Gastric ulcer
Gastric ulcers occur when there is
injury to the gastric endothelium. The pain of a gastric ulcer is
specific and located at the upper abdominal area. Pain from gastric
ulcers are usually relieved by eating.
What can cause gastric ulcers
Gastric ulcers can be caused by chronic
use of NSAIDs.
What to avoid when you have a gastric ulcer?
Avoid NSAIDS such as aspirin and
ibuprofen. Smoking and alcohol can make ulcers worst and delay recover.
Treatments
Gastric ulcers can be treated by prescription medicines
such as PPI's (omeprazole, lansoprazole) and H2 antagonists (Ranitidine,
Cimetidine). These medicines reduce production of acid and make the
gastric environment less acidic thus reducing further damage and aiding
recovery. OTC medication include Zantac(ranitidine) and Zanprole
(Omeprazole). OTC treatment of gastric ulcers should not exceed 2 weeks,
if further treatment is required referral to the GP is appropriate.
Gastric ulcers may also be cause by H.Pylori infection which will need
to be treated by triple theraphy of two antibiotics(e.g amoxcillin and
clarithromycin) and a PPI (omeprazole).
Antacids may relieve pain from gastric
ulcers temporarily but is insufficient to treat gastric ulcers.
