Thursday, March 28, 2024

What Do You Do For A Stomach Ulcer

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What Causes Stomach Ulcers

How to Heal a Stomach Ulcer Fast (How to Fix a Stomach Ulcer)

The two most common causes are:

  • H. pylori infection. This common bacterial infection affects up to half of people worldwide. It primarily lives in the stomach. In many people, it doesnt seem to cause problems. Their gut immune systems keep it in check. But a portion of those infected have H. pylori overgrowth. The bacteria continue to multiply, eating into the stomach lining and causing chronic inflammation and peptic ulcer disease. H. pylori infection is associated with about 60% of duodenal ulcers and 40% of gastric ulcers.
  • Overuse of NSAIDs. NSAID stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.” These include common over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. NSAIDs contribute to ulcers in several ways. They irritate the stomach lining on contact and repress some of the chemicals that defend and repair the mucous lining. Up to 30% of people who take NSAIDs regularly develop peptic ulcers. Up to 50% of all peptic ulcers are caused by the overuse of NSAIDs.

Less common causes of stomach ulcers include:

  • Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. This is a rare condition that causes your stomach to produce too much gastric acid.
  • Severe physiological stress. Severe illness, burns or injuries can produce stress ulcers in the stomach. Physiological stress changes your bodys PH balance, increasing stomach acid. Stress ulcers develop very quickly in response to stress, unlike normal stomach ulcers that develop gradually.

Cautions With Other Medicines

Some medicines and pantoprazole can affect each other and make you more likely to have side effects or stop one of the medicines working as well.

Tell your doctor if youre taking any of these medicines before you start pantoprazole treatment:

  • medicines that hep to prevent blood clots, such as warfarin

If Your Ulcer Was Caused By An Anti

If possible, you should stop taking the anti-inflammatory medicine. This allows the ulcer to heal. You will also normally be prescribed an acid-suppressing medicine for several weeks. This stops the stomach from making acid and allows the ulcer to heal. However, in many cases, the anti-inflammatory medicine is needed to ease symptoms of arthritis or other painful conditions, or aspirin is needed to protect against blood clots. In these situations, one option is to take an acid-suppressing medicine each day indefinitely. This reduces the amount of acid made by the stomach and greatly reduces the chance of an ulcer forming again.

Read Also: What Can You Take For Stomach Ulcers

How Should I Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medication works best if you take it on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team’s advice.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What Tests Are There For A Stomach Ulcer

Foods That Heal Ulcers

If your doctor thinks you may have a stomach ulcer, the initial tests will include some blood tests. These tests will help to check whether you have become anaemic because of any bleeding from the ulcer. The blood test will also check to see that your liver and pancreas are working properly.

The main tests that are then used to diagnose a stomach ulcer are as follows:

  • A test to detect the H. pylori germ is usually done if you have a stomach ulcer. The H. pylori bacterium can be detected in a sample of stool , or in a ‘breath test’, or from a blood test, or from a biopsy sample taken during a gastroscopy. See the separate leaflet called Helicobacter Pylori for more details.
  • Gastroscopy is the test that can confirm a stomach ulcer. Gastroscopy is usually done as an outpatient ‘day case’. You may be given a sedative to help you to relax. In this test, a doctor looks inside your stomach by passing a thin, flexible telescope down your gullet . The doctor will then be able to see any inflammation or ulcers in your stomach.
  • Small samples are usually taken of the tissue in and around the ulcer during gastroscopy. These are sent to the laboratory to be looked at under the microscope. This is important because some ulcers are caused by stomach cancer. However, most stomach ulcers are not caused by cancer.

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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.

Other Causes And Factors

Other causes are rare. For example, some viral infections can cause a stomach ulcer. Crohn’s disease may cause a stomach ulcer in addition to other problems of the gut.

Stomach cancer may at first look similar to an ulcer. Stomach cancer is uncommon but may need to be ‘ruled out’ if you are found to have a stomach ulcer.

Also Check: Crohn’s Disease And Ulcerative Colitis

How Should I Use This Medicine

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine works best if you take it on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctors advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Also Check: How To Treat Lip Ulcers

What Should I Watch For While Using This Medication

How a peptic ulcer develops

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from medication like ibuprofen and aspirin.

If you are female, do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Do not get pregnant while taking this medication and for at least one month after stopping this medication. If you can become pregnant, use a reliable form of birth control while taking this medication. Talk to your care team about birth control options. If you do become pregnant, think you are pregnant, or want to become pregnant, immediately call your care team for advice.

Recommended Reading: How To Know If You Have Ulcerative Colitis

Burning Pain In The Abdomen

Persistent burning pain in the abdomen is one of the first signs of a stomach ulcer. The sensation of pain occurs when juices in the stomach, which help in digestion, come into contact with an open sore in the stomach lining.

In most cases, the pain is felt from the breast bone to the navel, and it often worsens during the night. If you skip meals, particularly breakfast, you may also experience this burning sensation in the stomach during the daytime.

If the dull and burning ache of the ulcer often turns into a sharp, stabbing pain, it is a sign that your ulcer is acting up and you need medical help. It could mean that the ulcer has caused a more critical problem like a perforation in the wall of your stomach or intestine, or a blockage in your digestive tract, and it is triggering intense pain.

Green Tea And Flavonoid

Emerging research from China shows the potential protective effects of green tea and other foods that are rich in flavonoids against chronic gastritis, H. pylori infection, and stomach cancer. Specifically, these foods seem to inhibit the growth of H. pylori.

In addition, one recent laboratory study of green, white, oolong, and black teas indicated that these teas inhibit the growth of H. pylori but cause no harm to beneficial types of bacteria normally found in the stomach, including L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, and B. lungum. However, this was an in vitro study, which means testing occurred directly between teas and bacteria in the laboratory, and we cannot draw direct conclusions as to what would happen inside the human body between these two substances. Beneficial effects in the laboratory were best when tea steeped for a full five minutes.

Flavonoid-rich foods include garlic, onions, and colourful fruits and vegetables such as cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.4,5

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Recommended Reading: What Causes Ulcers In Your Stomach

Signs You May Have An Ulcer

Did you know that stomach ulcers also called peptic ulcers affect at least 1 in 10 Americans over the course of their lives? And while stomach ulcers can be treated easily when caught early, lack of medical care can lead to serious complications.

Understanding the signs of stomach ulcers is important in helping you get the treatment you need. At Prima Medicine in Fairfax and South Riding, Virginia, our care team has the experience and knowledge to diagnose and treat stomach ulcers. Weve curated this guide to help you recognize the warning signs of an ulcer and understand what you can do about it.

Living With Stomach Ulcers

7 Effective home remedies for stomach ulcer

Stomach ulcers are painful and can significantly affect your quality of life. Coping strategies to help you manage chronic ulcers include:

  • Avoid NSAIDs as they can increase your risk of ulcers. Talk with your healthcare provider about which pain medications are safe for you.
  • Manage stress, which has been linked with an increased risk of ulcers. Incorporate stress-relieving activities such as mindfulness or yoga into your routine.
  • Change your diet and try avoiding foods that can worsen them. A bland diet is safest when you have an ulcer.
  • Eat small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones to reduce the pain.

Read Also: How To Treat An Eye Ulcer

Having The Stomach For A Healthy And Happy Life

Being diagnosed with stomach ulcers is a kick in the guts. Literally. But this condition shouldnt stop you from living a full and healthy life. Here are some tips to help you keep your stomach happy while you are addressing your stomach ulcers.

  • Practise good eating habits. Be conscious of how much you eat, when you eat, what you do after you eat, and how you prepare your food.
  • Eat five to six small meals spread evenly throughout the day instead of three large ones. This way, your stomach will produce less acid each time you eat as there is less food to digest.
  • Schedule your last meal of the day two to three hours before you sleep. Avoid lying down or engaging in strenuous physical activities for a few hours after eating to prevent acid reflux and ensure better digestion.
  • Adopt healthier ways of preparing and cooking your meals. Try steaming, roasting, or grilling your food instead of frying them in oil or butter. These healthier cooking methods help reduce the fats in your food and make them easier for your stomach to digest.
  • Supplements May Be Beneficial

    If your stomach ulcer is being treated with an antibiotic, consider taking a probiotic supplement as part of your diet plan. This can help reduce antibiotic-associated symptoms. It may also improve the effectiveness of the antibiotic.

    Ask your doctor what probiotic would be best to take with your antibiotic medication. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces supplements have shown benefits in people with H. pylori ulcers.

    Deglycyrrhizinated licorice and curcumin extracts have shown promise in some ulcer research due to their action against H. pylori.

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    Youre More Bloated Than Usual

    If you notice your stomach feeling particularly bloated, it may be more serious than a little bit of gasit could be one of the signs of an ulcer. According to RM Healthy, bloating is often one of the earliest ulcer symptoms, with patients especially complaining of pain in their midsection. Of course, bloating can also be caused simply by eating something your body doesnt agree with or not drinking enough water, but when combined with these other symptoms, its worth checking out.

    What Is The Treatment For Peptic Ulcers

    How to Overcome Stomach Ulcers | Dr. Josh Axe

    The choice of treatment depends on whether or not the ulcer is caused by infection with H pylori. Correct diagnosis is key to whether a treatment works or not. If the bacteria are the cause, treatment focuses on killing the infection. Regardless of whether the bacteria are the cause, reducing acid in the stomach is another important focus of treatment.

    The following treatments are recommended for ulcers:

    • Lifestyle changes: Quit smoking, avoid alcohol, aspirin, and NSAIDs
    • Acid-blocking medications
    • Medications that protect the lining of the stomach and duodenum
    • Triple-therapy or dual-therapy regimens for ulcers caused by H pylori

    No single medication works to get rid of H pylori infection. Two combinations have been found that work well in most people.

    These treatments are generally given for two weeks.

    Once H pylori bacteria are eradicated from a persons digestive tract, usually it will not come back. The ulcers usually heal completely and do not return.

    Treatment for bleeding ulcers depends on the severity of blood loss and includes:

    It is important to remember that treatment may not work if the diagnosis is not correct. If the doctor diagnoses an ulcer, it is important to determine whether the ulcer is caused by infection with H pylori.

    Recommended Reading: How Do You Know If Your Horse Has Ulcers

    When Should I Go To Er

    Seek emergency care if you have:

    • Severe pain that doesnt go away.
    • Signs of blood in your poop or bloody vomit.
    • Signs of severe blood loss, such as paleness and faintness.

    A note from Cleveland Clinic

    Stomach ulcers are common and treatable, but they should be taken seriously. Even when they dont cause symptoms, they arent a good sign. A stomach ulcer means that your natural stomach acid is overwhelming your protective stomach lining. Thats a situation that can only get worse if it isnt managed. Lifestyle changes may help, but youll still need to treat the underlying cause. Its probably either NSAID use or a common bacterial infection. Your healthcare provider can help prescribe the right medicines for your condition.

    Relieve Pain With An Antacid

    To stop the pain of ulcers, doctors recommend taking an antacid. During ulcer flare-ups, taking an antacid is the quickest way to relieve the pain, says Meyers. Antacids contain calcium, aluminum, magnesium, or a combination. Aluminum causes constipation in some people, while magnesium can lead to diarrhea. I advise people to evaluate their overall bowel habits, and choose an antacid based on that, as well as their overall calcium requirement, says Meyers.

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    How To Treat Gastric Ulcer

    This article was co-authored by Roy Nattiv, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Dr. Roy Nattiv is a board-certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles, California. who specializes in a broad range of pediatric gastrointestinal and nutritional illnesses such as constipation, diarrhea, reflux, food allergies, poor weight gain, SIBO, IBD, and IBS. Dr. Nattiv received his undergrad degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his medical degree from the Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel. He completed his pediatric residency at the Childrens Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, and his fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco . While at UCSF, he was a California Institute of Regenerative Medicine fellowship trainee and was awarded the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Fellow to Faculty Award in Pediatric IBD Research. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Nattiv is active in the research community and has been published in several high-impact medical journals.There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 25,618 times.

    Are Bananas Good For Ulcers

    Stomach peptic ulcer charts Royalty Free Vector Image

    Both raw and ripe bananas are found to be very beneficial in curing stomach ulcer. There are certain antibacterial compounds in bananas that inhibit the growth of ulcer-causing H. pylori. Bananas are best to clear out the acidity of gastric juices that lowers the inflammation and strengthens the stomach lining.

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