pylori is not treated sufficiently. Complications from ulcers include bleeding, perforation rupture of either the stomach or the intestine, and bowel obstruction. These problems can be very serious, even life threatening. Obstruction tends to happen where the stomach meets the small intestines.

If there is an ulcer at this point, swelling can occur, blocking food from passing through the digestive tract. Vomiting is generally the main symptom. The good news is that the number of ulcers and their complications continue to decline as people seek early treatment for symptoms and the causes, like H.

pylori and NSAIDs. Ayala G, Escobedo-Hinojosa WI, de la Cruz-Herrera CF, Romero I. Exploring alternative treatments for Helicobacter pylori infection. World J Gastroenterol. Bujanda L. The effects of alcohol consumption upon the gastrointestinal tract. Am J Gastroenterol.

Burger O, Ofek I, Tabak M, Weiss EI, Sharon N, Neeman I. A high molecular mass constituent of cranberry juice inhibits helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric mucus.

FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. Burger O, Weiss E, Sharon N, Tabak M, Neeman I, Ofek I. Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric mucus by a high-molecular-weight constituent of cranberry juice.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. Cabrera C, Artacho R, Gimenez R. Beneficial effects of green tea -- a review. J Am Coll Nutr. Charpignon C, Lesgourgues B, Pariente A, et al. Ailment Pharmacol Ther.

De R, Kundu P, Swarnakar S, Ramamurthy T, Chowdhury A, Nair GB, Mukhopadhyay AK. Antimicrobial activity of curcumin against Helicobacter pylori isolates from India and during infections in mice.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. El-Serag HB, Satia JA, Rabeneck L. Dietary intake and the risk of gastro-esophageal reflux disease: a cross sectional study in volunteers. Fox M, Barr C, Nolan S, et al.

The effects of dietary fat and calorie density on esophageal acid exposure and reflux symptoms. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. Fox M, Barr C, Nolan S, Lomer M, Anggiansah A, Wong T. Halland M, Young M, Fitzgerald MN, INder K, Duggan JM, Duggan A.

Bleeding peptic ulcer: characteristics and outcomes in Newcastle, NSW. Intern Med J. Han KS. The effect of an integrated stress management program on the psychologic and physiologic stress reactions of peptic ulcer in Korea. J Holist Nurs.

Huang KW, Luo JC, Leu HB, et al. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an independent risk factor for peptic ulcer bleeding: a nationwide population-based study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. Kang JM, Kim N, Lee BH, et al.

Risk factors for peptic ulcer bleeding in terms of Helicobacter pylori, NSAIDs, and antiplatelet agents. Scan J Gastroenterol. Khayyal MT , el-Ghazaly MA, Kenawy SA, et al. Antiulcerogenic effect of some gastrointestinally acting plant extracts and their combination.

Kim JJ, Kim N, Lee BH, et al. Risk factors for development and recurrence of peptic ulcer disease. Korean J Gastroenterol. Klausz G, Tiszai A, Lenart Z, et al. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, Professional Edition. Lanza FL, Chan FK, Quigley EM; Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology.

Guidelines for prevention of NSAID-related ulcer complications. Lee SY, Shin YW, Hahm KB. Phytoceuticals: mighty but ignored weapons against Helicobacter pylori infection.

J Dig Dis. Lowe R, Wolfe M. Marteau P, Boutron-Ruault MC. Nutritional advantages of probiotics and prebiotics. Br J Nutr. Marteau PR. Probiotics in clinical conditions. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. Martin B.

Prevention of gastrointestinal complications in the critically ill patient. AACN Adv Crit Care. McManus TJ. Helicobacter pylori: an emerging infectious disease. Nurs Pract. Mota KS, Dias GE, Pinto ME, Luiz-Ferreira A, Souza-Brito AR, Hiruma-Lima CA, et al.

Flavonoids with gastroprotective activity. Olafsson S, Berstad A. Changes in food tolerance and lifestyle after eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Scand J Gastroenterol. Pasina L, Nobili A, Tettamanti M. Prevalence and appropriateness of drug prescriptions for peptic ulcer and gastro-esophageal reflux disease in a cohort of hospitalized elderly.

Eur J intern Med. Qasim A, O'Morain CA. Review article: treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection and factors influencing eradication. Ryan SW. Management of dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease. Altern Ther Health Med. Shiao TH, Liu CJ, Luo JC, et al. Sleep apnea and risk of peptic ulcer bleeding: a nationwide population-based study.

Am J Med. Simopoulos AP. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Solmaz A, Sener G, Cetinel S, Yüksel M, Yegen C, Yegen BC. Protective and therapeutic effects of resveratrol on acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer. Free Radic Res. Sugimoto N, Yoshida N, Nakamura Y, Ichikawa H, Naito Y, Okanoue T, Yoshikawa T.

Influence of vitamin E on gastric mucosal injury induced by Helicobacter pylori infection. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. Vonkeman HE, Fernandes RW, van de Laar MA. Under-utilization of gastroprotective drugs in patients with NSAID-related ulcers.

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. Woodward M, Tunstall-Pedo H, McColl K. Helicobacter pylori infection reduces systemic availability of dietary vitamin C. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. Zaidi SF, Yamada K, Kadowaki M, Usmanghani K, Sugiyama T. Bactericidal activity of medicinal plants, employed for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, against Helicobacter pylori.

J Ethnopharmacol. Share Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Home Health Library. Peptic ulcer Duodenal ulcer; Gastric ulcer; Stomach ulcer; Ulcer - peptic. Signs and Symptoms Symptoms may include: Abdominal pain with a burning or gnawing sensation Pain 2 to 3 hours after eating Pain is often made worse by an empty stomach; nighttime pain is common Pain may be relieved by antacids or milk Heartburn Indigestion dyspepsia Belching Nausea Vomiting Poor appetite Weight loss If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately: Sudden increase in the abdominal pain or sharpness in the quality of the pain Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools.

Causes The lining of the stomach is usually protected from the damaging effects of stomach acid. Helicobacter pylori H. pylori , a type of bacteria, is responsible for most ulcers.

This organism weakens the protective coating of the stomach and first part of the intestine and allows damaging digestive juices to eat away at the sensitive lining below.

pylori living in their digestive tract, but most do not develop ulcers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs.

Long-term use of these pain relievers is the second most common cause of ulcers. These drugs block prostaglandins, substances in the stomach that help maintain blood flow and protect the area from injury.

Some people are more susceptible to this side effect of NSAIDs than others. These drugs include ibuprofen Advil, Motrin , naproxen Aleve , and ketoprofen OrudisKT , as well as prescription drugs.

Some may be more likely to produce ulcers than others. If you must use long-term pain medications, talk to your doctor about which ones are safest. Risk Factors Risk factors may include: Heredity Older age Chronic pain from any cause, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome , or persistent back pain, causing long-term use of aspirin or NSAIDs Alcohol abuse Diabetes may increase your risk of having H.

pylori Lifestyle factors, including chronic stress, coffee drinking even decaf , and smoking, may make you more susceptible to damage from NSAIDs or H. pylori if you are a carrier of this organism.

But these factors do not cause an ulcer on their own. Cigarette smoking Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Diagnosis First, your doctor will take a detailed history of your symptoms and risk factors, including how long you have had indigestion and pain, how strong the pain is, if you have lost weight recently, what medications over-the-counter and prescription you have been taking, your smoking and drinking habits, and if anyone in your family has had ulcers.

You will have 1 of 2 tests to identify an ulcer: Upper gastrointestinal GI series. You will drink a chalky liquid called barium, then undergo a series of x-rays to check for an ulcer. The doctor will carefully insert a thin tube with a tiny camera at the end called an endoscope down your throat, through the esophagus to the stomach and duodenum.

The endoscope lets the doctor examine your digestive tract and take a sample of tissue to test for H. pylori , if needed. You will be lightly sedated for this procedure. Prevention Preventing NSAID-related ulcers means finding different medications or alternative approaches to relieve your pain.

Treatment The main goals for treating a peptic ulcer include getting rid of the underlying cause particularly H.

Lifestyle Doctors used to recommend eating bland foods with milk and only small amounts of food with each meal. Dietary and other lifestyle measures that should help include: A diet rich in fiber, especially from fruits and vegetables.

This may reduce your risk of developing an ulcer in the first place and speed your recovery if you already have one. Foods containing flavonoids, like apples, celery, cranberries including cranberry juice , onions, garlic, and tea may inhibit the growth of H.

Some people may find that spicy foods make existing symptoms worse. Quit smoking. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice taken one hour before meals and curcumin extracts have shown promise in some ulcer research due to their action against H.

Some people who have an ulcer also have acid reflux. In some people, certain foods can relax the lower part of the esophagus , known as the lower esophageal sphincter LES. A relaxed LES makes it easier for acid to back up into the esophagus and causes heartburn , indigestion , and pain.

Ulcers caused by H. pylori will most likely need to be treated with antibiotics. Strict adherence to your treatment plan and close follow-up with your doctor are the best ways to make sure your treatments are effective and your ulcers are healing. You will also be prescribed a medication that temporarily keeps your stomach from making or secreting as much acid as it normally would.

This medication may be a proton pump inhibitor or H2 blocker. Learn more about treatment for a peptic ulcer. You can try beverages that contain probiotics, such as kombucha. In addition, research has found that drinking cranberry juice may help fight an H. You can get fast relief by taking acid blockers like famotidine Pepcid.

A stomach ulcer could go away on its own , but this is less common. More often, the symptoms of a stomach ulcer continue for weeks or even months until a person seeks treatment. Most ulcers caused by H. pylori are completely treatable. But untreated stomach ulcers can lead to more serious problems, like internal bleeding and stomach cancer.

Speak to your healthcare professional, make a plan, and get treatment. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. Stomach ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach. They are often extremely painful.

Read on to learn about easy stomach ulcer home remedies…. Gastric and duodenal ulcers are both types of peptic ulcers. These ulcers can cause different symptoms, depending on where they are.

A peptic ulcer on…. A bleeding ulcer requires immediate treatment. Learn more about the warning signs and what to expect during treatment. Peptic ulcers are painful sores in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine.

pylori is a common bacteria that may cause pain and increase the risk of ulcers or stomach cancer. Learn about symptoms, complications, and more. Gastric tissue biopsy is the examination of tissue removed from the stomach. The tissue is placed in a special dish to see if bacteria or other….

A rectal ulcer happens when one or more of the mucous layers that line the rectum are injured or damaged, resulting in a painful sore. Famotidine, sold under the brand name Pepcid and its generic form, is often the first-line treatment for stomach ulcers. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic?

How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Stomach Ulcer Diet. Medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT , Nutrition — By Kathryn Watson — Updated on June 12, Causes What to eat What to avoid Ulcer treatment FAQs Outlook.

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Read more about our vetting process. Was this helpful? Causes and risk factors for ulcers. What foods are good for stomach ulcers? Foods to avoid with an ulcer and acid reflux? Treatment options for ulcers. Frequently asked questions.

First, your doctor will take a detailed history of your symptoms and risk factors, including how long you have had indigestion and pain, how strong the pain is, if you have lost weight recently, what medications over-the-counter and prescription you have been taking, your smoking and drinking habits, and if anyone in your family has had ulcers.

As part of the physical exam, your doctor will do a thorough check of your abdomen and chest, as well as a rectal exam, to look for signs of bleeding.

A blood test will check to see if you are anemic. These tests help ensure you have not been bleeding unknowingly called occult bleeding. If there are no signs of bleeding and your symptoms are mild, your doctor may put you on medication to reduce stomach acid.

If your symptoms persist or get worse despite the medication, further testing is needed. Your doctor may perform other tests to look for H.

pylori , including a blood test checking for antibodies to this organism, a breath test after drinking a substance called urea, and a stool test looking for the bacteria.

Preventing NSAID-related ulcers means finding different medications or alternative approaches to relieve your pain. Talk to your doctor about your options. If you have to take NSAIDs for a long time, your doctor may consider prescribing another medication to prevent the development of ulcers.

This medicine may include an H2 blocker or a proton pump inhibitor, which reduce stomach acid. You can also make lifestyle changes that make you less prone to develop an ulcer from either NSAIDs or H. The main goals for treating a peptic ulcer include getting rid of the underlying cause particularly H.

pylori infection, use of NSAIDs, and reducing stress levels , preventing further damage and complications, and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Medication is almost always needed to alleviate symptoms and must be used to eradicate H. Surgery is required for certain serious or life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers and may be considered if medications are not working.

Even with medications, many lifestyle factors, including making changes in your diet, are important. Certain herbs, acupuncture, or homeopathy may be helpful additions to usual medical care. Doctors used to recommend eating bland foods with milk and only small amounts of food with each meal.

Now we know that such a diet is not needed to treat ulcers. Dietary and other lifestyle measures that should help include:.

If you have H. pylori , you will probably be prescribed three medications. pylori -related gastritis and ulcers. Bismuth salicylate Pepto-Bismol may be used instead of the second antibiotic. This drug, available over-the-counter, coats and soothes the stomach, protecting it from the damaging effects of acid.

Two drug regimens are currently being developed. Some of the same drugs are used for non- H. pylori gastritis, as well as for symptoms like indigestion due to ulcers:.

Available over-the-counter, they may relieve heartburn or indigestion but will not treat an ulcer. Antacids may block medications from being absorbed and thereby decrease the medicine's effectiveness.

Doctors recommend taking antacids at least 1 hour before, or 2 hours after, taking medications. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for more information. Antacids include:. If bleeding from an ulcer does not stop with medication and supportive care like fluids and blood transfusion , a physician called a gastroenterologist will perform an endoscopy.

He first identifies the ulcer and the area that is bleeding, then injects medications to stop the bleeding and stimulate the formation of a blood clot.

If the bleeding recurs or you have a perforated ulcer or an obstruction, surgery may be required. Herbs are a way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider before starting and during treatment.

You may use herbs as dried extracts capsules, powders, or teas , glycerites glycerine extracts , or tinctures alcohol extracts.

Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted. Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies for the treatment of ulcers or its symptoms, based on their knowledge and experience.

Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type, includes your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup.

An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for you individually. For the treatment of ulcers, even if you seek homeopathic remedies as adjunctive care, you should still follow conventional treatment recommendations. Acupuncture has been used traditionally for a variety of conditions related to the digestive tract, including peptic ulcers.

A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that acupuncture can help reduce pain associated with endoscopy. Chiropractors report, and preliminary evidence suggests, that spinal manipulation may benefit some people with uncomplicated gastric or duodenal ulcers. In one small clinical study, researchers compared the effectiveness of medication to spinal manipulation over a period of up to 22 days.

Those who received spinal manipulation had significant pain relief after an average of 4 days, and were completely free of symptoms on average 10 days earlier, than those who took medication. More research is needed to understand when and how chiropractic care might be helpful if you have peptic ulcer disease.

Pregnancy If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs. With proper treatment, most ulcers heal within 6 to 8 weeks.

However, they may recur, particularly if H. pylori is not treated sufficiently. Complications from ulcers include bleeding, perforation rupture of either the stomach or the intestine, and bowel obstruction.

These problems can be very serious, even life threatening. Obstruction tends to happen where the stomach meets the small intestines. If there is an ulcer at this point, swelling can occur, blocking food from passing through the digestive tract.

Vomiting is generally the main symptom. The good news is that the number of ulcers and their complications continue to decline as people seek early treatment for symptoms and the causes, like H.

pylori and NSAIDs. Ayala G, Escobedo-Hinojosa WI, de la Cruz-Herrera CF, Romero I. Exploring alternative treatments for Helicobacter pylori infection. World J Gastroenterol. Bujanda L. The effects of alcohol consumption upon the gastrointestinal tract. Am J Gastroenterol. Burger O, Ofek I, Tabak M, Weiss EI, Sharon N, Neeman I.

A high molecular mass constituent of cranberry juice inhibits helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric mucus. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. Burger O, Weiss E, Sharon N, Tabak M, Neeman I, Ofek I. Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric mucus by a high-molecular-weight constituent of cranberry juice.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. Cabrera C, Artacho R, Gimenez R. Beneficial effects of green tea -- a review. J Am Coll Nutr. Charpignon C, Lesgourgues B, Pariente A, et al.

Ailment Pharmacol Ther. De R, Kundu P, Swarnakar S, Ramamurthy T, Chowdhury A, Nair GB, Mukhopadhyay AK. Antimicrobial activity of curcumin against Helicobacter pylori isolates from India and during infections in mice.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. El-Serag HB, Satia JA, Rabeneck L. Dietary intake and the risk of gastro-esophageal reflux disease: a cross sectional study in volunteers.

Fox M, Barr C, Nolan S, et al. The effects of dietary fat and calorie density on esophageal acid exposure and reflux symptoms. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. Fox M, Barr C, Nolan S, Lomer M, Anggiansah A, Wong T. Halland M, Young M, Fitzgerald MN, INder K, Duggan JM, Duggan A.

Bleeding peptic ulcer: characteristics and outcomes in Newcastle, NSW. Intern Med J. Han KS. The effect of an integrated stress management program on the psychologic and physiologic stress reactions of peptic ulcer in Korea. J Holist Nurs. Huang KW, Luo JC, Leu HB, et al.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an independent risk factor for peptic ulcer bleeding: a nationwide population-based study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther.

Kang JM, Kim N, Lee BH, et al. Risk factors for peptic ulcer bleeding in terms of Helicobacter pylori, NSAIDs, and antiplatelet agents. Scan J Gastroenterol. Khayyal MT , el-Ghazaly MA, Kenawy SA, et al. Antiulcerogenic effect of some gastrointestinally acting plant extracts and their combination.

Kim JJ, Kim N, Lee BH, et al. Risk factors for development and recurrence of peptic ulcer disease. Korean J Gastroenterol.

Klausz G, Tiszai A, Lenart Z, et al. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, Professional Edition. Lanza FL, Chan FK, Quigley EM; Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology.

Guidelines for prevention of NSAID-related ulcer complications. Lee SY, Shin YW, Hahm KB. Phytoceuticals: mighty but ignored weapons against Helicobacter pylori infection.

J Dig Dis. Lowe R, Wolfe M. Marteau P, Boutron-Ruault MC. Nutritional advantages of probiotics and prebiotics. Br J Nutr. Marteau PR. Probiotics in clinical conditions. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. Martin B. Prevention of gastrointestinal complications in the critically ill patient.

AACN Adv Crit Care. McManus TJ. Helicobacter pylori: an emerging infectious disease. Nurs Pract. Mota KS, Dias GE, Pinto ME, Luiz-Ferreira A, Souza-Brito AR, Hiruma-Lima CA, et al. Flavonoids with gastroprotective activity. Olafsson S, Berstad A.

Changes in food tolerance and lifestyle after eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Scand J Gastroenterol. Pasina L, Nobili A, Tettamanti M. Prevalence and appropriateness of drug prescriptions for peptic ulcer and gastro-esophageal reflux disease in a cohort of hospitalized elderly.

Eur J intern Med. Qasim A, O'Morain CA. Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

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Diabetes: Blood Sugar Levels Diabetes: Counting Carbs if You Don't Use Insulin Diabetes: Coping With Your Feelings About Your Diet Diabetes: Tracking My Feelings Diabetes: Taking Care of Your Feet Diabetes: Care of Blood Sugar Test Supplies Diabetes: Checking Your Blood Sugar Diabetes: Checking Your Feet Diabetes: Steps for Foot-Washing Diabetes: Protecting Your Feet Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar From Medicines Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar From Insulin Diabetes: How to Give Glucagon Low Blood Sugar Level Record Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar Diabetes: Preventing High Blood Sugar Emergencies Diabetic Ketoacidosis DKA High Blood Sugar Level Record Symptoms of High Blood Sugar Diabetes: Using a Plate Format to Plan Meals Diabetes: Giving Yourself an Insulin Shot Diabetes: Eating Low-Glycemic Foods Diabetes and Alcohol Continuous Glucose Monitoring Quick Tips: Diabetes and Shift Work Diabetes: How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy Type 2 Diabetes: Can You Cure It?

Diabetes, Type 2: Should I Take Insulin? Prediabetes: Which Treatment Should I Use to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes? Diabetes: Living With an Insulin Pump Form for Carbohydrate Counting. Autism Down Syndrome: Helping Your Child Eat Independently Down Syndrome: Grooming and Hygiene Down Syndrome: Helping Your Child Learn to Walk and Use Other Motor Skills Down Syndrome: Helping Your Child Learn to Communicate Down Syndrome Dyslexia Conditions Related to Dyslexia Autism: Behavioural Training and Management Autism: Support and Training for the Family Unproven Treatments for Autism Caring for Adults With Autism Down Syndrome: Helping Your Child Avoid Social Problems Down Syndrome: Training and Therapy for Young People Down Syndrome: Helping Your Child Dress Independently Down Syndrome, Ages Birth to 1 Month Down Syndrome, Ages 1 Month to 1 Year Down Syndrome, Ages 1 to 5 Down Syndrome, Ages 5 to 13 Down Syndrome, Ages 13 to Anorexia: Learning New Eating Behaviours Anorexia: Learning to Trust Others Binge Eating Disorder Bulimia Nervosa Eating Disorders: Cultural and Social Factors Eating Disorders: Feeling Better About Yourself Eating Disorders: Malnutrition Tests Eating Disorders: Things That Put a Person at Risk.

Absence Epilepsy Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Focal Epilepsy Epilepsy: Simple Partial Seizures Epilepsy Epilepsy and Driving Epilepsy: Generalized Seizures Epilepsy: Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures Epilepsy: Myoclonic Seizures Epilepsy: Atonic Seizures Epilepsy: Tonic Seizures Epilepsy: Complex Partial Seizures Epilepsy Medicine Therapy Failure Stopping Medicine for Epilepsy Questions About Medicines for Epilepsy Epilepsy: Taking Your Medicines Properly.

Sleep Apnea: Should I Have a Sleep Study? Peripheral Arterial Disease of the Legs Bradycardia Slow Heart Rate Types of Bradycardia Cardiac Device Monitoring Angioplasty for Peripheral Arterial Disease of the Legs Isolated Systolic High Blood Pressure Atrial Fibrillation: Should I Try Electrical Cardioversion?

Change in Heartbeat Deep Vein Thrombosis Fast Heart Rate Heart Failure: Symptom Record Heart Failure: Compensation by the Heart and Body Heart Failure: Taking Medicines Properly Heart Failure: Watching Your Fluids Heart Failure: Avoiding Triggers for Sudden Heart Failure Heart Failure: Activity and Exercise Heart Tests: When Do You Need Them?

Low Blood Pressure Hypotension Cardiac Arrest Heart Failure Daily Action Plan Premature Ventricular Contractions PVCs Heart Rate Problems: Should I Get a Pacemaker? Heart Rhythm Problems: Should I Get an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator ICD? What to Do if Your Cardiac Device Is Recalled Venous Insufficiency Carotid Artery Stenting ICD: Living Well With It Diabetes: Lower Your Risk for Heart Attack and Stroke Pacemaker for Heart Failure Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Heart Attack: How to Prevent Another One Stroke: How to Prevent Another One Sex and Your Heart Supraventricular Tachycardia: Should I Have Catheter Ablation?

Acute Coronary Syndrome Aspirin: Should I Take Daily Aspirin to Prevent a Heart Attack or Stroke? Heart Failure: Should I Get a Pacemaker?

Heart Failure: Should I Get an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator ICD? Heart Valve Disease Myxoma Tumours of the Heart Aortic Dissection Heart Attack and Stroke Risk Screening High Blood Pressure: Checking Your Blood Pressure at Home Hypertensive Emergency Stroke Rehabilitation Treatment for Stroke-Related Spasticity Driving a Car After a Stroke Heart Failure: Avoiding Medicines That Make Symptoms Worse Stroke Recovery: Coping With Eating Problems Heart Murmur High Blood Pressure: Should I Take Medicine?

Coronary Artery Disease: Should I Have Angioplasty for Stable Angina? Tyrell's Story: Taking Pills for High Blood Pressure Stroke Prevention: Should I Have a Carotid Artery Procedure? Atrial Fibrillation: Which Anticoagulant Should I Take to Prevent Stroke?

Stroke: Should I Move My Loved One Into Long-Term Care? Atrial Fibrillation: Should I Take an Anticoagulant to Prevent Stroke?

Smoking and Coronary Artery Disease. Hepatitis C: Your Risk for Cirrhosis Hepatitis E Hepatitis B Immune Globulin - Injection Heparin - Injection Fulminant Hepatitis Protect Yourself From Hepatitis A When Travelling Hepatitis A Viral Hepatitis Hepatitis C Hepatitis D Hepatitis B: How to Avoid Spreading the Virus Hepatitis B Hepatitis Panel Hepatitis B Treatment Recommendations Hepatitis B: Should I Be Tested?

HIV Infection HIV Viral Load HIV: Stages of Infection Ways HIV Cannot Be Spread HIV and Exercise HIV: Giving Support HIV: Tips for Caregivers to Avoid Infection HIV: Preventing Other Infections When You Have HIV HIV Home Care Antiretroviral medicines for HIV Resistance to HIV Medicines HIV: Preventing Infections HIV: Antiretroviral Therapy ART Opportunistic Infections in HIV HIV: Taking Antiretroviral Drugs HIV: Non-Progressors and HIV-Resistant People HIV Screening HIV and Weight Loss HIV and Fatigue.

Anthrax Avian Influenza Avoiding Infections in the Hospital Bacterial Infections of the Spine Bites and Stings: Flu-Like Symptoms Boric Acid for Vaginal Yeast Infection Caregiving: Reducing Germs and Infection in the Home Central Venous Catheter: Flushing Chickenpox Varicella Chickenpox: Preventing Skin Infections Chikungunya Fever Complicated Urinary Tract Infections Complications of Ear Infections Cranberry Juice and Urinary Tract Infections Dengue Fever Ear Infection: Should I Give My Child Antibiotics?

Ear Infections Ebola or Marburg Virus Infection Ebola Virus Disease Enterovirus D68 EV-D68 Fever or Chills, Age 11 and Younger Fever or Chills, Age 12 and Older Fever Seizures Fever Temperatures: Accuracy and Comparison Feverfew for Migraines Fifth Disease Flu: Signs of Bacterial Infection Fungal Nail Infections Giardiasis Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease Kissing Bugs Measles Rubeola Middle East Respiratory Syndrome MERS Molluscum Contagiosum Monkeypox Mononucleosis Mono Mononucleosis Complications Mumps Nail Infection: Should I Take Antifungal Pills?

Neutropenia: Preventing Infections Non-Surgical Nail Removal for Fungal Nail Infections Noroviruses Pleurisy Pneumonia Preventing Tetanus Infections Pseudomonas Infection Recurrent Ear Infections and Persistent Effusion Recurrent Vaginal Yeast Infections Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV Infection Rotavirus Rubella German Measles Scarlet Fever Sexually Transmitted Infections Sexually Transmitted Infections: Genital Examination for Men Sexually Transmitted Infections: Symptoms in Women Sexually Transmitted Infections: Treatment Shingles Smallpox Sore Throat and Other Throat Problems Staph Infection Strep Throat Symptoms of Pelvic Infection Thrush Tick Bites: Flu-Like Symptoms Tinea Versicolor Tuberculosis TB Tuberculosis Screening Urinary Tract Infections UTIs in Older Adults Vaginal Yeast Infection: Should I Treat It Myself?

Vaginal Yeast Infections Valley Fever West Nile Virus Zika Virus. Broken Collarbone Clavicle Shoulder Separation Frozen Shoulder Preventing ACL Injuries Living With a Spinal Cord Injury Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries Tendon Injury Tendinopathy Shin Splints Muscle Cramps Whiplash Fractured Rib.

Osteochondritis Dissecans of a Joint Back to Work? Acute Kidney Injury Versus Chronic Kidney Disease Nephrotic Syndrome Uremia Kidney Stones: Should I Have Lithotripsy to Break Up the Stone? Chronic Kidney Disease Kidney Failure: When Should I Start Dialysis? Kidney Failure: Should I Start Dialysis?

Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease End-Stage Kidney Failure Tolvaptan Inherited Kidney Disease - Oral Types of Kidney Stones Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy ESWL for Kidney Stones Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy or Nephrolithotripsy for Kidney Stones Kidney Stones Advance Care Planning: Should I Stop Kidney Dialysis?

Kidney Disease: Medicines to Avoid Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease Medicines That Can Cause Acute Kidney Injury Donating a Kidney Kidney Stones: Medicines That Increase Your Risk.

Breathing Problems: Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome ARDS Bronchiectasis Chest Problems Sildenafil 20 Mg Lungs - Oral Tadalafil Lungs - Oral Tests for Lung Infections COPD: Lung Volume Reduction Surgery Acute Bronchitis Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older Breathing Smoke or Fumes Pulmonary Lung Nodules Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome SARS COPD's Effect on the Lungs Black Lung Disease Oral Breathing Devices for Snoring Spinal Cord Injury: Breathing Practice Breathing Problems: Using a Dry Powder Inhaler COPD: Clearing Your Lungs Collapsed Lung Pneumothorax Interactive Tool: Should I Consider Surgery for My Low Back Problem?

COPD: Learning to Breathe Easier Lung Function in COPD COPD: Handling a Flare-Up Sarah's Story: Dealing With the Emotions From COPD Fran's Story: Finding Support When You Have COPD. Multiple Sclerosis: Alternative Treatments Multiple Sclerosis: Modifying Your Home Multiple Sclerosis: Bladder Problems Multiple Sclerosis MS Types of Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis Progression Multiple Sclerosis: MRI Results Multiple Sclerosis: Mental and Emotional Problems Multiple Sclerosis: Questions About What to Expect Rehabilitation Programs for Multiple Sclerosis.

Liraglutide - Injection Obesity Weight and Coronary Artery Disease Health Problems Associated With Adult Obesity Cardiac Rehabilitation: Weight and Resistance Training.

Menopause: Should I Use Hormone Therapy HT? Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Should I Have a Hysterectomy? PMS: Should I Try an SSRI Medicine for My Symptoms?

Uterine Fibroids: Should I Have Uterine Fibroid Embolization? Menopause: Managing Hot Flashes Premature Ejaculation High-Risk Sexual Behaviour Object in the Vagina Periodic Limb Movement Disorder Military Sexual Trauma Sexual Problems in Women Female Genital Problems and Injuries Smoking: Sexual and Reproductive Problems.

Acne: Should I See My Doctor? Hyperthyroidism: Should I Use Antithyroid Medicine or Radioactive Iodine? Thyroid Storm Hyperparathyroidism Thyroid - Oral Subclinical Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism: Graves' Ophthalmopathy Radioactive Iodine for Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism Thyroid Nodules Thyroid Hormone Production and Function.

Vertigo: Level 1 Easy Balance Exercises Vertigo: Level 2 Harder Balance Excercises Tracking Chart for Level 1 and Level 2 Excercises for Vertigo Brandt-Daroff Exercise for Vertigo Vertigo: Balance Exercise Vertigo: Walking Excercises.

Topic Contents Condition Basics Cause What Increases Your Risk Symptoms What Happens When to Call a Doctor Examinations and Tests Treatment Overview Self-Care Medicines Related Information Credits.

Condition Basics What are peptic ulcers, and what causes them? What are the symptoms? How are they diagnosed? How are peptic ulcers treated? Cause The two most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection with Helicobacter pylori H. Learn more Helicobacter Pylori Bacteria Types of Peptic Ulcers.

What Increases Your Risk Doing the following things can increase your chance of getting a peptic ulcer.

Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Drinking too much alcohol. If you drink, try to drink less. Your risk of harm from alcohol is low if you have 2 drinks or less per week , moderate if you have 3 to 6 drinks per week, and high if you have 7 or more drinks per week.

A Helicobacter pylori H. This is the most common cause of ulcers. Physical stress caused by a serious illness or injury. Examples are a major trauma, surgery, or the need to be on a ventilator to assist breathing. Hypersecretory condition.

With this, your stomach produces too much acid. A personal or family history of ulcers. Symptoms Common symptoms of a peptic ulcer include: A burning, aching, or gnawing pain between the belly button navel and the breastbone.

Some people also have back pain. The pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours. It may come and go for weeks. Pain that usually goes away for a while after you take an antacid or acid reducer. Loss of appetite and weight loss. Bloating or nausea after eating.

Less common symptoms include: Vomiting. Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds. Passing black stools that look like tar, or stools that contain dark red blood. Different people have different symptoms. What Happens The symptoms of peptic ulcers, such as belly pain, may come and go.

Complications A peptic ulcer may cause problems such as: Bleeding. Peptic ulcers sometimes bleed. Sometimes an ulcer may involve just the surface lining of the digestive tract. The person may then have a slow but constant loss of blood into the digestive tract.