Ulcers
Frequently Asked Questions
None Available At This Time
Description
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach (a gastric ulcer) or duodenum (a duodenal ulcer).
Peptic ulcers can be cured. First, you should avoid alcohol and quit smoking, since smoking and alcohol can make ulcers worse or slow the healing process. Your doctor may also prescribe medications, depending on what caused the ulcers.
Possible medications include proton pump inhibitors or histamine receptor blockers to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining. One or more antibiotics may be prescribed to kill an H. pylori infection. Other medicines such as Pepto-Bismol may be used to coat the ulcer and protect it from stomach acid.
Sources of Additional Information
- The American College of Gastroenterology
- Peptic Ulcer Disease
- (An overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatment of peptic ulcers.)
- American Gastroenterological Association
- Understanding Peptic Ulcer Disease
- (An overview of the causes, risk factors, symptoms, tests, treatment, and prevention of peptic ulcers.)
