You’ll probably need to take antibiotics for two weeks. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Be sure to take the full course of treatment so the bacteria doesn’t return. Even if your symptoms resolve, this doesn’t mean you can stop the medication. Make sure you take every single dose of antibiotics as instructed by your doctor.
Proton pump inhibitors do have some long-term side effects which include an increased risk of pneumonia, osteoporosis, and intestinal infections.
Antacids treat the symptoms of gastric ulcer, but you’ll need to take other medications to treat the cause of your gastric ulcer.
Try not to take pain medications on an empty stomach. This can be hard on your stomach. Instead, take pain medications with a meal or snack. Your doctor may also prescribe you carafate (sucralfate), which coats the ulcer from within your stomach, allowing your stomach to heal itself. [7] X Expert Source Roy Nattiv, MDBoard Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020.
Ask your doctor to recommend smoking cessation programs. You might join a support group or take medication to help you cut back on smoking. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Lung Association Nonprofit health organization dedicated to improving lung health through education, advocacy, and research Go to source
Be aware that many medications will need to be taken long-term. This is why it’s important to watch for side effects and talk with your doctor if you have concerns. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Don’t be surprised if the pain comes and goes. It might be worse at night, if you’re hungry, or it may go away and return weeks later.
In severe cases, you may vomit blood or notice blood in your stools. [14] X Research source
Fever Severe pain Diarrhea that lasts longer than two to three days Persistent constipation (longer than two to three days) Blood in the stools (which can appear red, black, or tarry) Persistent nausea or vomiting Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds Severe tenderness of the belly Jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes) Swelling or visible bloating of the abdomen
X-rays of the upper gastrointestinal tract can also diagnose gastric ulcers, although these aren’t as widely used since they can miss small ulcers. After your initial treatment, your doctor may wish to perform an endoscopy, a procedure during which your doctor will use a tube with a tiny camera and light to examine your digestive tract. This way your doctor can ensure that the ulcer responded to treatment and was not actually a symptom of stomach cancer. [17] X Research source
Try not to eat within two to three hours before going to bed. This will keep food from putting pressure on your stomach while you sleep.
Since some remedies haven’t been tested for use by pregnant women, it’s important to talk with your doctor about using them if you’re pregnant or nursing.
Make sure to buy aloe vera juice that contains a high level of aloe vera juice. Avoid juices that contain a lot of added sugars or fruit juices.
Ginger tea: steep packaged tea bags. Or, cut up 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger and steep it in boiled water for 5 minutes. Drink ginger tea throughout the day, especially 20 to 30 minutes before meals. Fennel tea: crush about a teaspoon of fennel seeds and steep them in a cup of boiled water for five minutes. Add honey to taste and drink 2 to 3 cups a day about 20 minutes before meals. Mustard tea: dissolve powdered or good prepared mustard in hot water. Or, you can take 1 teaspoon of mustard by mouth. Chamomile tea: steep packaged tea bags. You can also steep 3 to 4 tablespoons (44. 4 to 59. 1 ml) of chamomile in 1 cup of boiled water for five minutes. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You can also take slippery elm as a chewable tablet or drink (3 to 4 ounces). Slippery elm coats and soothes irritated tissues. It’s also safe to use during pregnancy. [27] X Research source Pizzorno, JE. , Murray, MT. , Joiner-Bey, H. The Clinician’s Handbook of Natural Medicine, pg. 392-397, 2002.
