Stomach Ulcer Cause
A stomach ulcer (aka Peptic Ulcer) is caused when the topmost lining of your stomach is scalded by acid exposing the softer sensitive layer beneath. Excessive acid secretion and caustic substances like alcohol, spicy foods and aspirin are common culprits. Co-infection of the stomach by a bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, is found in 85% of cases of stomach ulcer.
Stomach Ulcer Symptoms
- Burning pain in the pit of your chest - heartburn.
- Acid, bitter, or slimy regurgitation in your mouth.
- Burning stomach relieved or made worse by eating food.
- Burning stomach worse when lying flat.
- Indigestion, bloating, and burping.
- Weight loss from food fear.
Stomach Ulcer Treatment
- The first step in successfully treating stomach ulcers is to kill Helicobacter pylori if present. This is done by taking antibiotics. This bug can be tested for through a breath or blood test.
- The ulcer also needs to heal. We do this by reducing acid made by your stomach with histamine blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Antihistamines block acid secretion signals and PPI's stop the acid secretion mechanism of the stomach.They can be used together. Ulcers need 6 weeks of reduced acid to heal.
- Triple therapy refers to a combination of Amoxicillin and Metronidazole antibiotics together with a proton pump acid inhibitor.
- Quitting smoking speeds healing time of stomach ulcers. Cutting out alcohol, caffeine, spicy food, and citrus also reduces stomach insult speeding healing.
- Eating smaller frequent meals with no food two hours before bedtime helps.
- For pain, Acetominophen (Tylenol) and mild opiates like Codeine are ideal. Avoid aspirin and derivatives like ibuprofen as they will burn your stomach more.
- Rarely, surgery may be needed to removed badly ulcerated stomach or to repair ulcers burrowed so deep they rupture.