Treatment FAQ

stomach ulcer treatment how long

by Eda Purdy Jr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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You'll likely need to take antibiotics for two weeks, as well as additional medications to reduce stomach acid, including a proton pump inhibitor and possibly bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

Medication

  • Fenugreek – Just like Aloe Vera, fenugreek is great for excess acid. ...
  • Slippery Elm – Also known as the red elm, it’s a member of the elm family. ...
  • Ginger – Ginger can help to keep the entire digestive system healthy but can also help to reduce the levels of the H. ...

More items...

Procedures

Treatment - Stomach ulcer

  • Antibiotics. If you have an H. ...
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces, preventing further damage to the ulcer as it heals naturally.
  • H2-receptor antagonists. Like PPIs, H2-receptor antagonists work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. ...
  • Antacids and alginates. ...

Nutrition

Uncomplicated gastric ulcers usually take two or three months to heal. Duodenal ulcers tend to heal quicker than gastric ulcers. While most ulcers are capable of healing, an ulcer can come back if precautions aren’t taken.

How to naturally cure ulcers?

  • A prescription proton pump inhibitor (like Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, and Nexium)
  • High doses of prescription H2 receptor antagonists (like Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac, and Axid)
  • Cytotec, a drug to protect your stomach lining

Is there a treatment to cure a stomach ulcer?

Do gastric ulcers ever heal?

What can I take to relieve ulcer pain?

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How long does it take for a peptic ulcer to heal?

When you have finished your medicines, your doctor may do another breath or stool test in 4 weeks or more to be sure the H. pylori infection is gone.

What is the best treatment for peptic ulcers?

Protectants. Protectants coat ulcers and protect them against acid and enzymes so that healing can occur. Doctors only prescribe one protectant— sucralfate (Carafate) —for peptic ulcer disease. Tell your doctor if the medicines make you feel sick or dizzy or cause diarrhea or headaches.

What to do if you have a peptic ulcer and you don't have an H. p

If NSAIDs are causing your peptic ulcer and you don’t 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 won’t cause a peptic ulcer.

What is the best treatment for H. pylori?

pylori infection, a doctor will treat your NSAID-induced peptic ulcer with PPIs or histamine receptor blockers and other medicines, such as antibiotics, bismuth subsalicylates, or antacids. PPIs reduce stomach acid and protect the lining of your stomach and duodenum.

How to prevent peptic ulcers?

To help prevent a peptic ulcer caused by NSAIDs, ask your doctor if you should. stop using NSAIDs. take NSAIDs with a meal if you still need NSAIDs. take a lower dose of NSAIDs. take medicines to protect your stomach and duodenum while taking NSAIDs. switch to a medicine that won’t cause ulcers.

Does antacid help with peptic ulcers?

Antacids. An antacid may make the pain from a peptic ulcer go away temporarily, yet it will not kill H. pylori. If you receive treatment for an H. pylori-induced peptic ulcer, check with your doctor before taking antacids. Some of the antibiotics may not work as well if you take them with an antacid.

Can antibiotics help with peptic ulcers?

Antibiotics can cure most peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori or H. pylori -induced peptic ulcers. However, getting rid of the bacteria can be difficult. Take all doses of your antibiotics exactly as your doctor prescribes, even if the pain from a peptic ulcer is gone.

How to get rid of stomach ulcers?

Lifestyle and home remedies. You may find relief from the pain of a stomach ulcer if you: Consider switching pain relievers. If you use pain relievers regularly, ask your doctor whether acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may be an option for you. Control stress.

What is the best medicine for stomach ulcers?

Available by prescription or over the counter, acid blockers include the medications famotidine (Pep cid AC), cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and nizatidine (Axid AR).

How to treat peptic ulcers?

Treatment for peptic ulcers depends on the cause. Usually treatment will involve killing the H. pylori bacterium if present, eliminating or reducing use of NSAIDs if possible, and helping your ulcer to heal with medication. Medications can include: Antibiotic medications to kill H. pylori.

Why does my peptic ulcer not heal?

There are many reasons why an ulcer may fail to heal, including: Not taking medications according to directions. The fact that some types of H. pylori are resistant to antibiotics.

What is the procedure to check for ulcers?

Endoscopy. Endoscopy. An endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus. A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your doctor examine your esophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine (duodenum). To detect an ulcer, your doctor may first take ...

What antibiotics kill H pylori?

If H. pylori is found in your digestive tract, your doctor may recommend a combination of antibiotics to kill the bacterium. These may include amoxicillin (Amoxil), clarithromycin (Biaxin), metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax), tetracycline and levofloxacin.

What is the best way to find out if you have H pylori?

Using the endoscope, your doctor looks for ulcers. If your doctor detects an ulcer, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be removed for examination in a lab. A biopsy can also identify whether H. pylori is in your stomach lining.

How to treat a stomach ulcer?

Once the cause has been removed, the symptoms of stomach ulcers can be treated by protecting the ulcer from acid while it heals. Drugs a doctor could prescribe include: proton pump inhibitors (PPI) that block acid-producing cells. H2-receptor antagonists, which prevent the stomach from producing excess acid.

What is the best way to treat a stomach ulcer?

Fiber: Diets high in soluble dietary fiber reduce the risk of developing stomach ulcers. Probiotics: Food that contains active bacterial content, such as probiotic yogurt, can help to reduce a Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection.

What does it mean when your stomach hurts?

An ulcer tends to produce a burning or dull pain in the stomach area. This pain is sometimes described as a “biting” or “gnawing” pain. Some people may describe a hungry sensation. Some stomach ulcers go unnoticed and show no typical indigestion-type pains.

What are the symptoms of a stomach ulcer?

Symptoms. Pain is the main symptom of a stomach ulcer, either around the stomach or slightly higher up. The classic symptom of a stomach ulcer is indigestion, also called dyspepsia. Indigestion causes pain or discomfort in the stomach area. This symptom can be mistaken for heartburn, which can occur at the same time.

Where do stomach ulcers form?

Stomach ulcers are one type of peptic ulcers. There are two other types: Esophageal and duodenal ulcers. Esophageal ulcers form inside the esophagus, and duodenal ulcers occur in the uppermost part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum.

Why does my stomach acid rise?

Excess stomach acidity, or hyperacidity: This can occur for a range of reasons, including genetics, smoking, stress, and some foods. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: This is a rare disease that causes an excess of stomach acid to be produced.

Why does the stomach produce acid?

The stomach produces a strong acid to help digest food and protect against microbes. To protect the tissues of the body from this acid, it also secretes a thick layer of mucus. If the mucus layer is worn away and stops functioning effectively, the acid can damage the stomach tissue, causing an ulcer. An estimated one in every ten people.

How long does it take for a stomach ulcer to go away?

Typically, the pain will be more intense when your stomach is empty, and it can last for a few minutes to several hours. Other common signs and symptoms of ulcers include: dull pain in the stomach. weight loss. not wanting to eat because of pain.

How to prevent stomach ulcers?

Prevention of stomach ulcers. To prevent the spread of bacteria that might cause a stomach ulcer, wash your hands with soap and water on a regular basis. Also, be sure to properly clean all of your food and to cook it thoroughly as needed.

What is the treatment for a stomach ulcer caused by H. pylori?

Nonsurgical treatment. If your stomach ulcer is the result of H. pylori, you’ll need antibiotics and drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs block the stomach cells that produce acid. In addition to these treatments, your doctor may also recommend: H2 receptor blockers (drugs that also block acid production) stopping use of all NSAIDs.

What is a stomach ulcer?

Stomach ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer disease. Peptic ulcers are any ulcers that affect both the stomach and small intestines. Stomach ulcers occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices is reduced. This allows the digestive acids to eat away at the tissues that line the stomach, causing an ulcer.

Why is it important to take care of a stomach ulcer?

It’s important to get a stomach ulcer taken care of because without treatment, ulcers and H. pylori can cause: bleeding from the ulcer site that can become life-threatening. penetration, which occurs when the ulcer goes through the wall of the digestive tract and into another organ, such as the pancreas.

How to diagnose a stomach ulcer?

To diagnose a stomach ulcer, your doctor will review your medical history along with your symptoms and any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. To rule out H. pylori infection, a blood, stool, or breath test may be ordered.

What is the term for a hole in the wall of the digestive tract?

perforation, which occurs when the ulcer creates a hole in the wall of the digestive tract. obstruction (blockage) in the digestive tract, which is due to swelling of inflamed tissues. stomach cancer, specifically non-cardia gastric cancer. Symptoms of these complications can include those listed below.

What is the best medicine for stomach ulcers?

They block a natural chemical called histamine, which tells your stomach to make acid. H2 blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), and ranitidine (Zantac). Bismuth. This medication covers the ulcer and protects it from stomach acid. It can also help kill H. pylori infections.

What to do if you have an ulcer?

If you have an ulcer, be careful when choosing over-the-counter pain relievers. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can irritate an ulcer and prevent a bleeding ulcer from healing. Avoid powdered headache medication, too.

What is the best treatment for a pylori ulcer?

Antibiotics. If your ulcer is caused by H. pylori bacteria, antibiotics can cure the ulcer. Usually, the doctor will prescribe triple or quadruple therapy, which combines several antibiotics with heartburn drugs. Triple therapy combines two antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin, with a proton pump inhibitor.

What is the goal of ulcer treatment?

The chief goals of ulcer treatment are reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and strengthening the protective lining that comes in direct contact with stomach acids. If your ulcer is caused by bacterial infection, your doctor will also treat that.

What is the most accurate test for peptic ulcers?

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 (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach), stomach, and duodenum. This allows the doctor to see the cause of bleeding and test for any bacterial infection.

How to heal a bleeding ulcer?

Ask the doctor how much iron you need. Learn how to manage stress. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, guided imagery, and moderate exercise can help ease stress and promote healing.

Can an ulcer come back?

Before you do that, have an in-depth discussion with your doctor about the possible complications. Your ulcer could come back, it could cause problems with your liver, or you could get ''dumping syndrome,'' which causes chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating after eating . Alternative treatments.

What causes ulcers in the stomach?

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 (Advil® and Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®).

Does stress cause ulcers?

Contrary to popular belief, the normal stress of day-to-day life does not cause or contribute to ulcers. Also, there’s no genetic link involved with the risk for developing ulcers, and diet has no effect on the healing of an ulcer either. Advertising Policy. — Gastroenterologist Michael Kirsch, MD.

Can peptic ulcers heal?

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. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

What is stomach ulcer surgery?

Stomach ulcer surgery (a.k.a. ulcer surgery, gastric ulcer surgery, or peptic ulcer surgery) is a procedure for treating a stomach ulcer. The surgery is used when peptic ulcer disease causes pain or bleeding ...

How big is the incision for peptic ulcer surgery?

For an open peptic ulcer surgery, your surgeon will make an incision that measures three to six inches. They will also cut through your peritoneum and into your stomach, near your peptic ulcer.

What is a partial gastrectomy?

With a partial gastrectomy, a small region of the stomach is cut away as the gastric ulcer is removed. This procedure is used when the ulcer is large and deep.

What is the endoscope used for?

Surgical tools that are inserted through the endoscopic device will be used to treat and control ulcer bleeding. Various tools, including clips, electric cautery, and injectable agents, are used to stop bleeding and prevent recurrent bleeding. When the treatment is complete, the endoscope is removed.

What happens if you have a perforated ulcer?

1  A perforated ulcer causes sudden, severe stomach pain, and it can result in a fever, profuse bleeding, dangerous blood chemistry abnormalities, and loss of consciousness.

Can a bleeding ulcer be treated?

Typically, a bleeding ulcer is treated with endoscopic repair, and if the bleeding is profuse and sudden, emergency surgery may be needed. 2 . Gastric outlet obstruction: Gastric outlet obstruction is a rare complication of stomach ulcers that cause swelling or scarring.

Is peptic ulcer surgery a therapeutic treatment?

Surgical management of peptic ulcer disease is not the most common therapeutic approach for treating the condition. It's used for treating a perforated ulcer or complicated peptic ulcer disease. You may need to make some dietary and lifestyle adjustments in advance of and after surgery to maximize the benefits.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Alternative Medicine

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Karthikeya T M
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The treatment aims at reducing acid content in the stomach and involves use of antibiotics in case of bacterial infection.
Medication

Antibiotics: Given in case of infection by bacteria such as H. pylori.

Amoxicillin . Clarithromycin . Metronidazole . Tinidazole . Tetracycline . Levofloxacin


Proton pump inhibitors: With antibiotics additional medications should be used to reduce acid production.

Omeprazole . Lansoprazole . Rabeprazole . Esomeprazole . Pantoprazole

Procedures

Peptic ulcer surgery: Surgery is necessary in severe cases with bleeding, perforation or to remove obstructions.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Eat foods containing vitamin C
  • Vegetables rich in vitamins
  • Milk products should be consumed with caution as this can produce excess acid in the stomach

Foods to avoid:

  • Spicy foods may irritate the stomach
  • Alcohol

Specialist to consult

Gastroenterologist
Specializes in the digestive system and its disorders.

Preparing For Your Appointment

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