A stomach ulcer is a sore in the stomach lining or duodenum, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. It arises due to a Helicobacter pylori infection or ongoing use of aspirin or ibuprofen, Medline Plus says. H. pylori infection is obtained via contaminated water or food, or through kissing. A stomach ulcer is often more symptomatic during stress or after eating spicy foods. There are numerous options for treatment of a stomach ulcer.
H2 Blocker & Proton Pump Inhibitor
Stomach ulcers are treated with a histamine receptor blocker (H2 blocker) or a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to decrease acid in the stomach and work to stop further stomach ulcers from developing, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.
Over-the-counter Oral Medication
Over-the-counter oral medications can be used to soothe the ulcer. Such medications contain the ingredient bismuth subsalicylate, which covers the ulcer to protect it from corrosive stomach acid, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to kill Helicobacter pylori to remedy a stomach ulcer. The antibiotic will be taken for one to two weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A medicine to limit stomach acid will be taken in conjunction with the antibiotic to treat the stomach ulcer.
Stop Use of Aspirin & Ibuprofen
A doctor often advises stopping the use of aspirin or ibuprofen after an ulcer appears, if one of the drugs caused the ulcer. It is also important to eliminate cigarette and alcohol use, which impedes recovery and can make an existing ulcer more painful, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.
Limit Stress
Limit stress while undergoing treatment for an ulcer. Stress is believed to be linked to higher levels of stomach acid, which will impede the healing process for a stomach ulcer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Surgery
Sometimes non-invasive methods do not cure an ulcer. Approximately 30 percent of people with bleeding ulcers will need surgery, according to the New York Times. Surgery for stomach ulcers ranges from endoscopy to major abdominal surgery. In endoscopy, a surgeon inserts a tube into the mouth and through the esophagus into the stomach. The endoscope will be able to view any bleeding from the ulcer. It then uses either heat, electricity or clamps to end the bleeding. Drugs such as adrenaline are used to promote blood clotting. The drug omeprazole or pantoprazole is often used to prevent new bleeding. Then, if the endoscopy is not a success, major abdominal surgery will be performed. The surgery will involve either open surgery, using standard surgical instruments, or laparoscopic surgery, with surgery done via tubes that contain cameras and small surgical instruments. Laparoscopic surgery often results in less pain after the surgery, according to the New York Times.
References
- Medline Plus: Information About Stomach Ulcers
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: What I Need to Know About Peptic Ulcers
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Treatment of Stomach Ulcers
- Mayo Clinic: Remedies for Stomach Ulcers
- New York Times: Surgery for Stomach Ulcers
