How to Get Rid of Stomach Ulcer Pain

Stomach ulcer, also known as gastric ulcer is an area in which the tissues covering the inner layer of the stomach is eroded. These are open wounds that destroy specific areas of the mucus secreting membrane lining the stomach. 80 - 90% cases of stomach ulcers occur as a consequence of H. pylori (a bacterium) infection.

Other reasons for formation of ulcers are abuse of painkillers like aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. Antibiotic therapy supplemented with acid-suppressing drugs often works to clear the ulcers.

As bacterial infection is the main culprit behind ulceration in the stomach, antibiotics form the mainstay of the treatment. The time period of an antibiotic course will depend on the severity of the infection but usually taking the medication for 14 days is enough to clear the infection. 

Antibiotics that are commonly prescribed to stomach ulcer patients are given below

• Amoxicillin
• Tetracycline
• Metronidazole
• Clarithromycin

In order to promote breakdown of ingested food, the body stimulates production of acid in the stomach. This release of stomach acid is essential for proper digestion. However, ulcers exposed to stomach acids become irritated and cause moderate to severe stomach pain.

In such circumstances, the amount of stomach acid being produced has to be reduced in order to alleviate the discomfort. Some of the acid blockers recommended in the treatment of stomach ulcers are given below:

• Famotidine (Pepcid)
• Ranitidine (Zantac)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Nizatidine (Axid)

Extensive study of the anatomy of the stomach has revealed that four kinds of cells are seen covering the inner surface of the stomach. The parietal cells do the job of releasing hydrochloric acid to promote digestion. PPIs curb this action of parietal cells in an attempt to bring down stomach acid production. 

With the decline in the amount of stomach acid produced, the ulcer pain also subsides. Some of the common PPIs are mentioned below

• Acipex
• Prevacid
• Nexium

To promote ulcer healing, it is essential to nullify the effect of stomach acids. This can also be achieved through antacids, medications that are formulated for neutralizing stomach acids. In other words, they raise the pH value of the stomach to reduce the action of the acid. 

This neutralizing effect of antacids provides immediate relief from ulcer pain. Some of the antacids prescribed are given below

• Mylanta
• Maalox
• Gelusil

Although medication is helpful to stop stomach ulcer pain, they work best when it is complemented with a proper diet. Certain foodstuffs and beverages can worsen the discomfort as well as prolong the healing time of ulcers.

Drinking alcoholic beverages actually increases the amount of stomach acid being produced, in turn elevating the pain and the recovery time. Ulcer healing time may also lengthen substantially if the habit of smoking is not stopped.

Patients are advised to follow a modified diet that mainly involves avoiding high acidic foods and citrus juices of fruits like pineapple, oranges and grapefruit. Although tomatoes are a good source of antioxidants, patients have to stay away from this vegetable as it is highly acidic. Not eating spicy foods is also important to manage ulcer pain effectively.

On the whole, getting rid of stomach ulcer pain is possible only if patients take the aforementioned prescription medications in the right dosage as well as implement a diet that essentially involves elimination of high acidic foods.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.