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 .
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 .
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Cranberry and cranberry extract also may help fight H. pylori . You can drink cranberry juice, eat cranberries, or take cranberry supplements. No specific amount of consumption is associated with relief.
Beside above, can soda burn a hole in your stomach? Drinking sodas, especially on an empty stomach, can upset the fragile acid-alkaline balance of the stomach and other gastric lining, creating a continuous acid environment.
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Foods that are high in fat may worsen inflammation in the lining of the stomach. Some other foods to avoid because they can irritate the stomach are: fried foods. carbonated drinks.
What foods aggravate a stomach ulcer?
Foods to limit when you have acid reflux and an ulcer
You may find relief from the pain of a stomach ulcer if you:
What Causes Stomach Ulcers Dont Assume Spicy Foods Are To Blame
For decades, spicy foods were blamed for painful stomach ulcers. People doubled over in pain were advised to cut back on fiery foods.
In the 1980s, however, that theory was debunked, as was the thought that stress causes ulcers. Matthew Bechtold, MD, a gastroenterologist at MU Health Care, said the primary causes of ulcers are a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .
H. pylori spreads through contaminated food and water or unsanitary conditions. It can cause ulcers by growing in the lining of the stomach, producing inflammation and causing the stomach and intestinal lining to be more easily damaged by stomach acid.
NSAIDs that can lead to ulcers include popular over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. They can irritate the stomachs lining and may interfere with chemicals that help regulate the protective lining.
Ulcers caused by NSAIDs can be prevented by reducing or eliminating use of the drugs. Your doctor may also prescribe a daily medicine, such as Prilosec, Pepcid or Cytotec.
Even though the beliefs about what caused ulcers were disabused more than 30 years ago, Bechtold said to this day many patients dont know that spicy foods are not harmful.
They tend to blame the spicy foods for their issues, he said.
A study on capsaicin the ingredient responsible for spiciness in peppers showed it might even be good for the stomach.
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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.
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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.
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Alternative Treatments Without Proven Efficacy In Peptic Ulcer
The potential of plants as source of new drugs still offers a large field forscientific research. Even if is observed a large number of known plants, a smallpercentage has already been phytochemically investigated and only a fraction of themhas already been assessed to determine its pharmacological potential. Even amongtraditional medicinal plants there is still a large percentage that has not beenstudied to confirm their efficacy and safety in humans.
In peptic ulcer this is also observed. In a study conducted by Mentz andSchenkel, in which theyassessed plants with popularly known effects to scientifically prove them, theyobserved that plants like Symphytum Officinale L. , besideshaving no proven efficacy it may be harmful because of their pyrrolizidine alkaloids,of proven hepatotoxic action. Another studied plant was Zantoxylon rhoifoliunLan , popularly indicated for ulcers and healing, butits benefits have not been proved either. In addition, Maytenus ilicifoliaMart, commonly known in Brazil as espinheira-santa, used for healingpeptic ulcer, has not proven this effect in trials either.
The use of natural products in treatment of ulcer has been widely studied. However,most of the studiesthat haveproven an anti-ulcer effect were conducted with animals, and therefore do not providereliability for alternative treatments in the prevention of relapses or for treatmentof peptic ulcer in humans.
What Can Heal Ulcer Quickly
Ulcers are painful sores that often form in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus. When left untreated, ulcers can last for weeks, months, or even years, leading to complications like infection, intestinal obstruction, and bleeding.
Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help heal ulcers quickly.
The most common approach to treating ulcers is with combinations of antibiotics and drugs known as proton pump inhibitors. These drugs help reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and can allow ulcers to heal quickly, usually within eight weeks.
Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or clarithromycin, may also be prescribed to fight the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is often the cause of many ulcers.
A range of dietary and lifestyle changes may also be recommended to help manage and heal ulcers quickly. Eating smaller meals and avoiding foods deemed to be high in fat and acid, such as spicy foods and caffeinated drinks, can help reduce the amount of acid that the stomach produces.
Doctors may also recommend reducing stress, quitting smoking and controlling any other existing health conditions.
In some cases, surgery may be required if the ulcer is particularly severe. Surgery requires general anesthesia and usually involves creating a passageway that helps the ulcer heal. However, this type of treatment is only recommended in extreme cases, such as when medical treatments have been unsuccessful.
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What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture .
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDAs Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your bodys response to prednisone.
If you are having any skin tests such as allergy tests or tuberculosis tests, tell the doctor or technician that you are taking prednisone.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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What Are The Risk Factors For Atrophic Gastritis
Youre more likely to develop AG if you have an H. pylori infection. This type of infection is fairly common around the world. It is more prevalent in areas of poverty and overcrowding.
Autoimmune AG is quite rare, but people who have thyroid disorders or diabetes are more likely to have this condition. Youre also more at risk if youre African-American or of northern European descent.
AG is more common in people who are of Hispanic or Asian descent.
Both AG and autoimmune AG can significantly increase your risk of stomach cancer.
Many cases of AG go undiagnosed because there are usually no symptoms. However, if an H. pylori infection is present, common symptoms include:
Assess Your Individual Tolerance
No evidence suggests that spicy or citrus foods affect ulcer disease, although some individuals do report worsening of symptoms after eating these types of foods. It is important to find out what works for you. If you notice that your symptoms get worse after eating certain foods, then limit or avoid them so you can feel your best, making sure that you dont eliminate an entire food group.
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How Long Does A Ulcer Take To Heal
The amount of time it takes for a ulcer to heal varies depending on its severity and underlying causes. In general, most mouth ulcers will heal within three weeks without the need for medical treatment.
However, severe ulcers or those caused by underlying illnesses can take much longer to heal, potentially up to several months. If the ulcer is particularly large or painful, or is not healing after two to three weeks, it is best to seek medical advice.
Generally, treatment for ulcers involves a combination of topical ointments and antiseptic mouth rinses. Medications such as antifungals, antihistamines and antibiotics may also help to reduce symptoms and encourage healing.
Additionally, lifestyle changes such as cutting down on alcohol or reducing stress can be beneficial.
Foods To Avoid With A Peptic Ulcer
There are several rules that govern which foods you should and should avoid if you have a peptic ulcer. Foods that are spicy or acidic are clearly those you need to avoid, but there are other lesser-known culprits to consider.
This includes dairyonce considered the go-to home remedy for peptic ulcerswhich can increase the amount of stomach acids as the lactose in dairy is broken down. The same applies to caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, both which can also increase acid production.
Fatty foods are bad for ulcers in several ways. They are harder to digest and require larger amounts of digestive acids to break them down. Saturated fats also provide H. pylori an ideal environment to thrive .
The foods to avoid if you have a peptic ulcer include:
- Baked goods, like cupcakes and pastries, which are often high in hydrogenated fat
- Cheese, including cheese sauces
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What Foods Help Ulcers Go Away
Ulcers can be extremely painful and cause discomfort, so its important to get them healed up as quickly as possible. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure that you are eating the right kinds of foods that help ulcers recover quickly.
Eating a balanced diet will help encourage healing and make sure that your body is getting the nutrition it needs.
Foods that are beneficial for healing ulcers include fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, onions, fatty fish, probiotic foods, and foods that contain curcumin and CAPE. High-fiber foods, such as apples, oranges, pears, broccoli and carrots, can help reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.
Onions contain a compound called quercetin that helps prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause ulcers. Eating fatty fish, such as salmon, herring and anchovies, can also help because they contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help inhibit the growth of ulcers.
Additionally, probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut contain beneficial bacteria that can help fight off bacteria that promote ulcer growth. Curcumin and CAPE, which are compounds found in turmeric and green tea respectively, are both effective for reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
In addition to eating the right kinds of foods, avoiding some foods can be helpful as well. Foods and beverages to avoid include alcohol, coffee, tea, sugary drinks and acidic foods, as they can all irritate the stomach, which can worsen ulcer symptoms.
How To Eat With A Peptic Ulcer
How you eat when you have a peptic ulcer is as important as what you eat.
The first instinct you may have when you get a peptic ulcer is to stop eating and let the stomach rest. Not only would this deprive you of much-needed nutrition, but it can also make matters worse.
Eating the right food buffers the ulcer from stomach acids. By contrast, having an empty stomach can worsen symptoms because the stomach will keep churning out acids even if there is no food in it.
To end, you need to choose foods wisely rather than cutting back on nutrition.
There are other tips that can reduce symptoms of a peptic ulcer while you are eating:
- Eat five or six smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large ones.
- Sit upright in a chair while eating to avoid compressing the stomach.
- Eat slowly and chew each bite thoroughly.
- Relax a few minutes before and after each meal.
- Have your last meal or snack at least three hours before bedtime.
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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.
Diet Plan For A Stomach Ulcer
Prior to the 1980s, stomach ulcers were typically blamed on stress or spicy foods â and thus a bland diet was a common treatment. But we now know that ulcers aren’t caused by these factors.
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Instead, most stomach ulcers are a result of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, and some are linked to long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
But that also means there is no specific diet that treats stomach ulcers. However, you may find certain foods worsen or ease your symptoms, and some foods may even help ulcers heal. Talk to your doctor and you can work together on finding the best combination of foods for you.
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How Soon After Treatment Will Do It Heal
Your stomach ulcer should heal completely in a few weeks if you take all of your medications as directed and refrain from smoking, or using NSAIDs that can irritate the ulcer. Surgical patients could require a few weeks. At the conclusion of your treatment term, your doctor, Dr. Imran Yousaf, will check in with you to make sure the ulcer has healed and any infection has been treated. Theyll probably undergo follow-up exams, such as an upper endoscopy to examine the ulcers site and testing for H. pylori to be sure the infection is gone, if you had it.
Uncomplicated stomach ulcers can heal completely in two or three months. Duodenal ulcers heal in about six weeks. Without antibiotics, an ulcer can heal temporarily. However, if the bacteria are not killed, it is common for an ulcer to recur or for another ulcer to form nearby. A repeat gastroscopy may be performed after 4 to 6 weeks to ensure that the ulcer has healed. There are no special lifestyle changes you must make during treatment, but avoiding stress, spicy foods, and smoking may help reduce your symptoms while your ulcer heals.