Peptic Ulcers (Stomach Ulcer)
What is peptic ulcer
A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the beginning of the small intestine.
A peptic ulcer in the stomach is called a gastric ulcer. One that occurs in the duodenum is called a duodenal ulcer.
What causes peptic ulcer
A bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major cause of peptic ulcers.
Symptoms of peptic ulcer
Abdominal discomfort is the most common symptom, weight loss, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting
Test
A blood test for H pylori
Medications
If blood test report of H. pylori is positive, the doctor will recommend Triple Therapy treatment.
This includes two antibiotics and one acid pump inhibitor
- 1. Amoxil 500 mg (Amoxicillin ) GSK (in Pakistan) 1+0+1
- 2. Klaricid 500 mg (Clarithromycin) Abbot (in Pakistan) 1+0+1
- 3. Encid 20 mg (Omeprazol) Willson (in Pakistan) 1+0+1
This treatment is for 14 days . Do not use these medication without your doctors prescription. It is given here only for patients knowledge.
After 14 days 1 and 2 are stopped and number 3 is continued for upto 1 year, after some time your doctor may reduced its dose from 2 cap/day to 1 cap/day or SOS.
During medication period patients feel uneasy e.g. stomach upset, headache, diarrhea, sensitivity to sun.
Take these medication with milk and eat 4-6 banana per day to avoid these symptoms, or discuss of with your doctor.
Another Blood Test
Usually doctor will ask for another blood test for H. pylori after one month of treatment, and further after 2 month and 4-6 month to check the eradication of H. pylori.
Food to avoid
Cold drinks, Pickles, Citrus fruits, Mango (even apples), Peach, Spicy meals, Red Chilli
Normally after eradication of H. pylori patient takes 3-4 years to returned to normal food. Pickles and cold drinks will remain sensitive food. Medicine number 3 should be used SOS.
For further reading please visit
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/pepticulcers_ez/
