What you think you know about ulcers may be outdated. For years, even doctors thought they were caused by stress and spicy foods. Today, there’s a greater understanding and more treatment options with some being ulcers surgery.
What are Ulcers?
Ulcers are open sores that can develop anywhere on your body, internally or externally. However, the term is usually used to refer to peptic ulcers that come in two kinds. Gastric ulcers involve the stomach lining, while duodenal ulcers affect the upper part of your small intestine.
They form when gastric acid starts to erode the lining of your digestive tract. You may have no symptoms, or you may feel a burning pain in your abdomen in between your navel and your breastbone.
Now that you know ulcers aren’t just for workaholics who eat chili dogs, find out more about how they could affect you. Take a look at this guide to treating and preventing ulcers.
Medical Treatments for Ulcers
Get diagnosed. In addition to asking about your family history, your doctor will probably perform an endoscopy. That’s a procedure where they pass a flexible tube with a camera attached down your throat, so your doctor can see your digestive tract more closely.
Identify causes. Your treatment will depend on what’s causing your ulcers. That usually means having an H. pylori bacterial infection or prolonged use of certain painkillers.
Take antibiotics. If your ulcer is caused by H. pylori bacteria, antibiotics may cure it. Your doctor will usually prescribe a combination of several drugs, including acid blockers.
Switch pain medication. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can thin the mucus that usually protects your stomach from acid. You may need to stop using them or adopt additional precautions, like taking them with food.
Consider Ulcers Surgery If-Needed
Emergency ulcer surgery may be necessary if you have a bleeding or perforated ulcer. Your doctor may also recommend an operation if your ulcers don’t respond to medication.
Natural Treatments For Ulcers
Change your diet. The foods you eat can either aggravate your symptoms or help reduce them. Follow a diet high in fiber and antioxidants with lots of vegetables and fruits. Go easy on fried food, fatty meats, and anything that contains caffeine.
Eat smaller meals. Your body produces more stomach acid in order to digest larger servings. Try having 5 or 6 mini-meals each day. Avoiding an empty stomach may also make you more comfortable.
Manage stress. While stress isn’t likely to cause ulcers, it can make them worse. Talk about your feelings. Listen to soft music and spend time doing activities that you love.
Limit alcohol. There are mixed opinions about how much alcohol contributes to ulcers. Talk with your doctor about what’s safe for you.
Prevention Tips For Ulcers
Quit smoking. Using tobacco is a major risk factor for developing peptic ulcers. It also slows down healing. If you’ve tried to give up smoking before, try again. Many adults need several efforts before they succeed.
Consume probiotics. Foods and supplements containing probiotics can help reduce H. pylori bacteria and restore balance to your digestive tract. Smart choices include yogurt, miso, and tempeh.
Cook with garlic. From licorice to turmeric, many substances have been studied to see if they help ulcers. Garlic may be one of the most effective, thanks to its antibacterial properties.
Drink less milk. You might be surprised to hear that medical opinions about milk and ulcers have changed. While doctors used to recommend unfermented dairy products, they now know that they actually increase stomach acid.
Lower Your Risk of Ulcers
About one in ten adults develop a peptic ulcer at some point in their lives. However, you can lower your risks and help relieve your symptoms with a variety of medical and natural treatments.
Read more:
Peptic Ulcer Disease – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
The association between peptic ulcer diseases and mental health problems
