Treatment for Ulcers
Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach.
Ulcers can also occur in part of the intestine just beyond the stomach. These are known as duodenal ulcers.
Both stomach and duodenal ulcers are sometimes referred to as peptic ulcers. Here the term stomach ulcer will be used, although the information applies equally to duodenal ulcers.
What are the treatments for an ulcer?
You shouldn’t treat an ulcer on your own without first seeing your doctor. Over-the-counter antacids and acid blockers may ease some or all of the pain, but the relief is always short-lived. With a doctor's help, you can find an end to ulcer pain as well as a lifelong cure for it.
The chief goals treatment of ulcer are reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and strengthening the protective lining that comes in direct contact with stomach acids. If your ulcer is caused by bacterial infection, your doctor will also treat that.
Medications
Most people will be prescribed a medication called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to reduce the amount of acid their stomach produces and allow the ulcer to heal naturally. If an H. pylori infection is responsible for the ulcers, antibiotics will also be used to kill the bacteria, which should prevent the ulcer coming back. If the ulcers are caused by the use of NSAIDs, PPIs are usually prescribed, and your doctor will discuss whether you should keep using NSAIDs. Alternative medication to NSAIDs, such as paracetamol, may be recommended. Stomach ulcers can come back after treatment, although this is less likely to happen if the underlying cause is addressed.
Surgery
In certain cases, Surgery is best ulcer treatment. For instance, if the ulcer continues to return, will not heal, bleeds, or prevents food from leaving the stomach.
Surgery can include:
- Removing the ulcer
- Tying off bleeding blood vessels
- Sewing tissue from another site onto the ulcer
- Cutting the nerve that controls stomach acid production
Complications from stomach ulcers such as bleeding or perforation are rare. Either of these complications requires urgent medical attention.
Why should one choose Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai?
- Western India’s leading multispecialty hospital equipped with technical labs for ulcer tests & treatment with specialized doctor for consultations.
- Patients served so far and well treated for Ulcer
- 100+ corporates trust us for the health checks of their employees
Call us for appointment - 02267670101 to know the lab options and make a booking at your convenient time. If you are contacting us as a patient or potential patient, please complete the form below or call us.
