The Helicobacter pylori bacterium H. The discovery of this micro-organism in revolutionised many aspects of gastroenterology, including the treatment of stomach ulcers. It is thought that about one in three people over the age of 40 years is infected with this strain of bacteria in Australia. The germs live in the lining of the stomach and the chemicals they produce cause irritation and inflammation.
Other disorders caused by this infection include inflammation of the stomach gastritis and dyspepsia indigestion. Researchers believe the germ could also play a contributing role in the development of stomach cancers. The infection is more common among poor or institutionalised people. The mode of transmission is so far unknown, but is thought to include sharing food or utensils, coming into contact with infected vomit, and sharing of water such as well water in undeveloped populations.
This is a serious complication of ulcer disease and is particularly deadly in the elderly or those with multiple medical problems. Bleeding from stomach ulcers is more common in people treated with blood thinning agents, such as warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel Plavix and those people should also consider using regular anti-ulcer medication to prevent this complication.
A severe, untreated ulcer can sometimes burn through the wall of the stomach, allowing digestive juices and food to leak into the abdominal cavity. This medical emergency is known as a perforated ulcer. Treatment generally requires immediate surgery. Special diets are now known to have very little impact on the prevention or treatment of stomach ulcers. Treatment options can include:. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. The type of pain felt in the abdomen can vary greatly.
Children may feel stomach pain for a range of reasons and may need treatment. Around half of cases of anal fissures heal by themselves with proper self-care and avoidance of constipation. Anyone of any age can be struck by appendicitis, but it seems to be more common during childhood and adolescence. Barium tests are used to examine conditions of the digestive tract such as reflux, narrowing or ulceration. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only.
Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.
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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. A number of symptoms are associated with stomach ulcers.
The severity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer. The most common symptom is a burning sensation or pain in the middle of your abdomen between your chest and belly button.
Typically, the pain will be more intense when your stomach is empty, and it can last for a few minutes to several hours. Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms of a stomach ulcer. Bleeding ulcers can become life-threatening.
Diagnosis and treatment will depend on your symptoms and the severity of your ulcer. To rule out H. Treatment will vary depending on the cause of your ulcer. Most ulcers can be treated with a prescription from your doctor, but in rare cases, surgery may be required. Talk to your doctor to discuss a treatment plan. You may also require a blood transfusion.
If your stomach ulcer is the result of H. PPIs block the stomach cells that produce acid. Symptoms of an ulcer may subside quickly with treatment. But even if your symptoms disappear, you should continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor.
This is especially important with H. These side effects are typically temporary. If any of these side effects cause extreme discomfort, talk to your doctor about changing your medication. In very rare cases, a complicated stomach ulcer will require surgery. This may be the case for ulcers that:. In the past, it was thought that diet could cause ulcers.
Foods that may help fight off H. Additionally, since people with stomach ulcers may have accompanying acid reflux disease, it is a good idea to stay away from spicy and sour foods while an ulcer is healing.
Learn more about foods that may be good for stomach ulcers — and foods that may not be. In addition to eating healthy foods, the following items may help reduce the effects of H.
This is also recommended if it's thought your stomach ulcer is caused by a combination of an H. An alternative type of medication, known as H2-receptor antagonists, is occasionally used instead of PPIs. Sometimes you may be given additional medication called antacids to relieve your symptoms in the short term. There aren't any special lifestyle measures you need to take during treatment, but avoiding stress, alcohol, spicy foods and smoking may reduce your symptoms while your ulcer heals.
If you have an H. You'll be retested at least 4 weeks after finishing your antibiotic course has been completed to see whether there are any H. PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces, preventing further damage to the ulcer as it heals naturally. They're usually prescribed for 4 to 8 weeks. Omeprazole , pantoprazole and lansoprazole are the PPIs most commonly used to treat stomach ulcers.
Ranitidine is the most widely used H2-receptor antagonist for treating stomach ulcers. All of the above treatments can take several hours before they start to work, so your GP may recommend taking additional antacid medication to neutralise your stomach acid and provide immediate, but short-term, symptom relief.
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