Peptic Ulcer Treatments

What's The Best Treatment For Peptic Ulcer?

This article is designed to provide basic answers about peptic ulcer treatments to the general public, especially readers with no medical training or background. Your doctor is the best source of information about peptic ulcer treatments, and you should never take any action related to peptic ulcer treatments without your doctor's advice.

Before describing various peptic ulcer treatments, it will be helpful to review what a peptic ulcer is and what causes it.

Peptic ulcers are are raw, open areas of eroded tissues in the gastrointestinal tract. They are basically opened sore that develop on the inside lining of your esophagus, stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine known as the duodenum.

The most common causes of peptic ulcers are certain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Another cause is the presence of a bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori.

Peptic ulcer treatments The goal in treatment of peptic ulcers is to reduce or eliminate symptoms - especially pain - and to encourage healing.

Treatment of peptic ulcer usually involves a combination of medications designed to kill H. pylori and reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. This promotes healing and reduces the odds a peptic ulcer will recur. The medication regimen usually lasts five days to two weeks.

The antibiotics that are commonly used to kill H. pylori include clarithromycin (Biaxin), amoxicillin, tetracycline, or metronidazole (Flagyl). If your peptic ulcer isn't caused by H. pylori, anti bacterial medications will be unnecessary.

Another peptic ulcer treatment uses medications that block acid production, which is one of the major causes of stomach ulcers. A type of medication known as a proton pump inhibitor may also used. This type includes omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), or esomeprazole (Nexium). Bismuth, which is the main ingredient in Pepto-Bismol, may be added to help kill any bacteria in the stomach. These medications are often prescribed in combination because H. pylori could become resistant if only one type is used.

Antacids are another possibility. Antacids are effective in neutralizing stomach acid and may also help relieve pain and discomfort. But antacids sometimes have side effects that include constipation or diarrhea.

Finally, your physician may recommend medications known as called cytoprotective agents. These are designed to protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine. Prescription types are sucralfate (Carafate) and misoprostol (Cytotec).

Peptic ulcers tend to recur, so it's important to follow your doctor's instructions on peptic ulcer treatments instructions carefully.