Ulcers - Medical Treatments and Alternative Therapies

Drug Therapy

A number of different medications are used to treat ulcers. Antacids reduce the acidity of digestive juices, alleviating pain and inflammation and promoting healing. Most antacids are available without prescription; common ingredients include aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and sodium bicarbonate. Histamine blockers work by hindering the action of chemicals that can trigger inflammation and pain. Examples include cimetidine and ranitidine . Antibiotics clear up infection from harmful bacteria, especially H. pylori, sometimes found in the lining of the stomach or intestine. Antacids or other antiulcer drugs may be prescribed along with the antibiotics . Coating agents form a barrier over the ulcer to protect it from acid and allow it to heal; sucralfate is a coating agent. Certain antacids containing aluminum also perform this function. Prostaglandin agents such as misoprostol protect the lining of the stomach from the side effects of aspirin, ibuprofen, and other non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs.

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Surgery

Most ulcers do not require surgery unless there are serious complications, such as obstruction, perforation, or hemorrhaging. The extent of the operation depends upon the com ­ plication. For a bleeding ulcer, perhaps only the blood vessel needs to be tied, although the ulcer may be taken out at the same time. In other cases, part of the stomach may be removed.

Alternative Therapies

Biofeedback Training

Biofeedback, in which machines are used to identify specific body responses and to learn ways to control or change them, may be useful in treating stress related ulcers.

Herbal Medicine

Numerous herbs, including cayenne, catnip, chamomile, licorice, sage, and slippery elm, are said to alleviate ulcer symptoms. These herbs may be taken either as teas or in capsule form.

Meditation And Hypnosis

Although stress itself probably does not cause ulcers, it certainly aggravates them. Thus, many doctors who specialize in treating ulcers recommend meditation, yoga, self-hypnosis, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques.

Naturopathy And Nutrition Therapy

In the past, diets for ulcer patients relied heavily on milk, rice, mashed potatoes, and other bland foods. Naturopaths now believe that milk has a rebound effect; while it neutralizes stomach acid, the calcium and protein it contains stimulate the production of more acid. Many now recommend drinking the juice of raw cabbage to dilute stomach acids Small, frequent meals are advocated and, when symptoms are severe, soft foods, with a switch to baby foods if bleeding occurs. To prevent constipation, a nonirritating fiber such as psyllium seed or guar gum may be added to the regimen. Iron supplements may be prescribed to overcome anemia caused by chronic or severe bleeding. Zinc is said to promote ulcer healing, and vitamin A emulsion or capsules are believed to protect the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines.

Self Treatment

Learn to slow down and be patient; ulcers often take a year or more to heal. In the meantime, strive for a healthy lifestyle that stresses regular exercise, a balanced diet, ample sleep, and time to relax and enjoy life. Avoid aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs unless you need them for arthritis or another medical problem. In such cases, ask your doctor about taking either an alternative medication or the drug in a coated form that passes through the stomach without being broken down. If this is not feasible, investigate taking a protective medication, such as an antacid or coating agent. If you smoke, make every effort to stop there is a definite association between smoking and ulcers. Also, do not drink coffee, even decaffeinated types; coffee in all forms stimulates acid production. Abstain from alcohol as well; it irritates the intestinal lining and prevents healing. Spicy foods probably do not exacerbate ulcers, but you should avoid any that seem to provoke symptoms. Some patients who undergo ulcer surgery develop a condition called dumping syndrome, which is marked by abdominal distress, lightheadedness, sweating, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting an hour or so after eating. The symptoms are caused by an overly rapid emptying of the stomach contents into the duodenum. To avoid this problem, eat small, frequent meals, limit your intake of sweets, and avoid drinking fluids at mealtime.

Other Causes of Ulcer Symptoms

Stomach or intestinal pain may signify diverticular disease, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or even stomach cancer.

Ulcers - Medical Treatments and Alternative Therapies

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