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.
How To Take Oral Antibiotics
Itâs important to always take your antibiotics as prescribed. It may be tempting to combine the doses, but they will not be as effective and could lead to adverse side effects, such as stomach upset.
Even if you begin to feel better, you should continue to take the antibiotics until you finish your medication to prevent the infection from returning. You should avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics.
While antibiotics are good for clearing a bacterial infection, they can also rid the body of helpful good bacteria at the same time. Because of this, you may want to consider taking a probiotic supplement while you are on antibiotics.
Probiotics are living organisms that can help to prevent the imbalance of bacteria within your gut that often comes from taking antibiotics. Studies have shown that taking probiotics while taking antibiotics can lower the chances of side effects from a bacterial imbalance, such as gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.
Can A Peptic Ulcer Come Back
Yes, a peptic ulcer can come back. If you smoke or take NSAIDs, peptic ulcers are more likely to come back. If you need to take an NSAID, your doctor may switch you to a different medicine or add medicines to help prevent a peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcer disease can return, even if you have been careful to reduce your risk.
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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.
What Is An Ulcer
Ulcers are open sores on the inner lining of the lower esophagus, stomach, or the upper portion of the small intestine. They are often painful, particularly after eating, and can bleed into the stomach or intestines.
Ulcers are identified by the location of the sore:
- Esophageal ulcers occur on the lower part of the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach.
- Gastric ulcers form in the stomach lining.
- Duodenal ulcers form in the lining of the small intestine near the stomach called the duodenum.
Esophageal, gastric, and duodenal ulcers are collectively called peptic ulcers or peptic ulcer disease . They are closely related both in causes and treatments. Compared to gastric and duodenal ulcers, esophageal ulcers may arise from different causes and require different treatments in some cases.
Peptic ulcers are due to an erosion of the defenses the stomach or intestinal tissues use to protect themselves against harmful stomach acid. When these defenses are compromised, the acid can eat away at the lining of the stomach or duodenum, causing sores.
Lifestyle factors, such as eating spicy foods or stress, are no longer considered risk factors for developing peptic or esophageal ulcers, but they may worsen ulcer symptoms.
Peptic ulcer disease is very common. Anywhere from 5% to 10% of the population will develop a peptic ulcer at some time during their lives. About 2% to 7% will experience an esophageal ulcer in their lifetime, mostly due to GERD.
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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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The Right Probiotics For Your Stomach Problems And More
Youve probably heard that probioticsthe active cultures in some yogurts, for exampleare good for your health. But not all probiotics are created equal. Heres what you need to know to boost immunity, soothe itchy skin, quell an upset stomach, and more.
Michelle Klawiter was nine days into a course of antibiotics for a sinus infection when the gut pain hit. Bloody diarrhea quickly followed. The 42-year-old secretary and mother of three in Chandler, Ariz., had developed a nasty intestinal infection, the kind that sometimes occurs when antibiotics kill your bodys good bacteria along with the bad and lower your defenses to other invaders.
Doctors prescribed a series of increasingly potent antibiotics to try to knock out the new bad bug, Clostridium difficile , but nothing worked. Her tummy troubles turned into antibiotic-associated colon inflammation.
And even after three months, sometimes the pain and cramping was so bad I thought I would pass out, Klawiter says. Having lost 20 pounds and feeling unable to cope at her job in a small office with two bathrooms, she quit. RELATED: The Best Foods for an Upset Stomach
The nightmare ended only after Klawiter tried a probiotic that her gastroenterologist had read was effective against C. diff. Klawiter found the over-the-counter product, called Florastor, at her drugstore. Within a week, she recalls, I was eating normally again.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Stomach Ulcer
Symptoms vary from person to person, and some people may have no symptoms at all. Abdominal pain is common, and that associated with stomach ulcers tends to worsen after food. Other common symptoms include:
- Bloating or belching
- Tiredness
- Weight loss.
Symptoms such as vomiting, severe pain or blood in the stools are rare with stomach ulcers and should be reported to your doctor.
Most ulcers occur in the first layer of the inner lining. A hole that goes all the way through is called a perforation and will cause severe pain and bleeding. It is a medical emergency.
Infection Can Still Occur After Symptoms Have Stopped
The symptoms of shigella gastroenteritis may clear up after a week or so, but the person can have Shigella bacteria in their faeces for at least four weeks after the symptoms stop. Occasionally, a person may excrete the bacteria for months after the symptoms have stopped.
Some people are carriers of shigella, which means that they have the bacteria in their body, but dont feel sick. These people can still pass the disease on to others.
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Do The Medicines Cause Side Effects
Because you have to take so many medicines at the same time, you may have some side effects. Minor side effects of H. pylori medicines include a black color on your tongue, black stools, diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. Some of the medicines leave a bad taste in your mouth. These side effects are usually minor and go away on their own.
You can cure H. pylori infection only if you take the medicines just the way your doctor tells you. If you forget to take some of your medicines or stop taking them because of side effects, the infection will not be cured. You may get another ulcer in the future. Let your doctor know right away if you have side effects with your medicines or if you have any questions about how to take them. Your doctor may suggest something to make the side effects better, or may give you different medicines.
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Treating Helicobacter Pylori Infection
If your stomach ulcer’s caused by a Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, you’ll be given:
- a course of antibiotics
- a medication called a proton pump inhibitor
This is also recommended if it’s thought your stomach ulcer’s caused by a combination of an H. pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs .
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How Is A Stomach Ulcer Diagnosed
To help diagnose a stomach ulcer, your doctor will ask you what medications you take or have been taking, and if you have had a peptic ulcer or any other relevant condition in the past. Make sure you mention all the medications you are taking, especially NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, or ketorolac.
Your doctor will also conduct a physical examination, to check for bloating or lumps within your abdomen, and to listen for bowel sounds. Make sure you mention any areas of pain or tenderness.
Blood may also be taken to test for infection or anemia and testing may also be conducted for Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria commonly associated with stomach ulcers. Testing usually involves either a breath test, stool sample, or biopsy. To get a clear picture of the inside of your stomach and small intestines, doctors may use an endoscope , a series of X-rays and/or a CT scan.
Causes And Risk Factors
- In most cases, peptic ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection with Helicobacter pylori , and not by stress or spicy foods. Between 10% and 20% of those infected with H pylori will have a peptic ulcer during their lifetime.
- Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is the second most common cause of ulcers. Women and older adults seem to be more susceptible.
- Compared to other NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors may pose less risk for bleeding, but still increase the risk of bleeding compared with no NSAID use at all.
- Alcohol and smoking are also common risk factors for peptic ulcer.
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Other Treatments For Stomach Ulcers
Ulcers need to be treated, or they will continue to worsen. Medications are considered the first-line therapy to treat stomach ulcers because they can heal them while lowering the risk of complications like bleeding. Traditional triple therapy for ulcer management includes a proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin, and Biaxin for seven to 10 days.
Medications for stomach ulcers include:
- Antibiotics are needed to treat H. pylori because it is a type of bacteria. The antibiotic prescription needs to be taken exactly as prescribed, even if you begin to feel better before it is finished.
- Antacids reduce the acid in the stomach, and while they can make you feel better, antacids will not cure an ulcer. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking antacids as they may interact with certain antibiotics.
- Proton pump inhibitors work to reduce stomach acid and protect the lining of the stomach and duodenum. However, they do not treat or cure H. pylori. Common PPIs include Nexium , Prevacid , and Prilosec .
- H-2 blockers block histamine, the chemical that tells your stomach to produce acid. This relieves ulcer pain while protecting it during the healing phase. Examples include Pepcid and Zantac .
- Stomach lining medications coat ulcers and protect them from stomach acid, which allows them to heal. These medications can kill H. pylori but must be used with antibiotics. Examples include Carafate and Pepto-Bismol .
A Natural Way To Treat Ulcers Without Antibiotics
Andrew Rubman, ND
Andrew Rubman, ND, FABNE, is medical director of Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines in Southbury, Connecticut. Dr. Rubman views himself as a teacher as well as a physician, helping his patients make better informed choices about their health care and become better consumers of both traditional and conventional medical options. His 35-year career started with Robert Atkins, MD, in New York City.
As a primary care provider, Dr. Rubman helps people of all ages, from infants to those in their 90s, resist illness by improving wellness and has specialty interests in gastroenterology and endocrinology. He also has a sub-specialty of diagnosing and treating peri-menopausal women, and contributed to the North American Menopause Society nutritional protocol used as a component of the curriculum of all medical schools in the US.
Dr. Rubman is a founding member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians , a member of the specialty society, The Endocrinology Association of Naturopathic Physicians , as well as a member of the Bottom Line Personal Panel of Experts. He is author of the Bottom Line blog, Nature Docs Patient Diary. He offers office visits and distance consultations and actively treats and consults with patients worldwide. SouthburyClinic.com
Mark Liponis, MD, chief medical officer, Canyon Ranch, Lenox, Massachusetts. CanyonRanchDestinations.com
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How Is H Pylori Infection Diagnosed
If your healthcare provider suspects H. pylori bacteria may be causing a stomach ulcer, they may order one or more of the following tests:
- A breath test: In this test, you exhale into a bag before and after drinking a solution. The test measures the amount of carbon dioxide released in your breath before and after drinking the solution. A higher level after drinking the solution means H. pylori are present.
- A stool test: This test looks for evidence of H. pylori in a stool sample.
- Upper endoscopy: A flexible tube is inserted down the throat into the stomach. A small tissue sample from the stomach or intestine lining is taken for testing for the presence of H. pylori.
How And When To Take It
The usual dose of amoxicillin is 250mg to 500mg taken 3 times a day. The dose may be lower for children.
Try to space the doses evenly throughout the day. If you take it 3 times a day, this could be first thing in the morning, mid-afternoon and at bedtime.
You can take amoxicillin before or after food.
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What Are The Common Side Effects Of Ulcer Medication
All medications may produce side effects, and side effects will vary depending on the type of medication. This is not a complete list of possible side effects, so consult with a healthcare professional about any concerns or questions you may have regarding your specific situation.
Proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers are relatively safe medications available in prescription and over-the-counter formulations. The most commonly experienced side effects are digestive system problems such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. H2 blockers can also affect the central nervous system, so headaches, drowsiness, and dizziness are often experienced.
Proton pump inhibitors can reduce the absorption of calcium in the body, which can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Patients will often be prescribed or recommended calcium supplements to take along with proton pump inhibitors. Other serious side effects of proton pump inhibitors may include kidney disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, and diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile infection.
The most serious side effects of H2 blockers are related to their effects on the central nervous system. These side effects may include delirium, hallucinations, extreme drowsiness, and slurred speech.
What Triggers Stomach Ulcer Symptoms
Stomach ulcers are irritated by stomach acid. Some people notice this irritation more after they eat, and some people notice it more on an empty stomach. There are also certain irritants that seem to make ulcer symptoms worse and make them more difficult to heal. Smoking and alcohol are the biggest ones.
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Zandu Pancharishta: Cures Stomach Ache
- Composition Extracts of various Ayurvedic herbs
- Popularity level 6
- Zandu Pancharishta Syrup improves the digestive system s functions and body s overall appetite. It contains draksha or raisins to improve body s ability to form bowel movements in a proper manner. Dashmool is also added to reduce stress levels in the body.
- Zandu Pancharishta Syrup is designed to strengthen the digestive system by reducing the stress on this part of the body.
- Dosage A person must consume two tablespoons used with water. For best results, it should be consumed twice daily after meals. The digestive syrup can be consumed for as long as needed to improve bodys overall digestive processes.
- Price A bottle of 450ml costs 115.
What Are Probiotics And Why Would You Need Them
Among the estimated 100 trillion microbes living in your gut, there are some really helpful bacteria. They break down stuff like fiber into nutrients that your body then uses for energy and as a weapon against everything from cardiovascular disease to cancer.
Bottom line
The pro in probiotics refers to good bacteria that you can ingest as food or in tablet form, among other methods. If the good bacteria survive the journey through your digestive system into your gut, they will settle in and colonize it, eventually driving out the bad guys.
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Mastica Benefits For Stomach Ulcers:
One antibiotic alternative that we find works extremely well is known as mastica, or mastic gum. Mastica, derived from a Greek shrub, has been used since Roman times to treat stomach ailments of all kinds. Research shows that mastica supplements eliminate H. pylori, allowing patients to avoid the downsides of antibiotics, which include killing all stomach bacteria, including those that are absolutely necessary for good health. You can purchase mastica supplements at health food stores we recommend taking 500 mg twice daily, once in the morning and again in the evening for a minimum of 30 days. By then, the ulcer should be healed, but some people continue taking mastica just to be sure its gone.
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Chronic Inflammation Decoded
In addition, be prepared to make some lifestyle changes. Smoking and drinking alcohol are off limits for ulcer patients, as are standard pain-relieving medications. Fortunately, there are far more healthy pain-relieving substitutes. White willow bark supplements are one option we suggest to our readers white willow bark is the original source of salicylic acid, the primary ingredient originally used in aspirin. But todays aspirin is made from synthetic ingredients and can cause serious stomach problems if taken on a daily basis, even at low doses. You can find white willow supplements in health food stores. We recommend one to two 400 mg capsules as often as needed.
Take good care.