1. Prevent Ulcers From Developing
Ulcers are an extremely common GI condition, and bleeding ulcers are a complication of this condition. In order to prevent bleeding ulcers, you need to prevent regular ulcers from developing in the first place.
Most ulcers are caused by the H. pylori bacterium, and it can be difficult to prevent this kind of infection. However, other risk factors are more easily avoided. Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin and ibuprofen, can cause the lining of the stomach and small intestine to become irritated and inflamed. NSAIDs also inhibit the production of the enzyme that produces prostaglandins, which act to protect the stomach lining. Without them, your stomach lining becomes vulnerable to the effects of stomach acid and you are more likely to experience ulcers and bleeding.
To limit your risk of developing an ulcer, it is best if you take NSAIDs in moderation. Acetaminophen, however, is a pain reliever that does not fall into the category of NSAIDs and may be a better option if you require pain medication on a regular basis.
Other risk factors for ulcers include smoking and alcohol use. Too much alcohol can damage the mucous membranes of the stomach and also increase the production of stomach acid. The nicotine contained in tobacco also increases the amount of stomach acid and can slow your recovery from an ulcer.
2. Treat Ulcers Right Away
If you do develop an ulcer, you can help minimize the chance of it bleeding by treating the ulcer as soon as possible. Untreated ulcers are more likely to develop complications such as bleeding. Treatment generally focuses on killing the bacteria that may have caused the ulcers and reducing acid levels in the digestive system. Your doctor will probably give you a combination of antibiotics, as a single form of antibiotic medication is usually not enough to completely kill off the bacteria.
A variety of medications are used to help you deal with stomach acid levels. Proton pump inhibitors are drugs that turn off the part of the cells that produce acid. Acid blockers are another way of reducing the amount of acid in your digestive tract. Your doctor might also recommend that you use an antacid to neutralize any acid that is already in your stomach. The overall goal is to avoid irritating your ulcer and to promote healing.
3. Endoscopy to Diagnose and Prevent Bleeding
Your doctor may want to do an endoscopy both to diagnose and prevent a bleeding ulcer. During this procedure, your doctor will place a thin, plastic tube into the esophagus and down into the stomach. A scope will then be inserted into the tube and electricity, heat or small clips are applied to coagulate the blood and stop the bleeding. If your doctor sees that you are not yet experiencing bleeding but do have risk factors for developing a bleeding ulcer, endoscopy can be very successful in preventing the ulcer from deteriorating further.
