Treatment is determined by the cause of the ulcer. Most ulcers heal in a few months with therapy. Treat stomach ulcer caused by a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection with antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). This is also advised if it is suspected that your stomach ulcer is caused by a combination of an H. pylori infection and the usage of anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).
If your stomach ulcer is just the result of using NSAIDs, a course of PPI medication is advised. H2-receptor antagonists are a kind of medicine that is sometimes used instead of PPIs. To help your symptoms in the short term, you may be given extra medicine known as antacids.
After 4 to 6 weeks, you may undergo a repeat gastroscopy to ensure that the ulcer has healed. You don’t need to change your lifestyle during therapy, although avoiding stress, alcohol, spicy foods, and smoking may help you feel better while your ulcer heals.
Antibiotics
If you have an H. pylori infection, you are given a course of two antibiotics to take twice a day for a week.
Amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole are the most regularly used antibiotics.
These antibiotics’ side effects are often modest and might include:
Diarrhoea
Feeling nauseous
Metallic taste in your tongue
You are checked at least four weeks after finishing your antibiotic course for any adverse effects or remnant bacteria. If Yes! you may need a course of different antibiotics.
Inhibitors of the Proton Pump (PPIs)
PPIs work by lowering the amount of acid produced by your stomach, limiting additional damage to the ulcer while it heals naturally. Administer for 4 to 8 weeks. The most often used PPIs to treat stomach ulcers are omeprazole, pantoprazole, and lansoprazole. These have relatively modest side effects, although they can include:
Headaches
constipation or diarrhoea
feeling ill
stomach pain
dizziness
rashes
These should go away once the therapy is over.
Antagonists of the H2-Receptor
H2-receptor antagonists, like PPIs, function by lowering the amount of acid produced by your stomach. Ranitidine is a popular H2-receptor antagonist for the treatment of stomach ulcers. Although side effects are infrequent, they may include:
Diarrhoea
headaches
dizziness
rashes
tiredness
Alginates & antacids
Because treatments can take several hours to begin working, your doctor may advise you to take more antacid medicine to fast neutralize your stomach acid and relieve symptoms.
Some antacids also contain alginate, a medication that forms a protective coating on the lining of your stomach. Purchase over the counter. Your pharmacist can advise you on which is best for you. Take antacids before or when symptoms occur after meals or at night.
Alginates-containing antacids are best after meals. Both drugs have minor side effects which include;
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Farting (flatulence).
- Stomach Cramps
- Being ill and feeling sick
Suggestions for NSAID use
Your doctor will want to assess your use of NSAIDs if they caused your stomach ulcer. Take an alternate pain reliever not linked to stomach ulcers, such as paracetamol.
Use a COX-2 inhibitor(form of NSAID), less prone to induce stomach ulcer. If you’re taking low-dose aspirin (an NSAID) to lower your risk of embolism (blood clots), your doctor will inform you if you should keep taking it.
If Yes, a PPI or H2-receptor antagonist is given in addition to the aspirin to help prevent further ulcers. It is critical to recognize the hazards associated with continuous NSAID usage.
You are more prone to develop another stomach ulcer and may suffer from a serious consequence, such as internal bleeding.
Symptoms of Ulcers
- Stomach pain that is dull or burns
- Feeling of fullness, bloating, belching
- Not wanting to eat due to pain
- Intolerance to fatty foods
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Nausea
- Anemia (symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath, or paler skin)
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood, which may look red or black
- Black, tarry stools or dark blood in stool
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling faint
- Nausea
- Appetite change
- Unexpected weight loss
Other Ulcer Complications
Without treatment, ulcers can result in complications like:
- Internal bleeding
- Infection
- Obstruction of the GI tract
Ulcer Treatments
Treatment for ulcers depends on what is causing the ulcer and how severe it is. Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics for ulcers caused by the H. pylori bacteria
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which prevent stomach cells from producing acid
- Probiotics useful bacteria that may have a role in killing off H. pylori
- Bismuth supplement
- Stopping NSAID use
- Surgery for severe ulcers that won’t heal
- Healthy diet including plenty of fruits, vegetable, and fiber
- Quit smoking since smoking increases stomach acid
- Limit alcohol intake because alcohol can erode the mucous lining of your stomach and intestines
Antibiotics for Ulcers
Antibiotics are useful for ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria. Examples of antibiotics for ulcers include:
- Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
- Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
- Metronidazole (Flagyl)
- Tinidazole (Tindamax)
- Tetracycline (Tetracycline HCL)
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
Other drugs include;
- Omeprazole.
- Pepcid (famotidine)
- Prevacid (Lansoprazole)
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Cytotec (Misoprostol).
- Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate).
- Axid (nizatidine).
