Peptic Ulcer Pain

Peptic ulcers are sores that are open on the stomach lining, although they can occur in the esophagus and small intestines as well.

Peptic Ulcer Symptoms and Treatment

Peptic Ulcer Pain

Many people today deal with the pain and discomfort of peptic ulcers.

Peptic ulcers are sores that are open on the stomach lining, although they can occur in the esophagus and small intestines as well.

Although many physicians thought that stress and certain foods caused these ulcers to occur, findings have shown that medications and certain bacterial infections are the root cause of most of these ulcers.

While peptic ulcers are quite common, today many excellent treatment options are available that can provide relief for peptic ulcer pain.  

The Symptoms

Peptic ulcers need to be treated as quickly as possible, so it is a good idea to be informed about the symptoms of this medical condition.

Here is a look at the major symptoms of this problem:

- Burning pain that occurs between the breastbone and navel

- Burning pain that last for hours or just minutes

- Burning pain that is even worse when you have an empty stomach

- Burn pain that may be relieved by eating foods that help to buffer acid in the stomach or by taking medications that reduce acid

- Burning pain that flares up at night

- Burning pain that may go away and come back a few days or several weeks later

- Changes in appetite

- Vomiting and nausea

- Blood in stool that is dark or tarry or black stools

- Vomiting black or red blood

- Weight loss that is unexplained. Peptic ulcers can be dangerous and should not be self treated. It's important that you seek help from a doctor if you are dealing with any of these symptoms. Even if you get temporary relief from antacids, you still need to see your doctor as soon as you can if you display these symptoms. Sometimes when you suffer from peptic ulcer pain you may take too many antacid or other over the counter medicine, if you have persistent pain visit your doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment for Peptic Ulcers

First of all, treatments are designed to kill the bacteria, and the second part of the treatment works to reduce the amount of acid in the digestive system in order to allow healing and to relieve the pain. Often several different medications are used together to treat the problem. Here are several of the medications that can be used to treat the condition of peptic ulcers and peptic ulcer pain.

- Acid Blockers - Acid blockers are used to try to reduce the hydrochloric acid that your digestive tract releases. This way the ulcers can heal and there is less pain to deal with. These medications work by blocking histamines that signal the cells to release more of the hydrochloric acid. Several examples of acid blockers include Pepcid, Axid, Azntac, and Tagamet.

- Antibiotics - Combinations of certain antibiotics are used to destroy the bacteria that cause peptic ulcers to occur. Often just one antibiotic can't kill off the bacteria, so several may be used. If your doctor prescribes a combination of antibiotics, it is very important that you follow the instructions exactly for the best results.

- Cytoprotective Agents - These drugs are used to protect the tissue in the small intestine and stomach. Some of the options include Cytotec and Carafate, although even Pepto-Bismol, and over the counter option, may be used.

- Antacids - Antacids may be part of the treatment regimen to help reduce the amount of acid in the stomach and to neutralize stomach acid already in the stomach. This can help with fast acting relief from the pain the acid can cause to the ulcers.

- Proton Pump Inhibitors- These drugs also work to reduce the amount of stomach acid by keeping the acid secreting cells from pumping out more acid. Several of the options often prescribed include Nexium, Aciphex, Prilosec, Protonix, and Prevacid.

If you are dealing with peptic ulcers, help is available. Even if you're not sure that this is your problem, if you have any of the symptoms mentioned, see your doctor to ensure you get the treatment you need.