Treatment FAQ

what to do with an ulcer treatment

by Kenton Pagac Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Treatment
  1. Antibiotic medications to kill H. pylori. ...
  2. Medications that block acid production and promote healing. ...
  3. Medications to reduce acid production. ...
  4. Antacids that neutralize stomach acid. ...
  5. Medications that protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine.

Medication

What to Eat & Not to Eat When You Have an Ulcer

  • The Ulcer Diet Myth. Historically, ulcers were thought to be caused by stress or spicy foods, and a bland diet was a common treatment.
  • Irritating Foods. Alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated beverages may be irritating to the stomach, although these beverages may not cause problems if consumed moderately or along with food.
  • Beneficial Foods. ...
  • Warnings. ...

Procedures

What foods should be avoided with ulcers?

  • Meats with a high fat content.
  • High-fat condiments.
  • Citrus fruits and juices.
  • Tomato products.
  • Coffee and tea — either caffeinated or decaffeinated.
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Spicy foods.
  • Chocolate.

Nutrition

In this section:

  • How do doctors treat peptic ulcer disease?
  • How do doctors treat an NSAID-induced peptic ulcer?
  • What if I still need to take NSAIDs?
  • How do doctors treat an NSAID-induced peptic ulcer when you have an H. ...
  • How do doctors treat an H.pylori-induced peptic ulcer?
  • How do doctors treat peptic ulcers caused by ZES?
  • What if a peptic ulcer doesn't heal?

More items...

What should you not eat with an ulcer?

  • cauliflower
  • cabbage
  • radishes
  • apples
  • blueberries
  • raspberries
  • blackberries
  • strawberries
  • cherries
  • bell peppers

More items...

What foods to avoid if you have an ulcer?

What is the best treatment for an ulcer?

What are the best foods to eat with ulcers?

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How can I prevent a peptic ulcer?

To help prevent a peptic ulcer caused by NSAIDs, ask your doctor if you should

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.

How do doctors treat peptic ulcer disease?

There are several types of medicines used to treat a peptic ulcer. Your doctor will decide the best treatment based on the cause of your peptic ulcer.

How do doctors treat an H.pylori -induced peptic ulcer?

Doctors may prescribe triple therapy, quadruple therapy, or sequential therapy to treat an H. pylori -induced peptic ulcer.

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.

Can H. pylori cause stomach cancer?

pylori bacteria are still present, even after you have taken all the medicines correctly. If the infection is still present, your peptic ulcer could return or, rarely, stomach cancer. could develop. Your doctor will prescribe different antibiotics to get rid of the infection and cure your peptic ulcer.

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.

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.

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 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).

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 detect ulcers?

To detect an ulcer, your doctor may first take a medical history and perform a physical exam. You then may need to undergo diagnostic tests, such as: Laboratory tests for H. pylori. Your doctor may recommend tests to determine whether the bacterium H. pylori is present in your body.

What to do if you have an ulcer and you have a headache?

If you have an ulcer, what should you do the next time you have a headache? In general, people with ulcers should use acetaminophen for over-the-counter pain relief. Unless your doctor has said it's OK, you should not use aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen sodium.

What are the best pain relievers for ulcers?

For people with ulcers, the risky pain relievers are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. They include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and ketoprofen, the active ingredients in medicines such as Bufferin, Advil, and Aleve. Other pain relievers may be less dangerous.

What are some examples of ulcers?

Examples include OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin. These drugs are reserved for people with severe pain. They generally pose less of a risk for people with ulcers. They do have other side effects, including constipation, fatigue, and a risk of addiction.

Can Advil make ulcers worse?

If you have an ulcer, many over-the-counter drugs like aspirin and Advil can cause unwanted side effects that may make your ulcer worse. Here's what you need to know about each drug type.

Can you take Aleve with an ulcer?

And if you have an ulcer, you need to be very careful before popping over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers. Many commonplace drugs - such as aspirin, Advil, and Aleve-- can irritate the stomachlining, aggravating ulcers and potentially causing serious problems.

Can over the counter painkillers cause ulcers?

Everyday Pain Relief: Ulcers. Many familiar over-the-counter pain relief drugs can cause harmful side effects for those with ulcers. Here's what you need to know. We tend to think of over-the-counter painkillers as perfectly safe.

Can NSAIDs cause ulcers?

Even at low doses, NSAIDs can make mild ulcers much worse. Aspirin has additional risks. "Aspirin can help prevent blood clotting, which is why it helps people at risk of heart attacks and strokes," says Cryer. "But in people with ulcers, it can lead to more serious gastrointestinal bleeding.".

Why do I have ulcers on my stomach?

Stomach ulcers develop when stomach acid irritates the lining of the stomach. Causes of ulcers include: an infection with Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) bacteria. long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines ( NSAIDs ), such as ibuprofen or aspirin.

How long does it take for a stomach ulcer to burn?

If a person has an ulcer, they may feel a burning sensation in their stomach. This burning sensation often: lasts a few minutes or several hours. eases after taking antacids or stopping food intake. starts in the middle of the night or during meals.

What is the name of the sores in the stomach?

Stomach ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Stomach ulcers are also known as peptic ulcers, gastric ulcers, or duodenal ulcers. Stomach ulcers develop when stomach acid irritates the lining of the stomach. Causes of ulcers include:

Do yogurts help with ulcers?

Yogurts contain probiotics that help restore balance to the bacteria in the digestive tract. Probiotics are living organisms that help restore balance to the bacteria in the digestive tract. As well as helping achieve optimal gut health, they can help with treating ulcers. According to a review from 2014.

Can probiotics help with bacterial infections?

However, they may reduce the amount of bacteria present, speed up the healing process, and improve some symptoms. When taken alongside other treatments, probiotics may help eradicate harmful bacteria. People can find probiotics in the following sources: yogurts.

How long does aloe vera help with ulcers?

). In another study, taking antibiotics with 1.4 mg/pound (3 mg/kg) of aloe vera daily for six weeks was as effective as the conventional treatment at healing ulcers and reducing H. pylori levels ( 52 ).

What causes ulcers in the stomach?

Trusted Source. ). Various factors that disrupt the balance your stomach’s environment can cause them. The most common is an infection caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria ( 2.

What foods should I avoid with ulcers?

Those trying to heal their stomach ulcers or avoid developing them should consider minimizing their intake of the following foods ( 56 ): 1 Milk: Although once recommended to help reduce stomach acidity and relieve pain, new research shows milk increases the secretion of stomach acid and should be avoided by those with ulcers ( 56 ). 2 Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can cause damage to the stomach and digestive tract, increasing the likelihood of ulcers ( 57, 58 ). 3 Coffee and soft drinks: Coffee and soft drinks, even if they’re decaf, can increase production of stomach acid, which can irritate the stomach lining ( 59 ). 4 Spicy and fatty foods: Extremely spicy or fatty foods can create feelings of irritation in some people. Chili peppers are an exception, based on personal tolerance ( 60 ).

Why do I get headaches after taking anti-ulcer medication?

Other common causes include stress, smoking, excess alcohol consumption and the overuse of anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Conventional anti-ulcer treatment typically relies on medications that can cause negative side effects like headaches and diarrhea.

Does licorice prevent H pylori?

Researchers further report that certain compounds found in licorice may prevent the growth of H. pylori. However, studies are generally based on the use of these compounds in supplement form ( 12, 13 ).

Does licorice root cause ulcers?

Some studies report that licorice root may have ulcer-preventing and ulcer-fighting properties.

Does cabbage help with ulcers?

Cabbage is a popular natural ulcer remedy. Doctors reportedly used it decades before antibiotics were available to help heal stomach ulcers. It’s rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant shown to help prevent and treat H. pylori infections. These infections are the most common cause of stomach ulcers ( 3.

How to treat ulcers in the gut?

Probiotics: Probiotics don’t kill the bacteria causing ulcers, but they help treat ulcers by restoring the balance of good gut bacteria in the digestive tract. They can be found in yogurt and fermented foods as well as supplements. Probiotic supplements may be especially effective in relieving ulcer pain because they have a higher concentration of probiotic microorganisms.

What is the best medicine for ulcers?

Medications to protect the lining of the stomach and small intestine: Prescription medications, such as sucralfate , coat the lining of the stomach and small intestine, protecting the lining, relieving pain, and allowing the ulcers to heal.

What is a peptic ulcer?

Peptic or stomach ulcers are ulcers are an ulcer in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Ulcer formation is related to H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, use of anti-inflammatory medications, and cigarette smoking. Symptoms of peptic or stomach ulcers include abdominal burning or hunger pain, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort after meals. Treatment for stomach ulcers depends upon the cause.

What are the symptoms of a peptic ulcer?

Peptic ulcers cause symptoms like heartburn, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and other symptoms. Ulcers are treated with lifestyle modification and medications.

What is the best medicine to block stomach acid?

Medications to block acid production and promote healing: Proton pump inhibitors ( PPIs) block the production of stomach acid. PPIs are available by prescription and over the counter (lower dose). Common PPIs include omeprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, and pantoprazole. Long-term use of PPIs, especially at high doses, can have risks, such as the increased risk of hip, wrist, and spine fracture.

What is the best way to treat H pylori?

Garlic : Garlic helps fight infections and prevent the growth of H pylori. Garlic has been found to be helping in both the treatment and prevention of ulcers.

What fruits are good for ulcers?

Colorful fruits are rich in flavonoids and include cherries, apples, blueberries, plantains, etc.

What to do if you have a skin ulcer?

If you suspect you have a skin ulcer or any wound that isn't healing well, you should see your physician. Even minor skin ulcers can progress to something quite serious in a short span of time. Because skin ulcers are notoriously slow to heal, you'll likely need medical advice and intervention to help treat them. 1 

Why do ulcers reoccur?

Obesity, smoking, and pregnancy also put you at a higher risk. Because skin ulcers are caused by internal factors, they are very likely to reoccur.

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

Skin ulcers are classified as either acute or chronic. Acute ulcers are those that heal within about 12 weeks' time. Ulcers that are not healing or not healing well after 12 weeks are considered chronic. It's almost as if the skin gets tired of trying to repair the ulcer and decides having a wound is its new normal.

What causes a skin ulcer to break down?

Venous skin ulcers are the most common types of skin ulcers. They are caused by poor blood circulation in the legs when blood pools in the veins rather than being sent back to the heart . This leaks into surrounding tissue, causing the tissue to break down. Venous skin ulcers usually form on the lower leg.

Why do diabetics have ulcers on their feet?

They happen when damage to the nerves causes a loss of sensation in parts of the feet. You won't feel when your feet are tired and need a rest, or if there are small injuries that need to be addressed.

Why do ulcers form on skin?

Skin ulcers develop when there is a disintegration of tissue, and are caused by a multitude of different factors, from trauma, lack of circulation, or long-term pressure. Luckily, several treatment options can help to heal and prevent further complications. 1 . Verywell / Emily Roberts.

What causes skin ulcers?

These causes are less common: 1 Basal cell carcinoma and melanoma skin cancer 2 Certain conditions, like pyoderma gangrenosum and some autoimmune disorders 3 Fungal, bacterial, or viral infections 4 Certain medications ( warfarin for example) 5 Radiation burns 6 Long-term exposure to moisture ( skin maceration) 7 In rarer instances, people cause their own skin ulcers by constantly picking or digging at a wound, or using ill-advised home remedies that further breakdown of the skin.

What to do if you have a stomach ulcer?

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.

How to make sure ulcers are healing?

Strict adherence to your treatment plan and close follow-up with your doctor are the best ways to make sure your treatments are effective and your ulcers are healing. You will also be prescribed a medication that temporarily keeps your stomach from making or secreting as much acid as it normally would.

Why do I need antioxidants for stomach ulcers?

Why they help. If your stomach ulcer is caused by an H. pylori infection, foods that are rich in antioxidants may be beneficial. They could help protect and activate your immune system and help fight the infection. They may also help protect against stomach cancer.

What causes ulcers in the body?

In the majority of all ulcer cases, the cause of ulcers can be linked to a bacterial infection known as a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as well as the chronic use of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

Why is H. pylori important?

Since H. pylori bacteria is now known to be an important cause of ulcer formation , scientists are exploring what foods may have a role in fighting against an infection.

What is an ulcer in the stomach?

Overview. Stomach ulcers are open sores that develop within the lining of your stomach. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, an organization of doctors who specialize in the digestive tract, there is no specific diet a person with ulcers needs to follow.

What foods are good for stomach cancer?

They may also help protect against stomach cancer. Foods like blueberries, cherries, and bell peppers are packed with antioxidant power. Leafy greens such as kale and spinach contain calcium and B vitamins. Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a compound that exhibits anti- H. pylori activity. Some research.

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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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