What Treatments Are There For Ulcers
Your treatment will depend on the cause of your ulcer. For example, if our tests indicate that an infection caused by helicobacter pylori is what created your ulcer, well give you antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria.
Regardless of the cause, medications that help reduce the level of acid in your stomach can help the ulcer heal. And different lifestyle changes can accelerate healing as well, such as eliminating certain foods, abstaining from alcohol, and practicing stress management.
In severe cases, surgery may be required. Your provider at Prima Medicine will work with you to create a treatment plan for your situation.
If you have a stomach ulcer or want to see if you do, we can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Prima Medicine today.
You Might Also Enjoy…
Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcers
You may not have symptoms straightaway with an ulcer. Youre more likely to have a so-called silent ulcer if you are male, older, smoke, or are taking NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.
If you do have symptoms, a common one is abdominal pain or discomfort. You may also have pain in the middle of your back. If you have a duodenal ulcer , the pain tends to come on a couple of hours after a meal. Generally, it goes away when you eat again. You may also have pain that wakes you up at night when you have an empty stomach.
A gastric ulcer generally causes pain shortly after eating. Lying flat may relieve it. An oesophageal ulcer may cause abdominal or lower chest pain and make it difficult to swallow.
Indigestion is often a sign of a peptic ulcer. You may:
- feel or be sick
- burp
- have heartburn when the contents of your stomach go back up your oesophagus
Some symptoms may mean you have peptic ulcer complications. Or they can be caused by another medical condition, including cancer. You should see your GP urgently if you:
- are losing weight without dieting
- see blood in your vomit or your poo looks black and tar-like
- are very tired, as this may be caused by anaemia
- have trouble swallowing
- feel full soon after youve started eating
Rev Col Gastroenterol Vol30 No1 Bogot Jan/mar 2015
Management of a Bleeding Ulcer by Post-esophageal Ligation of Varices with Self Expanding metal Stents: Case Report and Literature Review
Department of Gastroenterology at the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá in Bogotá, Colombia.
General Surgery at the Universidad El Bosque in Bogotá, Colombia.
Received: 15-05-14 Accepted: 02-02-15
Abstract
Early treatment of bleeding varices with direct compression dates from the work by Westphal et al. in 1930. Later in 1950, Sengstaken-Blakemore developed their balloon which Panes and collaborators defined as the first line of therapy for esophageal varices in 1980 while they used the Linton-Nachlass balloon for gastric varices .
Keywords
Esophageal stent, refractory bleeding esophageal varices, ulcer.
INTRODUCTION
CASE REPORT
Upon admission, the patient’s hemoglobin level was 10.2 mg/dl. Treatment with terlipressin and ceftriaxone was started immediately. While still in the emergency room, the patient began to vomit a large amount of blood which led to hemodynamic instability due to hypotension and to difficulty breathing. Tracheal intubation was performed, three units of red blood cells were transfused, and norepinephrine was administered for vasopressor support.
DISCUSSION
Approximately 10% to 20% of patients with bleeding esophageal varices do not improve with standard therapy combining medication and endoscopic treatment and must undergo rescue therapies such as balloon tamponade or TIPS .
REFERENCES
Also Check: Is Oatmeal Good For Ulcerative Colitis
Who Suffers From Bleeding Ulcer
Some people are more susceptible to develop the condition and this is because they have the risk factors of bleeding ulcers. It is very important for high-risk people to act accordingly upon experiencing the symptoms of bleeding ulcer. Studies showed that the condition is more common in people who are:
- Affected by H. pylori infection
The H. pylori bacteria have been known to affect the normal production of stomach lining which protects the stomach from getting harmed by the stomach acid.
- Living an unhealthy lifestyle
Drinking alcohol and smoking have been associated with gastrointestinal problems because they have components that stimulate irritation to the lining of the upper digestive tract.
- Taking certain medications
The continuous intake of offending medications like NSAIDs, corticosteroid and anticoagulants can irritate the digestive tract and result in the ulcer to bleed.
- Eating spicy foods regularly
Spicy foods have been associated to bleeding ulcers because of their ability to irritate the digestive tract.
- Stress
Stress has long been associated with the emergence of various health problems, including bleeding ulcers whether it is due to emotional or physical stress.
How To Spot Bleeding Stomach Ulcers
It is important to understand a few facts about peptic ulcers and bleeding from the upper gut. Firstly peptic ulcers refers to stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers . Between the two, duodenal ulcers are more common. Secondly there are many possible causes of bleeding from the upper gut . A bleeding peptic ulcer is only one possible cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, albeit the most common.
Sometimes the signs and symptoms of an upper gastrointestinal bleed, like a bleeding ulcer, is overt and therefore obvious. It may be seen as fresh red blood in the vomit or similar to dark coffee grounds in the vomit. At other times the bleed is less obvious. A person may not vomit, may not seen any overt signs of bleeding and the bleed is discovered routinely with diagnostic investigations or when complications like anemia arise. Therefore there is no definitive way to spot a bleeding stomach ulcer in these cases without a medical assessment.
Read more on stomach ulcers.
You May Like: How To Reduce Bloating With Ulcerative Colitis
Diagnosis Of A Bleeding Ulcer
Early detection of the condition is quite challenging because the early symptoms are mild. It is for this reason that suspecting individuals should never disregard typical digestive tract symptoms and visit the doctor immediately for accurate diagnosis. Diagnosing the condition involves checking the medical history of the patient, conducting a physical exam and asking the patient about his/her symptoms. The doctor will then perform various tests to determine the location and severity of the ulcers, such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, Barium X-ray, sigmoidoscopy and anoscopy.
What Are The Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcers
Each persons symptoms may vary. In some cases ulcers dont cause any symptoms.
The most common ulcer symptom is a dull or burning pain in your belly between your breastbone and your belly button . This pain often occurs around meal times and may wake you up at night. It can last from a few minutes to a few hours.
Less common ulcer symptoms may include:
- Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
- Burping
- Bloody or black stool
- Vomiting blood
Peptic ulcer symptoms may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure.
Also Check: Different Types Of Ulcerative Colitis
Gastrointestinal Adverse Effects And Esophageal Cancer
Oral daily bisphosphonates have been associated with esophageal ulcers, esophagitis, and bleeding however, these side effects lessened with the advent of weekly or monthly preparations. Concern has emerged about an association between oral bisphosphonate use and an increased risk of esophageal cancer , which remains unvalidated. The bulk of evidence points away from an association between bisphosphonate and esophageal cancer , although a large nested casecontrol study of over 15,000 adults with gastrointestinal cancer compared with approximately 78,000 matched controls found a doubling of the risk of esophageal cancer among patients who had 10 or more prescriptions for bisphosphonates or who had taken these drugs over 3 years compared with patients not prescribed bisphosphonates , it is possible that the difference is due to enhanced case-finding in bisphosphonate users. Further studies looking at the potential risk for carcinogenicity are clearly needed nevertheless, the current data do not support a causal association between oral bisphosphonates and esophageal carcinoma.
George B. Smallfield MD, C. Mel Wilcox MD, in, 2010
How Can I Be Sure Its An Ulcer
The only way to be sure an ulcer is causing your discomfort is with a medical diagnosis. We will evaluate your medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination.
To determine the root cause of your ulcer, we may run blood, stool, or breath tests. These tests are designed to look for signs of helicobacter pylori, the bacteria linked to ulcers.
Depending on your unique symptoms, we may also order an endoscopy. During an endoscopy, we insert a tube with a tiny camera down your throat and into your stomach to take pictures of any potential damage and collect tissue samples for analysis.
Don’t Miss: What To Avoid With An Ulcer
Signs Of Bleeding Stomach Ulcer And Tests
Posted by Dr. Chris
Stomach ulcers are a common digestive problem and can cause significant discomfort. Sometimes these ulcers, which are open sores, may bleed. This can continue intermittently for weeks and even months. However, in some cases it can arise suddenly and be severe. As with any blood loss, this can be dangerous. For high risk patients like the elderly it can even lead to death if there is extensive blood loss without medical treatment.
What Is The Treatment For Ulcers
If you have ulcer symptoms, see your doctor. Prompt treatment can prevent excessive bleeding and other complications.
Ulcers are usually diagnosed after an upper GI endoscopy . An endoscope is a long flexible tube with a light and camera on the end. The tube is inserted into your throat, then to the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. Learn how to prepare for an endoscopy here.
Generally performed as an outpatient procedure, it allows the doctor to locate and identify problems in the stomach and upper intestine.
Bleeding ulcers must be addressed quickly, and treatment can start during the initial endoscopy. If bleeding from ulcers is found during the endoscopy, the doctor can:
- inject medication directly
- cauterize the ulcer to stop the bleeding
- clamp off the bleeding vessel
If you have an ulcer, youll be tested for H. pylori. This can be done using a tissue sample taken during the endoscopy. It can also be accomplished with noninvasive tests such as a stool sample or breath test.
If you have the infection, antibiotics and other drugs can help fight the bacteria and ease symptoms. To be certain you get rid of it, you must finish taking the medication as directed, even if your symptoms stop.
If your ulcers are the result of taking too many NSAIDs, work with your doctor to find another medication to treat pain.
Over-the-counter antacids sometimes relieve symptoms. Ask your doctor if its okay to take antacids.
Also Check: Do Ulcers Cause Weight Loss
How Stomach Ulcers Are Treated
With treatment, most stomach ulcers will heal within a month or two. The treatment recommended for you will depend on what caused the ulcer.
Most people will be prescribed a medication called a proton pump inhibitor to reduce the amount of acid their stomach produces and allow the ulcer to heal naturally.
If an H. pylori infection is responsible for the ulcers, antibiotics will also be used to kill the bacteria, which should prevent the ulcer coming back.
If the ulcers are caused by the use of NSAIDs, PPIs are usually prescribed and your doctor will discuss whether you should keep using NSAIDs.
Alternative medication to NSAIDs, such as paracetamol, may be recommended.
Stomach ulcers can come back after treatment, although this is less likely to happen if the underlying cause is addressed.
Read more about treating stomach ulcers.
What Is A Peptic Ulcer
A peptic ulcer is a break in the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer of the duodenum, a duodenal ulcer and of the esophagus, an esophageal ulcer. Peptic ulcers occur when the lining these organs is eroded by the acidic digestive juices that the cells of the lining secrete of the stomach secrete. A peptic ulcer differs from an erosion because it extends deeper into the lining and incites more of an inflammatory reaction from the tissues that are involved, occasionally with scaring. Peptic ulcer also is referred to as peptic ulcer disease.
Peptic ulcer disease is common, affecting millions of Americans yearly. Moreover, peptic ulcers are a recurrent problem even healed ulcers can recur unless treatment is directed at preventing their recurrence. The medical cost of treating peptic ulcer and its complications runs into billions of dollars annually. Recent medical advances have increased our understanding of ulcer formation. Improved and expanded treatment options now are available.
You May Like: What Medicine Is Good For Ulcers
When To Seek Medical Advice
You should visit your GP if you think you may have a stomach ulcer.
Seek urgent medical advice if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- vomiting blood the blood can appear bright red or have a dark brown, grainy appearance, similar to coffee grounds
- passing dark, sticky, tar-like stools
- a sudden, sharp pain in your tummy that gets steadily worse
These could be a sign of a serious complication, such as internal bleeding.
Diagnosis Of Peptic Ulcers
Your GP will want to find out if youve got a peptic ulcer and whats causing it, as this will help them decide on the right treatment. Treating your ulcer as soon as possible will reduce the risk of complications.
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also feel your abdomen, to check for tenderness or pain.
Your GP will want to find out if your ulcer is caused by H. pylori or by taking NSAIDs. You should tell the doctor if youve been taking over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen regularly.
You May Like: Ulcers In Small Bowel Crohn’s
Treatment For Esophageal Ulcers
The symptoms of esophageal ulcer can be successfully alleviated with medications such as antacids, H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors. In case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are necessary. The most common medications prescribed to people with esophageal ulcers all reduce the production of stomach acid or neutralize its harmful effects. But this is only a temporary solution. Patients with an esophageal ulcer may additionally be advised to change their diet to a more GERD friendly one, such as avoiding spicy foods and alcohol, and eliminate all the factors which may contribute to increased production of stomach acid and recurrence of the ulcers.
What Causes Esophageal Ulcers
The most common cause of esophageal ulcers is a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori , which damages the lining of the esophagus. Patients with gastroesophageal disease are also at greater risk for the development of esophageal ulcers.
Additional medical and lifestyle factors that may contribute to the development of esophageal ulcers include:
- Certain medications such as potassium
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen
- Other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, especially in people with compromised immune systems
- Smoking
Stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers as previously thought, but they may aggravate an existing ulcer.
Read Also: What Is Good For Mouth Ulcers
Bleeding Ulcers Symptoms And Causes
Bleeding ulcers are a big deal. Often having endoscopy is diagnostic and therapeutic. A gastroenterologist can use a fiberoptic camera to view the inside of the stomach and duodenum, searching for a source of bleeding.
Symptoms of a bleeding ulcer include:
- Indigestion
- Abdominal discomfort after eating
- Upper abdominal burning or hunger pain 1 to 3 hours after eating or in the middle of the night
What Causes Esophageal Varices
The liver is the organ that cleanses toxins from the blood. The portal vein delivers blood to the liver. Esophageal varices usually occur in people who have liver disease. Blood flow through the liver slows in people who have liver disease. When this happens, the pressure in the portal vein goes up.
High blood pressure in the portal vein pushes blood into surrounding blood vessels, including vessels in the esophagus. These blood vessels have thin walls and are close to the surface. The extra blood causes them to expand and swell. Varices also can develop in the small blood vessels in the upper part of the stomach.
If the pressure caused by the extra blood gets too high, varices can break open and bleed. Bleeding is an emergency that requires urgent treatment. Uncontrolled bleeding can quickly lead to shock and death.
Thrombosis in the portal vein or the splenic vein, which connects to the portal vein, can cause esophageal varices.
Two rare conditions that can cause esophageal varices are Budd-Chiari syndrome and infection with the parasite schistosomiasis.
Recommended Reading: Budesonide Vs Prednisone For Ulcerative Colitis
What Is Esophageal Ulcer
Esophagus, commonly known as the food pipe is the organ through which the food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. The walls of the esophagus mucosa which secrete mucus help in the smooth flow of food through the pipe. These walls might get irritated or eroded by the series of acid secreted by the stomach walls. There are circumstances when the stomach acid may enter into the lower part of the esophagus, thus damaging the walls there. Rapid forceful contraction of the stomach walls can also pull back the acidic stomach contents to the esophagus. This might result in the formation of an esophageal ulcer. As the condition of inflammation progresses, this can result into fibrosis and stricture formation. This subsequently narrows down the walls of esophagus which makes the movement of food through the esophagus very difficult. Based on the causative factor of the esophageal tissue damage and esophagitis , it might lead to esophageal cancer if the condition worsens.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcers
Stomach pain is the most common sign of an ulcer. It usually feels like sharp aches between the breastbone and the belly button. This pain often comes a few hours after eating. It can also happen during the night or early in the morning, when the stomach is empty. Eating something or taking acid suppressor medicine sometimes eases the pain.
Other symptoms of ulcers can include:
- loss of appetite
- burping or hiccupping a lot
- weight loss
- vomiting
- bloody or blackish bowel movements
Anyone who thinks they might have an ulcer needs to see a doctor. An ulcer thats not treated can grow larger and deeper. This can lead to other problems, such as bleeding in the digestive system or a hole in the wall of the stomach or duodenum, which can make someone very sick.
Recommended Reading: Stomach Ulcer Foods To Eat