How Do You Treat An Ulcer In Your Stomach

How Do Nsaids Cause A Peptic Ulcer

To understand how NSAIDs cause peptic ulcer disease, it is important to understand how NSAIDs work. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce pain, fever, and inflammation, or swelling.

Everyone has two enzymes that produce chemicals in your bodys cells that promote pain, inflammation, and fever. NSAIDs work by blocking or reducing the amount of these enzymes that your body makes. However, one of the enzymes also produces another type of chemical that protects the stomach lining from stomach acid and helps control bleeding. When NSAIDs block or reduce the amount of this enzyme in your body, they also increase your chance of developing a peptic ulcer.

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When Should I Go To The Doctor For An Ulcer

Ulcers are the open sores that develop in the stomach lining. It starts with symptoms that are mild initially but may get serious or fatal if left untreated.

The most common symptoms are dull and burning pain in the stomach followed by bloating and burping, nausea and vomiting, weight loss with or without loss of appetite, feeling of weakness or anemia and sudden acute pain that persists for a longer duration.

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What Are Possible Complications Of Stomach And Duodenal Ulcers In A Child

Your child could have severe complications if his or her ulcer isnt treated well. The most common problems include:

• Bleeding. An ulcer can harm blood vessels. This can cause bleeding.

• Hole . An ulcer can wear a hole through the wall of the stomach or duodenum. Bacteria and partially digested food can spill through the opening into the abdominal cavity . This can cause peritonitis. This is inflammation of the abdominal cavity and wall.

• Narrowing and blockage . Ulcers at the end of the stomach where the duodenum is attached can cause swelling and scarring. This can narrow or close the intestinal opening. This blockage can stop food from leaving the stomach and going into the small intestine. This can cause vomiting.

• Stomach cancer. H. pylori infection increases the risk for stomach cancer later in life.

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What Is The Treatment For Peptic Ulcers

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.

What Can I Do To Prevent Stomach And Duodenal Ulcers In My Child

Preventing H. pylori can reduce your childs risk of ulcers. It isnt fully understood how this infection is spread. But the following may lower your childs risk of H. pylori:

• Washing hands often

• Not having close contact with someone who has H. pylori

• Not eating or drinking contaminated food or water

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Key Points About Stomach And Duodenal Ulcers In Children

• Stomach and duodenal ulcers are open sores. They happen in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum.

• Most ulcers are caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori.

• Treatment often includes antibiotics and medicines to block stomach acid production.

• Without proper treatment, people with ulcers may have serious complications. But most people are cured with treatment.

What Is The Treatment For Stomach Ulcers

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 person’s 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.

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Can Peptic Ulcer Disease Be Prevented Or Avoided

Stress and spicy foods dont cause ulcers. However, they can make them worse. Smoking and alcohol can cause a peptic ulcer. Men should limit alcohol to no more than 2 drinks per day. Women should have no more than 1 drink per day. Talk to your doctor if you take aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen regularly.

What Tests Are There For A Stomach Ulcer

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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How Are Ulcers Diagnosed

To diagnose a peptic ulcer, doctors do an exam, ask about symptoms, and take a medical history. If you have stomach pain or other symptoms of an ulcer, the doctor will do some tests.

One test is called an upper gastrointestinal series. These are X-rays of the stomach, duodenum, and esophagus, the muscular tube that links the mouth to the stomach. A person drinks a liquid called barium while getting an X-ray. If theres an ulcer, it should show up on the X-ray.

Another common test to look for an ulcer is an endoscopy . A person is sedated for this procedure. Then, the doctor puts an endoscope a small, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end down the throat and into the stomach and duodenum. The doctors can see the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to check for possible ulcers.

A doctor also can do a blood test that looks for H. pylori bacteria. This may be important if the upper GI series showed an ulcer. The blood test can be done right in the doctor’s office. Sometimes doctors test a poop sample or a person’s breath to check for the H. pylori bacteria.

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Peptic Ulcer Disease And H Pylori Infection

Am Fam Physician. 2015 Feb 15 91:236-242.

Patient information: See related handout on H. pylori and stomach ulcers, written by the authors of this article.

Dyspepsia is characterized by epigastric pain, discomfort, or a burning sensation.1 An important cause of dyspepsia is peptic ulcer disease , which includes gastric and duodenal ulcers. Although PUD is most commonly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , other diagnoses should be considered .

SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Use the test-and-treat strategy for patients with dyspepsia who are younger than 55 years and have no alarm symptoms for gastric cancer. Use endoscopy for all other patients.

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Foods That Help Prevent Stomach Ulcers

Date: 2019-02-04

While fairly common, ulcers can be painful and cause lasting damage if not treated. Most ulcers are caused by an infection from Helicobacter pylori bacteria which damages the protective lining of your stomach allowing acid to essentially burn your stomach. Common symptoms include indigestion, abdominal pain, and heartburn. The health experts at Envolve, an integrated healthcare solutions company, are pleased to share five foods that may help fight against the ulcer-causing bacteria.

1. Binge Blueberries. Small, but powerful, blueberries contain flavonoids, which are polyphenols that help protect the stomach lining by increasing stomach mucus that halts the growth of H. pylori. Besides warding off ulcers, this berry also may help strengthen heart health, lower blood pressure, and increase bone strength.

2. Have Honey. You might not think of this natural sweetener providing health benefits but it does! Honey may prevent acid reflux, improve cholesterol and suppress coughs and aids in the prevention and healing of wounds including ulcers. If youre unsure of what kind to buy, try raw or Manuka honey as they have the most antibacterial effects.

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About Envolve, Inc.®

Reduce The Stress In Your Life

For a long time, emotional stress was thought to be a leading cause of ulcers. Doctors now know that stress doesnt cause ulcersbut anxiety, tension, and a high-strung approach to life can increase the brains perception of pain, says Meyers.

If you already have an ulceror have had one in the pastit makes sense to include stress reduction in your overall treatment plan. Everyone controls stress in different ways. Vigorous exercisewalking, running, or cycling, for exampleis a great way to dispel tension at the end of hectic days. Others turn to more formal stress-reduction strategies, such as meditation, prayer, or deep breathing.

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How Are Stomach Ulcers Diagnosed

Diagnosis and treatment will depend on your symptoms and the severity of your 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 youre taking.

To rule out H. pylori infection, a blood, stool, or breath test may be ordered. With a breath test, youll be instructed to drink a clear liquid and breathe into a bag, which is then sealed. If H. pylori is present, the breath sample will contain higher-than-normal levels of carbon dioxide.

Other tests and procedures used to diagnose stomach ulcers include:

• Barium swallow: You drink a thick white liquid that coats your upper gastrointestinal tract and helps your doctor see your stomach and small intestine on X-rays.
• Endoscopy : A thin, lighted tube is inserted through your mouth and into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This test is used to look for ulcers, bleeding, and any tissue that looks abnormal.
• Endoscopic biopsy: A piece of stomach tissue is removed so it can be analyzed in a lab.

Living With Peptic Ulcer Disease

Most ulcers heal within about 8 weeks. Peptic ulcers come and go. You have to do what you can to reduce your risk. If you smoke or chew tobacco, ask your doctor about how to quit. Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid foods that cause discomfort. These include alcohol, coffee, caffeinated soda, fatty foods, chocolate, and spicy foods. Avoid eating late at night. Talk to your doctor about alternatives to NSAIDs. Take all medicines with plenty of water.

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What Is The Difference Between Peptic Ulcer And Gastric Ulcer

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Keeping this in consideration, what is the difference between gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer?

Gastric and duodenal ulcers are peptic ulcers, which are open sores in the lining of the digestive tract. Gastric ulcers form in the lining of the stomach. Duodenal ulcers develop in the lining of the duodenum, which is the upper part of the small intestine.

Similarly, what causes gastric ulcer? Stomach ulcer causesStomach ulcers are usually caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . These can break down the stomachs defence against the acid it produces to digest food. The stomach lining then becomes damaged causing an ulcer to form.

Keeping this in consideration, what is the difference between peptic ulcer and gastritis?

Gastritis is irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining. An ulcer is a deeper open sore in the lining of the stomach. It may also occur in the first part of the small intestine . The causes and symptoms of gastritis and ulcers are very similar.

Which type of ulcer is relieved by food?

Duodenal ulcers

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What Are The Symptoms Of Stomach And Duodenal Ulcers In A Child

Ulcers dont always cause symptoms.

The most common symptom is a gnawing or burning pain in the stomach. This is often felt between the breastbone and the belly button . Your child may feel the pain more between meals and in the early morning. It may last from a few minutes to a few hours.

Less common ulcer symptoms include:

• Tiredness and weakness

The symptoms of ulcers may look like other health problems. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

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How To Treat Ulcers

Dr. Lalezari says, “Years ago surgery was common for ulcer disease. This was before the advent of a special class of medications called proton pump inhibitors , the purple pill as the popular advertising campaign called it. Treatment with these acid suppressing medications tend to resolve the ulcer in most patients. Often Times it is a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori which is responsible for ulcer formation. If this is the cause, usually an antibiotic regimen is added to the PPI to help clear the bacteria and resolve the ulcer.”

Drink Alcohol In Moderation

Alcohol can erode the stomachs protective lining, resulting in inflammation and bleeding. It is even more likely to cause problems if you also smoke or take aspirin regularly, says Meyers. For men, the daily alcohol limit should be 2 drinks for women, the upper limit is 1 drink daily. If ulcers continue to cause problems, you may want to give up alcohol altogether.

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Stomach Ulcer Symptoms You Cant Ignore And How To Naturally Treat Them

• Stomach Ulcer Treatment Plan: 4 Natural Treatments

Chances are that if you havent experienced one yourself, you at least know someone whos had a stomach ulcer at one point or another. Estimates show that about 500,000 new cases of peptic ulcers are reported each year in the U.S. alone, and at any given time about 5 million people are affected. In addition, one in 10 adults can expect to deal with painful ulcers at one point or another.

For many years, doctors thought that high amounts of stress alone could cause a stomach ulcer to form by increasing production of stomach acid. But then research emerged in the 1980s showing that frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs , a poor lifestyle, and especially a type of bacterial infection caused by the strain Helicobacter pylori are the real culprits of the majority of ulcers.

Fortunately, according to an article published in The Lancet, prevalence of H. pylori infection and peptic ulcer diseases have become substantially less prevalent than they were two decades ago.

Wondering how to treat a stomach ulcer if youve already developed one? Below well cover much more about stomach ulcer treatments including medications, stress management and dietary changes.

What Treatments Are There For Ulcers

Your treatment will depend on the cause of your ulcer. For example, if our tests indicate that an infection caused by helicobacter pylori is what created your ulcer, well give you antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria.

Regardless of the cause, medications that help reduce the level of acid in your stomach can help the ulcer heal. And different lifestyle changes can accelerate healing as well, such as eliminating certain foods, abstaining from alcohol, and practicing stress management.

In severe cases, surgery may be required. Your provider at Prima Medicine will work with you to create a treatment plan for your situation.

If you have a stomach ulcer or want to see if you do, we can help. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Prima Medicine today.

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