Table of contents:
- You can manage stomach ulcers with medication
- Histamine blockers
- Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
- Antibiotics
- Natural remedies that can help relieve your stomach ulcer pain
- Lifestyle tips for managing stomach ulcers
Stomach ulcers can be painful and can affect your daily activities. Fortunately, there are many treatments for your stomach ulcer. For mild stomach ulcers, you can treat them at home, but for more severe gastric ulcers you may need to seek medical care. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your stomach ulcer, your treatment options may be one or a combination of the following:
You can manage stomach ulcers with medication
Over the counter antacids and acid blockers that can relieve some or all of the pain, but the relief is only temporary. With the help of a doctor, you can find help to deal with stomach ulcer pain, as well as a lifelong cure for this disease.
Histamine blockers
Histamine blockers, also known as acid reducers, can reduce the pain of your stomach ulcers by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. These drugs include ranitidine, famotidine and cimetidine. For the most effective use of this medication, be sure to use it about 15 minutes before eating. You may or may not experience side effects.
Some of the side effects can include:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Rash
- Fatigue.
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
Like histamine blockers, proton pump inhibitors can also reduce the amount of acid in your stomach, preventing further damage from stomach ulcers. Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking the proton pumps located in the lining of your stomach. This proton pump is responsible for pumping acid in your stomach. When you have a stomach ulcer, the proton pump is usually overactive.
PPIs include drugs such as omeprazole, pantoprazole and lansoprazole. Some of the side effects can include:
- Headache
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Feeling sick
- Abdominal (stomach) pain
- Dizzy
- Rash
For the most effective results, you should use a proton pump inhibitor at least 30 minutes before eating.
Antibiotics
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics only if you have tested positive for H. pylori infection, which is a bacterial infection that causes stomach ulcers. Some of the antibiotics commonly used are amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole. Some antibiotics may have more side effects than others. Some of the common side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Metal taste in your mouth.
For all antibiotics, it is important not to miss doses and to complete full use as recommended by your doctor. In this way will prevent antibiotic resistance and infection from returning In addition, it is important to avoid alcohol while using metronidazole. These antibiotics can cause a heat reaction that will appear on your cheeks. It is recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 3 days after you have finished using metronidazole.
You will be checked again at least four weeks after completing your finished antibiotic use to see if the H. pylori bacterial infection has completely disappeared. If your doctor still detects bacteria, you may need to use other antibiotics to treat your stomach ulcers effectively.
Natural remedies that can help relieve your stomach ulcer pain
Honey
Honey is a strong antibacterial, which can contain up to 200 trace elements, including polyphenols and other antioxidants. Honey can be the best medicine to relieve you.
Garlic
Garlic extract is able to inhibit the growth of H. pylori in humans. Garlic can thin your blood, so consult your doctor before using it if you are taking warfarin or any other prescription blood thinner.
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are not only good for your overall health, they can also help your body heal stomach ulcers. Foods that contain polyphenols, antioxidants protect you from stomach ulcers and can heal them. Eating more fruits and vegetables everyday can be a good solution for your stomach ulcers.
Lifestyle tips for managing stomach ulcers
- Do not use an overdose of iron supplements. Although people with stomach ulcers experience bleeding which can lead to anemia and may need to use iron as treatment, taking too much iron can irritate the stomach lining and gastric ulcers. Ask your doctor how much iron you need.
- Avoid stress and learn how to deal with stress. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing techniques, guided suggestions, moderate exercise, and yoga can help relieve stress and aid healing.
- Do not smoke. If you smoke, it is advisable to quit.
- Avoid alcohol. Reducing the amount of alcohol intake can help your stomach ulcers.
- Get more exercise to improve your overall health.
- Remember to visit your doctor right away if any serious problems occur with your stomach ulcer.
There are many ways to manage and reduce stomach ulcers recommended by doctors. If you follow your doctor's prescription, it may take 1 or 2 months for a stomach ulcer to heal. The most important thing is how you carry out your treatment in an orderly manner. You should not treat stomach ulcers on your own without first consulting your doctor.
x