Peptic Ulcer Treatment: Gastric And Duodenal Ulcers Symptoms

Symptoms And Treatment Of Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcer is a term used to refer to both gastric and duodenal ulcers and the symptoms for this condition can vary from person to person. The symptom that most people complain of is of a burning pain that extends from the breastbone to the navel and this pain can continue for a few minutes to even a few hours. If the ulcers are in the duodenum, then the pain may occur when the stomach is empty, usually a few hours after every meal. Eating something and keeping the stomach half full should alleviate the pain. However, if the person is suffering from gastric ulcers, the pain will only get worse after a meal. Severe peptic ulcers are symptomised by vomiting food that has been eaten several hours or even a day or two earlier, vomiting up blood, blood in the stool which gives it a tar like appearance, feeling nauseated, exhaustion due to anaemia, difficulty in swallowing food, loss of weight despite a fairly healthy and consistent diet, sudden and sharp pains in the abdominal area which then extends to the back. If you notice any of these conditions, it is important to visit a doctor immediately. These symptoms could also be related to heart burn, chronic dyspepsia, diseases of the liver, gall bladder and so on.

Peptic Ulcer Diet

For those suffering from this condition, it would be advisable to make a change in diet and to avoid spicy, fatty, greasy and oily food. A bland diet may reduce the irritation the stomach suffers from, although this does not mean that it will get cured just from a diet change. It is also important to avoid smoking, alcohol, artificial beverages and if possible caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee as well. Diet is extremely important when fighting this condition and it is important to consume a low salt diet and in case the condition is severe, a milk and banana diet would be advisable. Some dieticians prescribe milk, dates, muskmelon and mangoes accompanied by cream, butter, fresh raw and parboiled vegetables. Almond milk that is rich in protein is capable of reducing the acidity in the stomach. Yams, crookneck squash and potatoes are also alright for the delicate stomach. It would be advisable to drink several glasses of water a day and eat frequent small meals. In case of stomach pains, a hot water bottle should help and it would be beneficial to avoid stressful situations.