Other physical examinations to help determine the cause of an upset stomach may include:

  • Rectal examination

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Risk Factors For Peptic Ulcers

Not everyone who regularly takes NSAIDs will also need to take medication to protect their stomach. This will mainly depend on your personal risk of developing a peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcers are more likely to develop in people who

  • are over the age of 65,
  • have had a peptic ulcer in the past,
  • take several different painkillers at once for instance, including acetylsalicylic acid for the prevention of complications following a heart attack or stroke,
  • take steroids too,
  • take a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressant as well as a painkiller.

Younger people who dont have any risk factors arent likely to get peptic ulcers. So they hardly benefit from taking medication to prevent peptic ulcers.

How Common Are Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers are very common in Western countries. In the United States, there are about 4 million cases per year. Some estimates say that 1 in 10 people will have one at some point in their lives. Thats because many of the causes that contribute to stomach ulcers are common in Western life. Fortunately, these causes are usually easy to trace and to reverse, giving ulcers a chance to heal and your stomach lining a chance to repair.

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Which Painkiller Should You Pick

So which pain med reigns supreme? While theres no right answer, these pointers can help you decide.

Fever

Most research suggest acetaminophen and ibuprofen have similar results in controlling fevers, so pick what works for you.

Stomach trouble

If you have a sensitive stomach or find that ibuprofen causes heartburn or nausea, give acetaminophen a whirl.

Period pains

Ibuprofen reduces your bodys production of prostaglandins. These are the chemicals that trigger the uterus to contract and start periods each month. Ibuprofen can ease menstrual cramps and may also make menstrual bleeding lighter.

Other meds

Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can interact negatively with some prescription and over-the-counter drugs. If youre taking medication, talk to your provider doctor or pharmacist before reaching for the painkillers.

Persistent pain

If youre taking painkillers over several days, consider alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen to lower the risk of side effects.

Kids

Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can control pain in kids. But ibuprofen tends to work better as a fever reducer. Be sure to follow the dosage guidelines on the label for your little ones age and weight.

Whats the takeaway? When used responsibly, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are safe choices for turning down the dial on fever and pain. And isnt it good to have options?

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Tip Sheet: Ulcers And Pain Relievers

How Long Does It Take For A Stomach Ulcer To Heal?

Be cautious about taking over-the-counter pain relief drugs if you have an ulcer. Some can worsen your symptoms. These tips will help.

If you have an ulcer, you need to be very careful with over-the-counter pain medicines. Remember: No drug is risk-free. It is very important to discuss the use of over-the-counter drugs with your doctor, especially if you have an ulcer or other medical conditions. Here are some tips from the experts for using these medicines safely.

  • Avoid Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs . If you have an ulcer, use of NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen could be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. A non-NSAID pain reliever, like acetaminophen, may be a safer choice. Your doctor can recommend appropriate alternatives.
  • Take precautions. If you need to use an NSAID, always take it with milk or food to make it easier on your stomach. To prevent problems, your doctor might recommend:
  • A prescription proton pump inhibitor
  • High doses of prescription H2 receptor antagonists
  • Cytotec, a drug to protect your stomach lining
  • Look for symptoms. If you have to take an NSAID, know the symptoms of trouble. If you have an increase in abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark stools, weight loss, or fatigue, get checked out right away.
  • Use as directed. Follow the directions for the recommended dosage. Most painkillers shouldnt be used for more than 10 days. If youre still in pain by that point, see your health care provider.
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    What Causes Stomach Aches And Pains

    Indigestion after eating, gallstones and gallbladder inflammation , pregnancy, gas, inflammatory bowel disease , appendicitis, ulcers, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease , pancreatitis, and other causes of abdominal pain include, but are not limited to, indigestion after eating, gallstones and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystiti

    How Are Ulcers Treated

    Three kinds of medicines can be used to treat ulcers. All of them do a good job of healing ulcers. Your doctor can tell you which one is right for you. You should take the medicine just as your doctor tells you to.

    The first kind of medicine reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. This medicine can heal an ulcer in the duodenum in six to eight weeks. Ulcers in the stomach take a little longer to heal. You take these medicines for eight to 12 weeks if you have a stomach ulcer.

    A second kind of medicine blocks the stomachs ability to make acid. This medicine helps heal an ulcer in the duodenum in four weeks. It helps heal stomach ulcers in six to eight weeks.

    A third kind of medicine coats the ulcer. It protects the sore place from stomach acid, so it can heal. This kind of medicine takes eight to 12 weeks to heal an ulcer.

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    What Are The Risks For People With Ulcers

    Why do painkillers increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems? The same chemicals that amplify pain — which some pain medicines block — also help maintain the protective lining of the stomach and intestines. When a painkiller stops these chemicals from working, the digestive tract becomes more vulnerable to damage from gastric acids.

    For people with ulcers, the risky pain relievers are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. They include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and ketoprofen, the active ingredients in medicines such as Bufferin, Advil, and Aleve.

    Other pain relievers may be less dangerous. Acetaminophen — the active ingredient in Tylenol — works differently and poses a much lower risk of GI problems. However, like any drug, it does have side effects of its own. You shouldn’t take any over-the-counter painkiller for more than 10 days without your health care provider’s approval.

    The risks from NSAIDs are quite serious. Studies show that people who use NSAIDs are about three times as likely to have gastrointestinal bleeding. Even at low doses, NSAIDs can make mild ulcers much worse.

    Aspirin has additional risks. “Aspirin can help prevent blood clotting, which is why it helps people at risk of heart attacks and strokes,” says Cryer. “But in people with ulcers, it can lead to more serious gastrointestinal bleeding.”

    Read The Package Insert

    Pain Relief Products for Infant

    Admit it: When you buy a bottle of over-the-counter pain reliever, you likely throw out the printed insert along with the empty box. But you really should get in the habit of reading it. Find out what side effects you should look for. Look at the list of possible drug interactions or ask your pharmacist or doctor to go over it with you.

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    When To See A Doctor

    An upset stomach and indigestion should not usually cause concern. For most people, symptoms should go away within a few hours. As older adults and children can become dehydrated much more quickly, they should seek medical attention for vomiting and diarrhea that lasts for more than a day.

    People with severe, frequent, or persistent stomach problems should talk to a doctor. It is also best to seek medical attention if the following symptoms are present:

    • continual or uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea
    • chronic constipation

    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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    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.

    Painkillers Have No Way Of Knowing Where The Pain Is In The Body

    ACETAMINOPHEN. What is Ð?cetaminophen? How should I take acetaminophen? Acetaminophen side effects

    To protect you from experiencing pain, pain medications operate with your cells, nerve endings in your body, neurological system, and brain. The skin and tissues of your body are densely packed with nerve endings. They provide information to the brain regarding the pain, such as where it is and how much it feels.

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    Precautions You Should Keep Mind When Taking Tylenol

    Do not take Tylenol if you are allergic to acetaminophen or any of the other ingredients in the drug.

    If you have liver disease, consult your doctor before taking this medication.

    Do not use Tylenol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    Do not give this medication to children under the age of 12 years.

    If you have kidney disease, consult your doctor before taking Tylenol.

    It would help if you did not take more than the prescribed dosage of acetaminophen in a day. If you do, youll exceed the daily dose limit, which will cause issues with the liver, such as stomach lining. Always read the package label for instructions.

    What Are The Acetaminophen Side Effects

    Other major acetaminophen adverse effects include:

    • Nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, or severe stomach discomfort are all possible symptoms.
    • Urinary incontinence is a variation in the volume of urine.
    • Feeling light-headed, sweaty, fainting, or weak.
    • Bruising or bleeding that is unusual.
    • Skin or eye whites that have become yellow.

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    Lime Or Lemon Juice Baking Soda And Water

    Some studies suggest that mixing lime or lemon juice in water with a pinch of baking soda can help to relieve a variety of digestive complaints.

    This mixture produces carbonic acid, which may help to reduce gas and indigestion. It may also improve liver secretion and intestinal mobility. The acidity and other nutrients in lime or lemon juice can help to digest and absorb fats and alcohol while neutralizing bile acids and reducing acidity in the stomach.

    Most traditional recipes recommend mixing the following quantities:

    • 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon or lime juice
    • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
    • 8 oz of clean water

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    What Are Possible Side Effects

    Pain Relief Products for Infant

    Tylenol is a great medication for pain, but it also has side effects. Most of these side effects occur because of the misuse of Tylenol, so always consult your doctor before using any medicine.

    Tylenols potential side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, dark urine, and skin rash.

    Tylenol may cause an allergic reaction in your body if it is not compatible with you. Overuse of Tylenol may also cause liver injury, stomach ulcers, risk of liver failure, skin reactions, and body aches.

    If you experience any of these side effects or notice anything else that makes you feel uncomfortable, contact your medical professional immediately.

    Follow proper dosing intervals and take Tylenol with a glass of water youll be okay. It is great for relieving flu-like symptoms and falls under cold medications.

    Tylenol overdose can put you at potential risk, and it can be fatal, so if you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

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    What About Complicated Ulcers

    While most ulcers are successfully treated with medication, some complicated ulcers may require surgery. Ulcers that are bleeding, or that have perforated your stomach or intestinal wall, will need to be surgically repaired. An ulcer that is malignant, or obstructing a passageway, will need to be surgically removed. In severe cases, an ulcer that keeps coming back may be treated by surgery to cut off some of the nerve supply to the stomach that produces stomach acid.

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