WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
An ulcer is an open sore in the digestive tract. Most
ulcers are found in the stomach and top of the small intestine.
When stomach acid comes in contact with an ulcer, it can become
quite painful. With treatment, most ulcers heal in 1 to
2 months. The most serious problems occur when there is
bleeding from the stomach and when the ulcer breaks through
(perforates) the stomach or intestinal wall.
Causes
Most ulcers are caused by a bacterium called
H. pylori. Excess stomach acid makes the situation
worse. Certain medicines, such as the nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed for arthritis, also can
cause ulcers. Smoking, drinking, consuming too much caffeine
(from coffee, tea, or cola drinks) and stress play an important
role in the development of an ulcer.
Signs/Symptoms
The most common symptom is pain
in the upper abdomen (the area around the stomach), especially
when the stomach is empty. You may also have pain after eating,
especially if you eat something that upsets your stomach. Other
possible symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and
burping.
Care
Most ulcers can be treated at
home. If your ulcer starts to bleed, however, you will probably
have to go to the hospital.
Risks
With treatment, your ulcer will
usually heal without any problems. Without proper care,
however, you may develop a bleeding ulcer or other problems
that require surgery.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, drugs that
block acid production, and regular antacids. You will
probably have to take several drugs at different times each
day. Be sure to follow directions exactly. Don't stop
taking the medicines on your own, even if you're feeling
better
-
You can use over-the-counter antacids, but take them
only as directed by your doctor.
-
Try to keep something in your stomach. Eat several
small meals at regular times during the day. Missing meals
and eating irregularly can make your symptoms
worse.
-
Avoid foods and beverages that upset your stomach.
These may include acidic foods, carbonated beverages, beer
and other alcoholic drinks, tea, and
coffee.
-
Don't take aspirin or ibuprofen. They may cause
bleeding. You may use acetaminophen.
-
Don't smoke. Smokers are more likely to develop
ulcers, and their ulcers take longer to heal and are more
likely to recur.
-
Try to reduce the stress in your life. Seek
professional counseling if necessary.
-
Rest as much as possible. You may resume your normal
activities when you feel better.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Your stools are black, bloody, or
tarry-looking.
-
You have diarrhea or constipation that may be caused
by antacids.
-
Your symptoms do not improve in a few
weeks.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You vomit blood or material that looks like coffee
grounds.
-
You have severe abdominal pain.
-
You have cold skin, are sweating, and feel weak or
faint.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
Upper GI: An x-ray of your stomach and intestines.
You will need to drink a chalky liquid before the x-rays.
The pictures help your doctor locate the
problem.
-
Endoscopy (end-AH-scuh-pee): Your doctor may need to
examine the inside of your stomach. A tube will be passed
through your mouth and into your stomach, and the doctor
will use a camera to look at the
ulcer.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Pulse Oximeter: If you are getting oxygen, you may
be hooked up to a pulse oximeter (ox-IM-uh-ter). It is
placed on your ear, finger, or toe and is connected to a
machine that measures the oxygen in your
blood.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
Blood: Your nurse will usually take blood from a
vein in your hand or from the bend in your elbow. Tests
will be done on the blood.
-
Chest X-ray: This picture of your lungs and heart
shows your doctor how well they are handling the
illness.
-
Blood Transfusion: If you are losing too much blood,
a transfusion may be needed.
-
Surgery: A perforated or bleeding ulcer may require
surgery. Your doctor will discuss the operation with you in
advance.
After You Leave
Follow the directions listed
under ""What You Should Do.''
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