Who is more likely to get ulcers?
You may be more likely to develop ulcers if you:
- Are infected with the H. pylori bacterium
- Take NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and many
others
- Have a family history of ulcers
- Smoke
- Have another illness, such as liver, kidney, or lung
disease
- Drink alcohol regularly
How are ulcers diagnosed?
Your doctor may be able to make the diagnosis just by talking
with you about your symptoms. However, to confirm the diagnosis one
of several tests should be taken. First, your doctor may ask you to
take an acid-blocking medication for a short period of time to see
if your symptoms improve.
If needed, your doctor may recommend a procedure called an upper
endoscopy. It involves inserting a small, lighted tube (endoscope)
through the throat and into the stomach to look for abnormalities.
This procedure is usually given if you are having severe symptoms
of ulcers.
Often, doctors will frequently treat without confirming the
diagnosis using endoscopy. If the cause is not likely to be from
NSAIDs, then it is very likely to be from H. pylori. Most
doctors will now test for H. pylori and will treat
specifically for that in addition to giving medications to reduce
the symptoms.
H. pylori can be detected either directly by taking a
sample during the upper endoscopy described above or indirectly
with a blood test or a breath test.
Though ulcers often heal on their own, you shouldn't ignore
their warning signs. If not properly treated, ulcers can lead to
serious health problems.
How are ulcers treated?
There are several ways in which ulcers can be treated, including
making changes to ones lifestyle, taking medication, and/or
undergoing surgery.
Lifestyle
To treat an ulcer, first eliminate substances that can be
causing the ulcers. If you smoke or drink alcohol, stop. If the
ulcer is believed to be caused by the use of NSAIDs, they need to
be stopped.
Medications
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Proton pump inhibitors reduce
acid and allow the ulcer to heal. PPIs include Prilosec®,
Prevacid®, Aciphex®, Protonix®, and Nexium®.
- Antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat H. pylori. There are
multiple combinations of antibiotics that are taken for one to two
weeks along with a PPI. Some doctors also recommend taking
Pepto-Bismol®.
- Endoscopy. Some bleeding ulcers can be treated through the
endoscope.
- Surgery. An operation may be needed if the ulcer has created a
hole in the stomach wall or if there is serious bleeding.
Will drinking milk help cure an ulcer?
No. Milk can make your ulcer worse. Milk provides brief relief
of ulcer pain because it coats the stomach lining. But milk also
stimulates your stomach to produce more acid and digestive juices,
which can aggravate ulcers.
How can I prevent ulcers?
- If you smoke, quit. People who smoke are twice as likely to
develop ulcers. Ulcers also heal more slowly in people who
smoke.
- Avoid overindulging in alcohol.
- If you have symptoms of an ulcer, contact your doctor.
- Don't overuse NSAIDs.