Another common cause of ulcers is the prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac etc
Symptoms
Most people with ulcers complain of a burning pain in the upper abdomen. This typically occurs when the stomach is empty. These symptoms may be worse at night or
upon waking. However, some people's pain may worsen when they eat.
Other symptoms include:
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating,
weight loss.
In general, symptoms worsen as an ulcer grows. Some people with mild disease don't
have any symptoms.
In more severe cases, ulcers may bleed. Bleeding from large ulcers can be life threatening. Blood may appear in the vomit. It may appear either red or black, or resemble coffee grounds. Blood also may appear in the stools, which would look tarry-black or maroon.
Treatment
If you have a stomach ulcer, your treatment will depend on what caused it. With treatment, most ulcers heal in a month or two.
- If your stomach ulcer is caused by an Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics and an acid suppressing medication will be prescribed. This will last for about two weeks.
Then you may take the acid-suppressing medication for another four to eight weeks.
You will be re-tested at least four weeks after your antibiotic course has been
completed to see whether there are any H. pylori bacteria left in your stomach. If there
are, a further course of eradication therapy using different antibiotics may be given.
- If your stomach ulcer is just caused by taking NSAIDs, your use of NSAIDs will be reviewed, and taking an alternative painkiller may be advised.
Medications to reduce acid damage will be prescribed. These may include antacids to neutralize gastric acids. Medications that decrease the amount of acid produced
by the stomach may also be used.
Emergency treatment may be needed if an ulcer causes serious bleeding.
No comments:
Post a Comment