How to Deal with an Ulcer: The Top Tips for People Living With Ulcers

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People living with ulcers know that they can flare up at any time. But while stomach ulcers are one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor, it’s also one of the most treatable. Because figuring out how to get rid of an ulcer isn’t always as simple as going to the store and buying stuff that will make you feel better your doctor might recommend a different approach than what you are used to.

However, knowing how to handle an ulcer can help you avoid its symptoms and slow down its progression so that it doesn’t become chronic. Keep reading for everything you need to know about this disabling condition and how to get relief.

What is an ulcer?

An ulcer is a type of inflammation that develops in the stomach and/or small intestine. As the name suggests, an ulcer is a tear in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. The stomach and small intestine are two areas of the body that are always connected, and when one area becomes ulcerated, the other suffers the same fate. It is highly likely that your stomach and/or small intestine will become ulcerated at some point in your life.

The most common causes of stomach and/or small intestine inflammation are:

• Alcohol and acidity

• Stress and anxiety

• Chronic dieting

• Excessive exercise

• Medications

A variety of factors can trigger an ulcer. However, the most common reason is over-the-top stress. (This is why you should try to avoid overloading yourself with too many responsibilities at once.) Stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released in response to stress, which can cause your stomach and small intestine to become inflamed.

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Stomach and small intestine ulcers usually occur during the months of June and July. However, they can occur at any time and even on different days.

One study found that the risk of an ulcer increased significantly in the first few days after a person’s birthday. Another study found that one in four people develop an ulcer during their child’s first year of life.

How bad is an ulcer?

Your doctor will probably ask you to rate your discomfort on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the least discomfort and 10 being the most discomfort. However, your pain score should remain between 4 and 6 even after you have been pain-free for hours.

Most people experience a milder form of stomach pain while on medications to manage chronic pain. Chronic pain can be incredibly tortuous and can seriously detract from your quality of life.

Stomach acidity is the main cause of stomach and small intestinal ulceration. If your stomach acidity is high enough to cause an ulcer, you are likely to develop an inflammation. Stomach acidity is influenced by a number of factors, including diet and stress. People with sensitive stomachs may require higher levels of acidity to reduce their abdominal discomfort.

What to do to get healing started

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If you think you might have an ulcer, the first thing you should do is visit your doctor. Your doctor will examine you and determine what type of pain medicine you should be prescribed. If your doctor discovers that you have an ulcer, he or she will likely recommend some dose for you. However, you should probably start with a low dose and work your way up until you are comfortable taking medication.

Stomach and small intestinal ulcers are extremely rare conditions. They are often undocumented and under-recognized, which can make it hard for people with them to get the proper care they need. Your doctor can diagnose you with an ulcer and will probably recommend a course of antibiotics.

Your doctor will also likely recommend a diet that contains certain foods that can decrease your stomach acidity. If your stomach or small intestine ulcer is located in your lower stomach, your doctor will likely prescribe you proton-pump inhibitors (PPI). These medications stop stomach and small intestinal bacteria from working, allowing your body to clean itself and reduce the risk of future infections.

However, PPI’s generally have a short term effect, and you should probably take them only as a last resort. While you can’t prevent all stomach and small intestinal ulcers, you can try to minimize their chances of happening. By following these tips, you can better deal with an ulcer and receive the best possible treatment from the doctors who care for you.

(1). https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-ulcers-treatment

(2). https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/everyday-pain-relief-ulcers

(3). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peptic-ulcer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354229

(4). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322740