Do not use any other painkillers to treat ulcer pain and switch painkillers right away if you’ve been taking something other than acetaminophen. Always follow the instructions on your acetaminophen bottle when taking it, and don’t use it for more than 10 days at a time without your doctor’s approval.
You can also talk to your doctor about prescription-strength antacids to help you deal with ulcer pain. [3] X Expert Source Roy Nattiv, MDBoard Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 14 October 2020.
Common antibiotics used to kill H. pylori bacteria include amoxicillin (Amoxil), clarithromycin (Biaxin), metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax), tetracycline and levofloxacin. Over-the-counter PPIs include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), esomeprazole (Nexium) and pantoprazole (Protonix). Over-the-counter H-2 blockers include famotidine (Pepcid AC), cimetidine (Tagamet HB), and nizatidine (Axid AR).
Aspirin (also found in Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, and Excedrin) Ibuprofen (found in Advil, Motrin IB, and Nuprin) Naproxen sodium (found in Aleve) Ketoprofen (found in Actron and Orudis KT) Talk to your doctor before settling on a general pain reliever to use. They may have advice or recommendations based on your personal medical situation.
Chili peppers are actually the exception to this, as recent research suggests they don’t cause ulcers. Still, it’s best to reduce your chili pepper intake while you deal with your ulcer.
Fruits containing flavonoids are especially helpful because they protect your stomach lining. Eat colorful fruits like apples, blueberries, and cherries, plus leafy veggies like kale. Unripe plantain bananas can also help with peptic ulcers because they contain a flavonoid called leucocyanidin. Getting more fiber from fruits and vegetables can help prevent new ulcers from developing and heal ulcers.
Avoid eating for 2 to 3 hours before bedtime, too. This reduces the risk of acid refluxing into your esophagus as you try to sleep.
Stress worsens your symptoms because it creates a natural response in your body that produces more stomach acid. By reducing stress, you’re also helping your body heal.
You can also take probiotic supplements, if you prefer, which have a higher concentration of probiotics per serving.
You can make ginger tea anytime during the day, but it’s most helpful when prepared 20 to 30 minutes before meals.
Keep in mind you don’t have to eat the garlic plain. You can add it to food! Make pesto, stir it into your guacamole, add it to a pasta dish, or make garlic toast, for example.
You can add turmeric to smoothies, eggs, salad dressing, and hummus or use it to spice up some roasted veggies. Doses for turmeric can vary, but a typical daily intake of around ¼ tsp (1,000 mg) to ½ tsp (2,000 mg) is considered healthy.
Instructions can vary, but the typical dosage is 2 to 3 tablets every 4 to 6 hours.
Aloe vera also comes in tablet or gel form. Use as directed on the package! Since aloe vera can act as a laxative, limit it to a total of 1 or 2 cups daily. Don’t use aloe vera if you have chronic intestinal problems, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Breath, blood, and stool laboratory tests can detect H. pylori bacteria in your body, which in turn tells the doctor whether or not you have an ulcer. Tell your doctor if you’ve ben using antacids before taking a test! Endoscopies essentially involve doctors using a scope (inserted down your throat) to examine your upper digestive system for an ulcer or signs of H. pylori bacteria. An upper gastrointestinal series means getting X-rays of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine to detect an ulcer. Be ready to answer the doctor’s questions accurately describe your symptoms.
Fever Severe pain, tenderness of the belly, swelling, or visible bloating of the abdomen Persistent nausea, vomiting, or vomiting blood (or material that looks like coffee grounds) Diarrhea or persistent constipation that lasts longer than two to three days Blood in your stool, which may look like red blood, or black and tarry Jaundice — yellowish discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes
