How to Heal Stomach Ulcers

A stomach ulcer is basically a sore that occurs on the lining of the stomach. This type of ulcer is also known as a gastric or peptic ulcer. A person with a stomach ulcer will typically feel stomach pain when eating or drinking and might also frequently wake with stomach pain, feel heaviness and bloating, vomit and experience weight loss. When a stomach ulcer goes untreated and becomes severe, the person may see traces of blood in their bowel movements or when they vomit. Here are steps to take to help heal the ulcer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take doctor-prescribed medications to treat the stomach ulcer. This may include medications to treat any possible bacterial infections that may have developed from the ulcer.

2. Use a doctor-prescribed antacid in combination with a medicine that will coat the stomach lining. Antacids can often be harsh on the stomach lining, and therefore, it is necessary to use a medication that will coat the already sensitive stomach lining to prevent further ulceration.

3. Do not use anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen. It is well known that though these medications may be great pain relievers, they can and do wear down the stomach lining.

4. Refrain from smoking. Nicotine and smoking in general can be harmful to the stomach lining. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can be harsh on the stomach. Also, overindulgence of alcohol can cause nausea and vomiting. The last thing someone with a stomach ulcer wants to do is vomit, irritating an already sensitive stomach lining.

5. Stay away from caffeine. This is for pretty much for the same reason a person with a stomach ulcer wants to avoid nicotine and alcohol. The stomach is already sensitive and in order to heal it, it needs to be free from substances that will cause more irritation.

6. Maintain a bland diet. Spicy foods and high fatty foods are hard to digest in a stomach that is healing from an ulcer. These types of food can add to pain and make it more difficult for the stomach to heal.

7. Eat small frequent meals. This will help aid in digestion. Gorging on a huge meal at each sitting will make the stomach work harder, which is something you want to lessen as the stomach heals from the ulcer.

8. Manage stress. Stress is a contributing factor to developing stomach ulcers. Use relaxation techniques, meditation and/or counseling to help moderate and manage stress in daily life.

Tips & Warnings

• Monitor for signs and symptoms that the ulcer is not getting better but rather worsening. Some of these symptoms may include vomiting blood, fever, chills, clamminess, lose of weight, severe abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing and lack of appetite. The person should notify their doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

[lucylui]

on 10/3/2009 How do you make the ulcer pain go away when the pain really starts to attack?

[yuviunix]

on 1/29/2008 Q:I have one question i like bananas someone said to me it will increase acidity is it so?
Also I should not drink coffee ?
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Thank you Author for helpful article.It is worth for me.Thanks

[yuviunix]

on 1/29/2008 Hey Thanks a lot Author it is helpful document.I have stomach ulcer since past 2 month.In 1st month i was very tired of pain i couldn't work properly.Also i didn't get correct doctor.The one now is much better.He gave me "pantodac" medicine.I asked real cause of it he said because of pain killers? but i never take pain killers might be the regular doctor whom i used to visit when i had fever gave me strong medicines also i used to eat spicy food.I am non-smoker and non-drinker but my friends smoke so will passive smoking cause me problem?
STRESS: Whenever i have this i mean my manager give me :) i feel problem in my stomach.I had told her (my mgr)but it doesn't matter to her.I am in healing stage now as said by doctor.I want to get 100% cure. Can I?. and if i start eating spicy food will I get it again?

[grouch]

on 1/26/2008 Don't go untreated here. Just because you hate one doctor does not mean that you hate them all. Wonderful article.