How
can a H. Pyloric Peptic Ulcer Be Treated?
Peptic
ulcers that are caused by H. pylori are treated with
medications prescribed by your doctor. It is important to follow the treatment
plan exactly as your doctor has prescribed, and if you smoke, you should stop,
as smoking inhibits ulcer healing. You should also avoid alcoholic beverages.
The
medications are aimed to:
- To
kill the H. pylori bacteria.
- To
reduce the amount of acid in your stomach and duodenum. and
- To
protect the lining of your stomach and duodenum.
How
is the H. Pylori Bacteria Killed? Antibiotics
are used to kill the H. Pylori Bacteria. Usually, two antibiotics are used at
the same time. The most common antibiotics used are: Metronidazole, Tetracycline,
Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin. The antibiotic is usually taken for 2 weeks. How
is the Stomach Acid Reduced?
Your doctor will prescribe medication that will reduce the stomach acid.
The most common
medications to reduce stomach acid are H2-Receptor antagonists and Proton pump inhibitors.
H2-Receptor
antagonists
These include: Famotidine (Pepcid®); Cimetidine (Tagamet®); Ranitidine
(Zantac®); Nizatidine (Axid®).
Proton
pump inhibitors
These include: Omeprazole (Prilosec®/Losec®); Lansoprazole (Prevacid®);
Pantoprazole (Pantoloc®).
Protecting
the lining of the stomach and duodenum Your
doctor can prescribe medication to protect the lining of your stomach and duodenum.
These medications shield the lining from the acids. Some of the "over the
counter" protectants are antacids like TUMS and ROLAIDS. Surgery
to Treat Peptic Ulcers
In
very rare cases that do not respond to medication or if there are complications,
surgery may be required to treat a peptic ulcer. This option can be discussed
with your doctor.
What
can happen if an ulcer is not treated? It
is important to treat ulcers. Complications will occur if the ulcer is not treated.
Some possible complications are: anemia and
perforation. Anemia
occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen. Perforation
is when the ulcer goes through the wall of the stomach.
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