Ulcers Treatment

Mild ulcers will resolve through home remedies or over-the-counter treatments but in some cases a medical intervention is required to treat the underlying causes. Here’s when you need to see a doctor for ulcers:

• Persistent stomach pain: Severe pain in your stomach, which worsens after eating or on empty stomach
• Unexplained weight loss: Unintentional weight-loss can be a sign of a condition linked to ulcers.
• Frequent nausea or vomiting: If you feel nauseous often or vomit, or find blood in vomit
• Black or bloody stools: Dark, tarry stools or stools with visible blood
• Loss of appetite: If you’re struggling to eat or feel full quickly
• Heartburn: If you frequently experience acid reflux, bloating, or indigestion
• No relief: If antacids or acid-reducing medications don’t relieve your symptoms
• Use certain medications regularly: Frequent use of certain medications increases the risk of ulcers.

Symptoms of ulcers:

• Burning stomach pain (often worse on an empty stomach)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating and indigestion
• Unexplained weight loss
• Dark or bloody stools (a sign of bleeding ulcers)

Ulcers develop when the protective lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus becomes damaged, allowing stomach acid to create open sores. The most common causes include:

1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection

• A bacterial infection that weakens the stomach’s protective lining.
• Causes inflammation, making the stomach more vulnerable to acid damage.
• Can lead to chronic gastritis and increase the risk of ulcers.

2. Excessive stomach acid production

• Overproduction of gastric acid can erode the stomach lining.
• Triggers include stress, spicy foods, caffeine, and smoking.

3. Long-term use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

• Certain medications can irritate the stomach lining.
• Prolonged use increases the risk of ulcers, especially in older adults.

4. Chronic stress

• While stress alone doesn’t cause ulcers, it can worsen symptoms.
• May contribute to increased stomach acid production and delayed healing.

5. Smoking and alcohol consumption

• Smoking weakens the stomach lining and slows ulcer healing.
• Alcohol increases stomach acid and irritates ulcerated areas.

6. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (Rare Cause)

• A condition that causes tumours in the pancreas or duodenum, leading to excessive stomach acid production.

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that develop on the feet due to poor circulation, nerve damage (neuropathy), and high blood sugar levels. They can become infected if not treated properly. To prevent them, manage blood sugar levels, wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes, check your feet daily for cuts or blisters, and maintain proper foot hygiene. Regular check-ups with a doctor or podiatrist can help identify early signs of foot ulcers and prevent complications.

If you have a stomach ulcer, avoid spicy foods, acidic foods (such as citrus fruits and tomatoes), caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, as they can irritate the stomach lining. Fried, fatty, and processed foods should also be limited, as they can increase acid production. Instead, opt for easily digestible foods like bananas, oatmeal, and lean proteins. Drinking too much coffee or eating late at night can also worsen symptoms, so it’s best to follow a balanced, ulcer-friendly diet.

Consult an AHPRA-licensed online doctor or health practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 today for:

• Telehealth appointments
• Online scripts
• Medical certificates
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