How To Calm An Ulcer

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.”

What Tests Diagnose A Peptic Ulcer

To confirm a person has an ulcer a diagnostic imaging test will usually be ordered. The two most widely used tests are:

• Upper GI series : This is a type of X-ray. The patient is given a chalky liquid to drink that increases the contrast on the X-ray, making certain features easier to see. Because this liquid contains barium, this test is sometimes called a barium swallow.
• Endoscopy : An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end. The patient is given a mild sedative, and then the tube is passed through the mouth into the stomach. The doctor can see the lining of the stomach to diagnose a peptic ulcer. Tiny samples of the tissue will be taken , which are examined under a microscope.

If a diagnostic imaging test reveals an ulcer, the patient will most likely have a test to see if H pylori bacteria are present.

• It is important to be certain about this, because treatment of the H pylori is likely to heal the ulcer.
• Ulcers caused by H pylori are treated differently than ulcers caused by medications.

Three types of tests are available to detect H pylori.

Understanding H Pylori Bacteria And Nsaids

Both h pylori bacteria and NSAIDs break down the stomach lining. That lining is your stomachs main line of defense against the acid it produces to digest the food you eat. When your stomach lining is irritated due to damage, your entire digestive tract is thrown out of whack.

H pylori cause a bacterial infection. Its quite common in people of all ages. Some people with ulcers dont even know they have the infection. The infection itself doesnt cause symptoms. Doctors can treat h pylori bacteria with antibiotics and a medication called a proton pump inhibitor .

Since there can be multiple causes of your ulcer, its important to visit your doctor when you first begin experiencing stomach pain. She can give you a proper diagnosis and prescribe a treatment program.

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Natural Foods To Soothe Tummy Ulcers

Stomach ulcers are a common condition where acid damages the lining of the stomach wall causing sore which cause immense pain.

The common cause of stomach ulcers is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori. Ulcers are also the result of consuming as excess of painkillers such as aspirin, and nonsteroidal inflammatory such as ibuprofen.

Stomach ulcer symptoms include burning sensation or severe pain in the area between chest and belly button. The pain lasts for a few minutes to several hours varying upon the severity of the ulcer.

Other symptoms include poor appetite, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

Stomach ulcer can affect people of all age groups and it needs immediate medical intervention. There are some natural remedies available that can strengthen the lining of the intestine and prevents the acid attack.

Relieving Ulcer Pain With Medical Treatments

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Stomach Ulcer Diagnosis And Conventional Treatment

If you suspect you have a stomach ulcer, see your doctor to first rule out other causes of your pain. In order to diagnose a stomach ulcer, your doctor may perform an endoscopy, which allows the doctor to view the inside lining of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. Once a diagnosis is verified, treatment options can begin.

Your doctor will likely take your medical history and perform a physical exam along with a blood test, plus ask you about your past use of medications and possibly do an X-ray to locate a stomach ulcer. Testing the blood for H. pylori, plus doing a urea breath test and/or stool test to look for the presence of H. pylori antigens, are common ways to diagnose an ulcer.

The goal of stomach ulcer treatments is to help reduce pain and inflammation in the digestive tract, boost the immune system to fight H. pylori bacteria, prevent complications, and lower the chance for future ulcers from forming or returning.

Today, conventional treatment options for stomach ulcers include:

What Treatments Can Relieve Ulcer Pain

While over-the-counter medications can treat an upset stomach, they are generally not effective in treating ulcers. And taking over-the-counter painkillers could worsen the problem. That is why its better to see a doctor, who may combine several medications and therapies to relieve pain, cure the infection, and prevent it from worsening. Medications usually include:

Your doctor may also recommend making lifestyle modifications, including:

• Avoiding spicy and oily food

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Natural Treatments To Relieve Symptoms

1. Vitamin D. When fighting any type of an infection, it is imperative that you increase vitamin D levels in your body. In fact, if you experience an eye injury or a corneal abrasion, a vitamin D deficiency may make you more prone to developing an infection, according to research.

In addition to taking a high-quality vitamin D3 supplement, try to get a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes each day of direct sunlight, without sunscreen. Of course, wear sunglasses to protect your injured eyes, and focus on consuming vitamin D-rich wild fish like halibut, mackerel, eel and salmon. Vitamin D is proven to improve mood, concentration and immune system response.

2. Zinc. When fighting an infection, take 50 milligrams of zinc daily. Zinc demonstrates antioxidant properties, improves immune system response and lessens inflammation. In addition, it is often recommended for eye health for those at risk for Age Related Eye Disease .

For overall eye health, consume foods high in zinc including lamb, pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef, garbanzo beans and cocoa powder. Try my lamb stew recipe, which is healthy and satisfying on a cool winters eve.

3. L-Lysine. Take 1,000 milligrams three times a day when fighting a viral infection. Research shows that L-lysine, an essential amino acid, helps to fight and prevent recurrent viral infections.

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.

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How Do I Know If I Have An Ulcer

Describing your symptoms may lead your doctor to suspect that you have a peptic ulcer, but it wonât likely help determine the type, because the symptoms of stomach and duodenal ulcers are so similar. The doctor will do tests like these to figure out which specific type of ulcer you have:

• Endoscopy. This is the most accurate diagnostic test to diagnose a peptic ulcer. The doctor puts a flexible tube down your throat to see inside your esophagus , stomach, and duodenum. This allows the doctor to see the cause of bleeding and test for any bacterial infection. During this exam, your doctor may also do a biopsy to check for cancer.
• Barium swallow. If you can’t have an endoscopy, this test, also called an upper GI series of X-rays, can help your doctor identify and locate the ulcer and determine its type and severity. The test requires you to drink a “barium milkshake,” which has a liquid that will show up on an X-ray. They may ask you to eat only bland, easy-to-digest foods for 2-3 days before the test. After drinking the chalky liquid, you lie down on a tilting exam table. This evenly spreads the barium around your upper digestive tract and lets the X-ray take pictures at different angles.

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Food For Ulcer Relief

Though the American College of Gastroenterology indicates no need to follow a specific diet plan for a stomach ulcer, research shows that adding food for ulcer relief to your diet can help heal the ulcer faster. Foods that alleviate the pain of an ulcer include the following.

• Foods Rich in Polyphenols: A June 2015 review in World Journal of Gastroenterology examined the role of polyphenols in peptic ulcer management. The extensive review confirmed dietary polyphenols have both protective and therapeutic potential for peptic ulcers. According to a November 2010 study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the richest dietary sources of polyphenols are cloves, dried peppermint, star anise, cocoa powder, celery seed, dark chocolate, flaxseed, blueberries, many types of seasonings, fruits and vegetables.

• Fermented Foods:Fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, kefir and kombucha are rich in probiotics. A July 2016 review published in Frontiers in Microbiology concluded that in vitro and in vivo experiments and in clinical trials suggest probiotics have anti-H.pylori effects.

• Foods High in Flavonoids: In a March 2009 review published in Molecules, flavonoids act as gastroprotective and help heal gastric ulcers. The compounds have therapeutic potential for treating ulcers caused by H.pylori. Dietary sources of flavonoids include chocolate, berries, wine, onions, cabbage and plums.

Read more:Remedies for Ulcer Pain

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Here Are Some Simple But Effective Home Remedies For Gastritis:

1. Freeze It OutTake a glass of ice cold water, put two tablespoons of sugar, stir it really well and gulp it down. Repeat the process if you have to. This remedy is a quick fix and my personal favourite. A glass ice cold water helps to stabilise the body fluids. It is believed that cold water calms down the throat and chest burning. Therefore, drink a full glass of cold water and take a small walk. The acid rushing up to your throat will subside slowly.

A glass ice cold water helps to stabilise the body fluids

2. Nothing Like CoconutGet tender green coconut water and keep sipping it till your pain subsides and you can make it a habit to drink it every day too. But be sure the coconut water is not tangy as that can cause acid reflux. Coconut water is rich in fibre, which is why it helps aid digestion and prevents the re-occurrence of acidity. Moreover, coconut water is known to cool the lining of the stomach, which further reduces the burning sensation.

Coconut water aids digestion.

Ginger has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Sip Chamomile

Chamomile tea provides relief from sudden pains and helps to eliminate gas.

5. Papaya All the Way

Raw papaya is good for inflammation of the stomach.

6. Baking Soda And Water

7. Cabbage Juice

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How To Treat Throat Ulcer

The treatment prescribed by your doctor will be dependent on the cause of throat ulcers.

Acetaminophen can be used as a treatment for throat ulcers.

In some cases, simple lifestyle changes may prove necessary.

However, some types of throat or esophageal ulcers require further medical attention and people should discuss treatment options with their doctor.

Your treatment may include:

• Antibiotics, antiviral or antifungals prescriptions by your doctor to treat a bacterial or yeast infection.
• Pain relievers such as acetaminophen to relieve the discomfort of ulcers.
• Medicinal rinses/mouthwash to relieve pain and healing such as the local and commonly available anesthetic lidocaine.

To treat an esophageal ulcer, you may need to take:

• Antacids, H2 receptor blockers or proton pump inhibitors to neutralize stomach acid or decrease the amount of acid it generates.
• Antibiotics, antibiotics, antiparasitics or antivirals to treat an infection
• Medicines that make the stomach empty fast.
• Glucocorticoid therapy.
• In some cases, surgery may be needed.

Vocal cord ulcers are treated with:

• Rest your voice
• Undergo surgery if other treatments do not help

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Ulcer Pain That Requires Immediate Attention

If your pain gets severe, you may need to seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms like vomiting or blood in your stool could indicate bleeding. Since bleeding ulcers often heal and then bleed again, they require more extensive treatment regimens. Some people also need IV fluids and blood transfusions in the hospital.

Perforation is when an ulcer leads to a hole in the wall of your stomach. Other perforation symptoms include sudden, severe abdominal pain, a rapid heartbeat, and a low body temperature.

dont eat it if it causes your discomfort

How Peptic Ulcers Are Treated

• Living With Peptic Ulcers

A peptic ulcer is a sore or lesion that forms in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers are caused by Helicobacter pylori , a bacterium that lives in the mucous lining of the stomach and intestine. Symptoms of these ulcers include pain, discomfort, heartburn, nausea, or gas, though some people may not experience any symptoms at all.

Treatment of peptic ulcers include antibiotics to clear H. pylori, prescription and over-the-counter medicines to manage symptoms, and lifestyle modifications to help ulcers heal.

A peptic ulcer is one of the most common gastrointestinal tract issues seen by healthcare providers an estimated 5% to 10% of all people will experience one in their lifetime.

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What Is A Stomach Ulcer

A stomach ulcer, also known as a peptic ulcer, is a sore in your stomach lining or duodenum . Though rare, ulcers may also develop in the esophagus.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says peptic ulcers can be caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin, H. pylori bacterial infection and a rare condition called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome that causes tumors in the stomach, pancreas or duodenum.

When Should I See A Doctor If I Think I Have A Peptic Ulcer

• If you have burning pain in your upper stomach that is relieved by eating or taking antacids, call a health-care professional for an appointment. Don’t assume you have an ulcer. Certain other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
• If you vomit blood or have other signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, go to an emergency department right away. Peptic ulcers can cause massive bleeding, which requires blood transfusion or surgery.
• Severe abdominal pain suggests perforation or tearing of an ulcer. This is an emergency that may require surgery to fix a hole in your stomach.
• Vomiting and abdominal pain also can be a sign of an obstruction, another complication of peptic ulcers. This also may require emergency surgery.

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Q: Can An Ulcer Be Completely Cured

A: If you have peptic ulcer disease, which can involve stomach ulcers and/or duodenal ulcers of the small intestine, the answer is yes! These ulcers can be completely healed.

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The development of H2 blockers and then Proton Pump Inhibitors allow for most ulcers to be completely healed with medication. With these treatment developments, surgery for peptic ulcer disease is seldom needed.

These types of ulcers are caused primarily by three things: Stomach acids, H. pylori infections and medications, such as aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen .

Contrary to popular belief, the normal stress of day-to-day life does not cause or contribute to ulcers. Also, theres no genetic link involved with the risk for developing ulcers, and diet has no effect on the healing of an ulcer either.

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