The fastest way to cure a stomach ulcer involves a combination of medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid, antibiotics if H. pylori is present, and avoiding irritants like alcohol and certain medications like NSAIDs.
Stomach ulcers are painful sores that can really disrupt your life. They develop when the protective layer in your stomach breaks down, allowing acid and bacteria to damage the lining. Factors like stress, smoking, alcohol, certain medications, and H. pylori infection can all contribute to them.
Living with a stomach ulcer is tough. The pain and discomfort can make simple things like eating and sleeping difficult, and it can also bring a lot of stress.
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It’s important to treat your stomach ulcers quickly to ease the pain, prevent complications, and get back to feeling better.
How to treat a stomach ulcer?
When it comes to healing your stomach ulcer quickly, there are several effective approaches you can consider:
Medications
Medications play an important role in ulcer treatment:
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole reduce stomach acid, allowing the ulcer to heal
- H2 Blockers such as ranitidine and famotidine also lessen stomach acid production, though not as strongly as PPIs
- Antibiotics are prescribed if your ulcer is caused by an H. pylori infection, helping to clear the bacteria and promote healing
Antacids
Over-the-counter antacids such as Rennies can provide immediate relief by neutralising stomach acid and reducing pain.
Lifestyle changes
Simple adjustments to your lifestyle can make a big difference:
- Quit smoking: Smoking slows down ulcer healing by increasing stomach acid production
- Manage stress: While stress doesn’t cause ulcers, finding ways to relax, like meditation or hobbies you enjoy can help prevent your symptoms from worsening
Adjust your diet
Changing how you eat while dealing with a stomach ulcer can help you to prevent irritating the ulcer further, and help you to reduce how long you have the ulcer:
- Stay clear of spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine, as these can aggravate your ulcer
- Opt for smaller, more frequent meals to reduce stomach acid production
- Choose stomach-friendly foods like bland carbs, lean proteins, and vegetables to support healing
Frequently asked questions about stomach ulcers
What are the symptoms of a stomach ulcer?
Stomach ulcer symptoms include burning stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Severe ulcers may cause your poo to look dark like tar.
How long does it take to heal a stomach ulcer?
Stomach ulcer healing time varies but typically takes weeks to months with treatment. Healing can be faster with medication adherence and lifestyle changes.
What foods should I avoid if I have a stomach ulcer?
Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes. These can irritate the stomach lining and worsen ulcer symptoms.
