How Are Peptic Ulcers Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will look at your past health and give you a physical exam. You may also have some tests.
Imaging tests used to diagnose ulcers include:
- Upper GI series or barium swallow. This test looks at the organs of the top part of your digestive system. It checks your food pipe , stomach, and the first part of the small intestine . You will swallow a metallic fluid called barium. Barium coats the organs so that they can be seen on an X-ray.
- Upper endoscopy or EGD . This test looks at the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It uses a thin lighted tube called an endoscope. The tube has a camera at one end. The tube is put into your mouth and throat. Then it goes into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Your health care provider can see the inside of these organs. A small tissue sample can be taken. This can be checked for H. pylori.
You may also have the following lab tests to see if you have an H. pylori infection:
When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider
See your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:
- Vomiting blood or dark material that looks like coffee grounds
- Extreme weakness or dizziness
- Blood in your stools
- Nausea or vomiting that doesnt get better, or gets worse
- A sudden, severe pain that may spread to your back
- Losing weight without even trying
Untreated peptic ulcers may cause other health problems. Sometimes they bleed. If they become too deep, they can break through your stomach.
Ulcers can also keep food from going through your stomach.
Types Of Peptic Ulcers
A peptic ulcer is among the most common forms of stomach disease. About 4 million Americans suffer from this condition every year.
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The Pros And Cons Of Pain Relief Drugs
Here’s a rundown of the benefits and risks of some popular pain medications. It should help simplify your choices when you’re in the drugstore.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t use any over-the-counter painkiller on a regular basis. If you’re in that much pain, you need to talk with your doctor.
ACETAMINOPHENTylenol, Panadol, Tempra
- How it works. Acetaminophen is not an NSAID. Experts aren’t 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 doesn’t affect the natural lining of the stomach. Since it doesn’t thin the blood, it doesn’t 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 — well over the recommended maximum of 4,000 mg/day — can cause serious liver damage. Long-term use of acetaminophen in high doses — especially when combined with caffeine or codeine can cause kidney disease.
Acetaminophen doesn’t reduce swelling, like aspirin and other NSAIDs do. It may be less helpful for treating pain that’s caused by inflammation, such as some types of arthritis.
ASPIRINBayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin
Natural Remedies For Peptic Ulcer
One out of ten people in the United States will develop peptic ulcer disease sometime during their lifetime. Will you have peptic ulcer disease? How can you prevent it? What natural remedies help PUD?
In the digestive system, an ulcer is an area where tissue has been destroyed by stomach acid, pepsin, or an infectious agent. This creates a sore, an open and painful wound in the mucosa. If not treated promptly, this damage can penetrate further into the muscular layer of the stomach or duodenum, producing bleeding, pain, and even perforation!
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What Are The Best Home Remedies For Ulcers
An ulcer refers to a lesion or sore that develops in your stomachs lining. It can also occur in the upper portion of your intestine. The symptoms include a feeling of burning sensation between the chest and navel, indigestion, nausea, heartburn, weight loss, poor appetite and vomiting. There are several home remedies for treating your ulcer:
Cabbage produces amino acids that help to stimulate the blood flow to the lining of the stomach that strengthens the lining and thus treats the ulcer. The high vitamin C content in cabbages is also beneficial for ulcers. Cut half of cabbage and two carrots, extract the juice and have it daily before every meal. Have this juice for some days daily.
Bananas both unripe and ripe, are very good for treating ulcer. They contain antibacterial compounds that prevent the ulcer-causing H. pylori from growing. Eat at least 3 bananas in a day. You can also have it as a milkshake if you do not like the taste of ripe bananas.
It has antibacterial qualities that can kill the bacteria known for causing ulcers. You can either drink coconut water or coconut milk. The coconuts kernel can also be beneficial if consumed. Ensure that you follow this routine daily for at least 7 days for positive results.
It contains an enzyme known as glucose oxidase that can produce hydrogenperoxide, which kills the harmful ulcer-causing bacteria. Have 2 teaspoons of raw honey every day on an empty stomach every morning.
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.
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Home Remedies For Ulcer Pain
Causes Of Stomach Ulcer
Stomach ulcers occur when the lining of the stomach or upper intestine gets irritated by the harmful effects of stomach acid. This can be due to a number of reasons, such as:
- An infection caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori
- Excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Radiation therapy
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Bleeding Peptic Ulcer: Treatment
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum . Your ulcer is bleeding or at high risk of bleeding. This means that you need treatment right away. Treatment can include medicines. It may also include a procedure such as endoscopy, angiography, or surgery. Your provider will work with you to decide which treatments are best for you. Read on to learn more about each type of treatment.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bleeding Ulcer
Bleeding ulcers dont always cause pain. Sometimes the first signs of a bleeding ulcer are signs of anemia. These include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
You might have a heavier bleed if you notice:
- Blood in your poop, or black poop that resembles tar.
- Bloody vomit.
These symptoms require urgent medical attention.
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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.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Peptic Ulcer Does It Cause Pain
Ulcers do not always cause symptoms. Sometimes, a serious complication such as bleeding or a sudden, bad upper abdominal pain is the first sign of an ulcer.
The most common symptom of peptic ulcers is abdominal pain.
- The pain is usually in the upper middle part of the abdomen, above the belly button and below the breastbone.
- The ulcer pain can feel like burning, or gnawing, and it may go through to the back.
- Pain often comes several hours after a meal when the stomach is empty.
- The pain is often worse at night and early morning.
- It can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
- The ulcer pain may be relieved by food, antacids, or vomiting.
Other symptoms of peptic ulcers include the following:
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
Severe ulcers may cause bleeding in the stomach or duodenum. Bleeding is sometimes the only symptom of an ulcer. This bleeding can be fast or slow. Fast bleeding reveals itself in one of the following ways:
- Vomiting of blood or dark material that looks something like coffee grounds: This is an emergency and warrants an immediate visit to an emergency department.
- Blood in the stool or black, tarry, sticky-looking stools
Slow bleeding is often more difficult to detect, because it has no dramatic symptoms.
- The usual result is low blood cell count .
- The symptoms of anemia are tiredness , lack of energy , weakness, rapid heartbeat , and pale skin .
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Foods To Avoid With An Ulcer
When you have an ulcer, it is important to avoid foods that can worsen it or cause increased pain. Common examples include:
- Herbs and spices
- Probiotic-rich foods
Coffee has long been believed to make ulcers worse. Because coffee is acidic, it may exacerbate the pain caused by an ulcer. Talk with your healthcare provider about coffee and ask if there is a safe amount to enjoy while the ulcer heals.
Advice On Taking Nsaids
If your stomach ulcer has been caused by taking NSAIDs, your GP will want to review your use of them.
You may be advised to use an alternative painkiller not associated with stomach ulcers, such as paracetamol.
Sometimes an alternative type of NSAID that’s less likely to cause stomach ulcers, called a COX-2 inhibitor, may be recommended.
If you’re taking low-dose aspirin to reduce your risk of embolism , your GP will tell you whether you need to continue taking it.
If you do need to keep taking it, long-term treatment with a PPI or H2-receptor antagonist may be prescribed alongside the aspirin to try to prevent further ulcers.
It’s important to understand the potential risks associated with continued NSAID use.
You’re more likely to develop another stomach ulcer and could experience a serious complication, such as internal bleeding.
Page last reviewed: 14 January 2022 Next review due: 14 January 2025
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Types Of Stomach Ulcers
Ulcers can develop in various parts of the GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Contrary to popular belief, research shows that men develop duodenal ulcers more often than any other kind, including stomach ulcers. On the other hand, the opposite is true for women: They tend to develop more stomach ulcers and fewer ulcers of the duodenal.
Many doctors refer to stomach ulcers simply as peptic ulcers. A few other types of ulcers and names that ulcers sometimes go by include:
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
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When To Seek Medical Help
Its important to see a healthcare provider if youre experiencing several of the above-listed symptoms. An ulcer can lead to complications if left untreated.
Get emergency treatment if you:
- Experience sudden sharp pain in your abdomen
- Develop a hard abdomen that hurts when you touch it
- Are throwing up blood
- Have blood in your stool
- Experience symptoms of shock like sweating profusely or confusion
How Long Does It Take To Recover Or To Get Rid Of Ulcers
Ulcers can be healed after the H. pylori bacterium that is causing it has been killed. It can take around 2 to 3 weeks before you start showing signs of improvement. This is because the natural remedies would take some time to show the effect. It may take another four to eight weeks for you to start healing gradually.
Summary: The time for recovery is generally 2-3 weeks. If you don’t observe any improvement within 2-3 weeks, it’s recommended to consult a doctor.
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What Kind Of Doctor Treats Peptic Ulcers
- If you suspect you may have a peptic ulcer, you may first be diagnosed by your family practitioner or internist.
- Children or teenagers may see a pediatrician.
- For further treatment you will likely be referred to a gastroenterologist, a specialist in disorders of the digestive tract.
- If you have an emergency such as vomiting or severe abdominal pain you will be seen by an emergency medicine specialist in an emergency room.
- In the rare case where surgery is needed, you may see a general surgeon.
Most Effective Natural Home Remedies For A Stomach Ulcer Painrelief
Gastric ulcer is treated with antibiotics and drugs to reduce and block stomach acid. In addition to this proven treatment plan, many studies have shown that there are also a number of helpful natural home remedies for a stomach ulcer pain relief. So, patients with stomach ulcers can completely choose to use these home remedies for a stomach ulcer because they are very simple but effective, and anyone can apply them without too much cost. Lets check out on TrueRemedies.com!
1. Honey
Honey is far from a sweet addition to your drinks. While refined sugars and most sweeteners should be avoided for ulcer healing, raw honey is an exception and has unique benefits. Honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase. This enzyme is known to produce hydrogen peroxide, which can help fight the bacteria responsible for causing peptic ulcers.
Depending on where it comes from, honey can contain up to 200 elements, including Polyphenols and other antioxidants. Honey is a strong antimicrobial agent and has been shown to inhibit the growth of H. Pylori bacteria . As long as you have normal blood sugar level, you can enjoy honey as a sweetener to soothe your sores at home.
How to do:
- Add a tablespoon of honey into a glass of warm water
- Mix it well and add a pinch of cinnamon into
- Drink the mixture once per day in the morning
Note: You should take this liquid right after getting up and before having breakfast.
2. Garlic
How to do:
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
How to do
4. Broccoli
How to do:
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