What Can Be Done For An Ulcer

Stool Monoclonal Antigen Tests

Stool antigen tests using monoclonal antibodies are as accurate as urea breath tests if a validated laboratory-based monoclonal test is used.1,11 They are cheaper and require less equipment than urea breath tests. Like urea breath tests, stool antigen tests detect only active infection and can be used as a test of cure. PPIs should be stopped for two weeks before testing, but stool antigen tests are not as affected by PPI use as are urea breath tests.

What You Can Do:

• Schedule regular dental checkups. See your dentist for mouth sores that persist longer than two weeks, even if they are not painful. A biopsy can usually determine the cause or rule out cancer. Your dentist can recognize and often diagnose the type of mouth sore or spot based on its appearance and location.
• Keep a diary of what you eat and drink.
• Keep a list of oral hygiene products you have been using.
• Avoid all tobacco products.
• If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.
• See your dentist if you notice any change in your mouth, including pain or discomfort, or the presence of sores in the mouth, even if they are not painful. For oral cancer, early diagnosis and treatment can increase your chance of cure.

Questions or concerns? Talk to your dentist.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Ankle Ulcers

Venous stasis ulcers arent always painful, but they might slightly burn or itch. Theyre usually red, with yellowish skin over them. An infected ulcer may leak yellow or green fluid. Your skin may feel warm or hot to the touch and the area surrounding the ulcer may be swollen and discolored. Your legs may ache, and, depending on how swollen your ankle is, your skin may feel tight and look shiny.

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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.

Can An Ulcer Be Cured

Ulcers, commonly referred to as ââGastric ulcersââ or ââPeptic ulcersââ are open sores whose developmental sites are stomach and duodenum. The treatment of ulcers depend upon its cause and it usually gets healed in a month or two. Recommended treatment involves medication such as Antibiotics and Proton Pump inhibitors in case of bacterial infection or the same in combination with NSAIDS.

Alternative medications include H2-receptor antagonists, antacids etc. In addition, avoiding stress, alcohol, smoking, spicy foods etc. may help.

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What To Do If You Have Stomach Cancer Or Ulcer Symptoms

• 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. Dont 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.

Five Simple Ways To Prevent Ulcers In The Mouth

There are so many factors that can cause mouth ulcers, so avoiding them completely often isnt an achievable goal. But, if you experience ulcers regularly and cant pinpoint the reason why, it could have something to do with your lifestyle, habits, or medications. It seems that things like stress, hormonal changes, spicy foods, vitamin deficiencies, or food allergies can bring them on, Dr Ressler explains.

Try adjusting your diet or even the brand of oral care products you use if youre having issues with frequent ulcers.

Additionally, Dr Stay recommends that people who get frequent mouth ulcers should:

• Avoid spicy and abrasive foods so as to not irritate the skin in your mouth.
• Brush gently to avoid injuring your mouth.
• Use a gentle sodium lauryl sulfate free toothpaste.
• Visit your dentist if your dentures are loose.
• Cover sharp edges of braces with wax.

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Treat Stomach Pain For Good

Learn more about the various causes of abdominal pain in general by getting in touch with us. At the Gastro Center in New Jersey, we are always ready to help patients learn more about their concerns.

Book an appointment today and let us diagnose and treat your pain.

59 Main Street, Suite 1 West Orange, NJ 07052

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What Causes Peptic Ulcers

In the past, experts thought lifestyle factors such as stress and diet caused ulcers. Today we know that stomach acids and other digestive juices help create ulcers. These fluids burn the linings of your organs.

Causes of peptic ulcers include:

• H. pylori bacteria . Most ulcers are caused by an infection from a bacteria or germ called H. pylori. This bacteria hurts the mucus that protects the lining of your stomach and the first part of your small intestine . Stomach acid then gets through to the lining.
• NSAIDs . These are over-the-counter pain and fever medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Over time they can damage the mucus that protects the lining of your stomach.

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What Are The Types Of Mouth Ulcers

• Minor mouth ulcers: These are the most common type of mouth ulcer and typically occur three or four times a year. They occur more commonly in the age-group of 10 to 20 years. They are less than 1 centimeter in diameter and heal within a week with no scarring.
• Major mouth ulcers: These are less common. The ulcers are bigger and last more than weeks. They tend to heal with scarring.
• Herpetiform mouth ulcers: These are rare and appear as clusters of tiny ulcers. They usually heal in about a week.

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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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Other Options For Pain Relief

Painkillers aren’t the only answer for many of life’s aches and pains. Many effective and safe alternatives don’t have any side effects at all.

• Ice packs, for acute injuries such as a sprained ankle, can keep down swelling and ease pain.
• Heat with a hot towel or heating pad can be helpful for treating chronic overuse injuries.
• Physical activity can help reduce some kinds of discomfort, such as arthritis pain.
• Relaxation with techniques such as yoga or meditation — may reduce pain. Biofeedback may help as well. These approaches are best for pain that’s amplified by stress, such as tension headaches.
• Nontraditional techniques with low risks — such as acupuncture — benefit some people.

So remember: Pain relief doesn’t only come from a pill bottle.

The Link Between Headaches And Gi Symptoms

A connection between headache and GI symptoms has long been noted for some types of headache. In fact, the International Headache Society includes nausea and vomiting within the diagnostic criteria for migraine.

Additionally, abdominal migraine is a subtype of migraine thats mostly seen in children. It causes GI symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, as opposed to headache. Many children with this condition go on to experience migraine as adults.

A 2008 study asked 51,383 individuals to fill out two surveys: one about headache, and one about GI symptoms. Headache was found to be more prevalent in people with GI symptoms. This association rose significantly with increasing headache frequency.

Furthermore, a

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What Is The Cause Of Peptic Ulcers

When you eat, your stomach produces hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin to digest the food.

• The food is partially digested in the stomach and then moves on to the duodenum to continue the process.
• Peptic ulcers occur when the acid and enzyme overcome the defense mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract and erode the mucosal wall.

In the past it was thought that ulcers were caused by lifestyle factors such as eating habits, cigarettesmoking, and stress.

• Now it is understood that people with ulcers have an imbalance between acid and pepsin coupled with the digestive tract’s inability to protect itself from these harsh substances.
• Research done in the 1980s showed that some ulcers are caused by infection with a bacterium named Helicobacter pylori, usually called H pylori.
• Not everyone who gets an ulcer is infected with H pylori. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause ulcers if taken regularly.

Some types of medical therapy can contribute to ulcer formation. The following factors can weaken the protective mucosal barrier of the stomach increasing the chances of getting an ulcer and slow the healing of existing ulcers.

• Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , and newer anti-inflammatory medications
• Alcohol
• Cigarettesmoking
• Radiation therapy:-used for diseases such as cancer

People who take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications are at an increased risk even if they do not have H pylori infection.

When You Need More Treatment

If your wound doesnât heal in about a month or becomes an infection that spreads to the bone, you may need other treatments. These can include surgery and hyperbolic oxygen therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a special room in order to help your body heal.

If your ulcer develops gangrene and your tissue dies, your doctor may have to amputate that area of your body.

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Treating Mouth Ulcer Pain

There is no cure for mouth ulcers, and treatment isnt usually needed since they go away on their own. But they can be uncomfortable, and there are a few ways to ease the pain:

• Over-the counter ointments
• Basic water and baking soda mouth rinse
• Avoid toothpaste and mouthwash with sodium lauryl sulfate, as it may take longer for the ulcer to heal
• Avoid spicy and acidic foods

If you have large or multiple mouth ulcers, your dentist mayprescribe medications that treat the symptoms, or even chemically cauterize the ulcer.

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What Causes Cold Sores

Cold sores are sometimes called oral herpes because they are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 . This virus is very common and highly contagious. It spreads through saliva or close contact often through kissing or by sharing utensils, straws, towels or lip balm with someone who has a cold sore.

You may not know if you have been infected with HSV-1 because symptoms of exposure to HSV-1 are generally mild. Children sometimes develop a fever and small blisters inside and around their mouths when they are first exposed to HSV-1.

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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

What Causes An Ulcer

Most peptic ulcers are caused by:

• bacteria called Helicobacter pylori infecting the stomach and upper intestine. They weaken the protective coating of the stomach and upper small intestine. Acid in the stomach then gets through to the sensitive lining underneath. Acid and bacteria irritate this lining, causing ulcers.
• using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen and aspirin. These medicines fight inflammation and help treat long-term, painful conditions like arthritis. If taken in high doses over a long period of time, NSAIDs can cause ulcers in some people.
• smoking cigarettes. Smoking increases the risk of ulcers because nicotine causes the stomach to make more acid. Drinking a lot of alcohol each day for a period of time can also increase a person’s risk of ulcers. Over time, alcohol can wear down the lining of the stomach and intestines.

Sometimes stress can help cause ulcers. Usually this happens only when a person has an illness involving severe emotional or physical stress. Any illness that makes it hard for the body to heal also can make someone more likely to get an ulcer.

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How Can I Treat A Sore Spot

Most mouth sores will heal on their own over time. However, while your mouth is healing, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain and prevent further irritation. According to the American Dental Association, saltwater or baking soda rinses can relieve your discomfort. There are also over-the-counter topical anesthetics to provide relief. In some cases, your dentist may prescribe an antiviral drug.

When To Call A Healthcare Provider

If the ulcer is large or deep, growing in size, incredibly painful, or if you have any signs of infection , you notice a bad smell coming from your ulcer, or you’re running a fever, call your healthcare provider right away.

You’ll also want to call your healthcare provider if your ulcer, no matter how minor, isn’t showing signs healing after a week to 10 days.

In most cases, the ulcer will be dressed to protect the wound. However, if your ulcer is draining considerably, your healthcare provider may recommend leaving the wound uncovered. Dressing the ulcer if it’s draining considerably can impede healing.

If your ulcer is painful, pain medication can be prescribed. Antibiotics may also be prescribed either prophylactically to prevent infection or to treat an already infected wound.

Debridement is done to remove dead tissue from more serious ulcers. For deep ulcers or those that aren’t healing after a long period of time, skin grafts may be needed. In the most severe cases, part of the foot, leg, or other appendage may have to be amputated.

Restoring good circulation is key in treating and preventing ulcers. This includes elevating the legs, wearing compression stockings, reducing pressure on ulcer-prone areas, superficial vein surgery. Leg ulcers, in particular, are incredibly likely to reoccur, so compression stockings are often needed to be worn for life.

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Can Peptic Ulcers Be Prevented

Doctors arent sure how H. pylori bacteria spread from person to person. The bacteria have been found in saliva , so kissing may be one way. They also may spread through food, water, or contact with vomit thats infected with the bacteria.

Regular use of NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal problems and bleeding in some people. Acetaminophen does not cause stomach ulcers and is a good alternative to NSAIDs.

As with many infections, washing your hands well and often is an important part of ulcer prevention. This is extra important after you use the bathroom and before you eat. And take good care of your body by exercising regularly and not smoking or drinking.

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.

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