Peptic ulcer

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Cause of peptic ulcers	Gastroscopy procedure	Location of peptic ulcers	Stomach disease or trauma
Ulcer emergencies

Ulcer - peptic; Ulcer - duodenal or gastric; Duodenal ulcer

You should see a doctor if you have symptoms of an ulcer. Treatment often involves a combination of medications to kill the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, reduce acid levels, and protect the GI tract. This combination strategy allows your ulcer to heal and reduces the chance it will come back. Take all of your medications exactly as prescribed.

• Antibiotics to kill Helicobacter pylori
• Acid blockers (like cimetidine, ranitidine, or famotidine)
• Proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole)
• Medications that protect the tissue lining (like sucralfate)
• Bismuth (may help protect the lining and kill the bacteria)

If a peptic ulcer bleeds a lot, an EGD may be needed to stop the bleeding. If bleeding cannot be stopped using an EGD procedure or the ulcer has caused a perforation, then surgery may be required.

Peptic ulcers tend to come back if untreated. If you follow the treatment instructions from your doctor and take all of your medications, the Helicobacter pylori infection will be eliminated and you are much less likely to get another ulcer. Your symptoms will also improve if you follow some preventive lifestyle steps.

• Bleeding internally
• Perforation of the intestine and peritonitis
• Bowel obstruction

Call 911 if you:

• Suddenly develop sharp abdominal pain.
• Have symptoms of shock like fainting, excessive sweating, or confusion.
• Are vomiting blood or have blood in your stool (especially if maroon or dark, tarry black)
• Have a rigid, hard abdomen that is tender to touch.

Call your doctor if:

• You have ulcer symptoms.
• You feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Review Date: 04/28/2005
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.