A peptic ulcer is a painful condition that occurs on the stomach or small intestine lining. This causes pain in the region as well as a burning sensation that often requires treatment to solve. Peptic ulcer treatment depends on the exact condition, although potential methods include the use of either antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors. Eradication therapy — a treatment involving the use of several different types of antibiotics — is sometimes used in order to provide the best chance of success.
Peptic ulcer treatment is usually decided by the original cause of the ulcer. The two main causes are through the overuse of anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen or an infection. In some cases, an ulcer may be caused by a combination of both and in this case the treatment will be a mixture of the two.
In the case of an infection, antibiotics to treat and kill the bacteria will often solve the problem. This is known as eradication therapy and is usually very effective. Three different antibiotics are used in case the bacteria are resistant to one. There are, however, some potential side effects to this peptic ulcer treatment including a feeling of nausea and diarrhea. For this reason, it’s important that the options are discussed with a patient before any course of action is taken.
If the peptic ulcer is caused by anti-inflammatory medicine then a different treatment method is required. Often a course of proton pump inhibitors are used which help to block some of the cells that produce stomach acid. This will allow the ulcer to heal without being subjected to the same amount of acid. Side effects of this peptic ulcer treatment are usually relatively mild but can include headaches and nausea. These should disappear quickly after the treatment has finished which usually takes around two months.
If the peptic ulcer has been caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, then an additional peptic ulcer treatment will be to examine the patient’s use of these drugs. In many cases, an alternative medicine will be recommended as a pain killer in order to reduce the chance of developing another peptic ulcer. This isn’t always possible although should always be attempted. If no alternative medicine can be found then the person will usually be placed on a long-term course of proton pump inhibitors although extended use of anti inflammatory drugs is not recommended.