Stomach ulcers form on the inside lining of the stomach or duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. The ulcers are also referred to as gastric or peptic ulcers. The Mayo Clinic lists abdominal pain as the most common symptom of stomach ulcers; however, vomiting blood, black stools, nausea and weight loss are rare, but more severe symptoms. Helicobacter pyloon, or H.pylori, bacteria is believed to cause most ulcers, points out the Mayo Clinic. Some pain relievers, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also cause ulcers to form. Visit a medical doctor to treat a stomach ulcer.
Antacids and Acid Blockers
Over-the-counter and prescription antacids and acids blockers relieve pain associated with the condition, but relief is only temporary. Antacids neutralize stomach's acidity levels and provide quick pain relief. Acid blockers decrease the amount of acid released into the stomach. The acid causes severe pain when coming in contact with the ulcer. The Mayo Clinic strongly advises patients with stomach ulcer symptoms to seek care from a medical doctor, and not rely solely on over-the-counter drugs. According to the National Institutes of Health, stomach ulcers will only worsen if left untreated.
Antibiotics
Patients with H.pylori infections are prescribed antibiotics. The medications are used in combination of two or more--one antibiotic is often not sufficient enough to kill H.pylori bacteria. Common antibiotics used are amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole. Some specialty drugs combine two antibiotics with an acid suppressor to specifically target the bacteria. These medication combinations are referred to as "triple therapy," according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Antibiotic therapy commonly lasts two weeks, advises the Mayo Clinic.
Endoscopy and Surgery
Severe bleeding is a serious complication of gastric ulcers. Anemia, hospitalization or blood transfusion may result. Endoscopy and surgery are necessary if ulcers continue to bleed or cause additional complications. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports 30 percent of patients hospitalized for gastric ulcers require endoscopy or surgery.
A gastroenterologist performs an endoscopy to determine where the ulcer is located and the amount of bleeding. Medications are injected to stop the bleeding and to form a blood clot over the ulcer. The bleeding may recur after the endoscopy, and further surgery is required.
More invasive surgery includes removing ulcers and reducing the amount of acid in a person's stomach. Vagotomy is a procedure to remove portions of the vegus nerve. The vegus nerve is found at the base of the brain and sends signals to the stomach to discreet gastric acid; the operation reduces the amount of acid secreted. An antrectomy removes the lower portion of the stomach known as the antrum. The antrum produces a hormone that stimulates the stomach to secrete stomach acid, explaines the University of Maryland Medical Center.
