Peptic Ulcers: Symptoms and Treatment
Peptic Ulcer: Symptoms
Peptic ulcers can produce mild symptoms such as a burning, gnawing pain between the belly button and breastbone after eating a meal. A common symptom is bloating or nausea approximately half an hour to an hour after eating a meal. Feeling a burning pain occurring in the middle of the night or early in the morning when the stomach is empty. Pain that will subside for a time after taking an antacid.
See your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, stools that look like tar and are black, or have streaks of dark red blood, severe weakness, and excessive thirst, are all symptoms of a peptic ulcer that is causing internal bleeding. Experiencing a loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.
Peptic Ulcer: Treatments
A combination of antibiotics and acid-blocking drugs are common treatments for peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori. For more serious cases, the doctor may prescribe other medication to promote healing. Treatments with medication like cimetidine, ranitidine and other H2 blockers stop gastric acid production.
In some cases surgery is necessary. This treatment is for ulcers that do not respond to medication and diet. Surgery is appropriate treatment for ulcers that are life-threatening or ulcers that recur.
There are other treatments that can be done at home. Eat small meals throughout the day. Eating large meals produces more gastric acid which aggravate peptic ulcers. Snack on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole wheat breads and crackers.
Eliminate food and drink that can aggravate ulcers and produce more acid. Avoid eating spicy, fatty, fried foods, and drinking beverages like coffee, tea and soda. Increase the amount of fiber, fruits and vegetables in your diet. Quit smoking, avoid stressful situations and do not drink alcohol.
Do not ignore the symptoms of a peptic ulcer. Ulcers will not go away and if left untreated can damage organs or become life threatening. Seek treatment promptly and follow the doctor's orders to have the best chance of getting rid of ulcers completely.
Published by Karen Bishop
Karen Bishop is a full-time freelance writer who has hands on experience in many areas including home remedies, home organization, decorating, parenting, grand parenting, pets, crafts, chronic pain issues an... View profile
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