What is the Fastest Way to Cure a Stomach Ulcer?

Stomach ulcers (also called peptic ulcer disease or peptic ulcers) refer to open sores formed on the inner mucosal lining of the stomach. Peptic ulcers may also form on the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. These are referred to as duodenal ulcers.

Before learning “What is the Fastest Way to Cure a Stomach Ulcer?”, it is best to understand how these lesions develop.

What is a Stomach Ulcer?

A stomach ulcer or gastric ulcer occurs as a result of soreness in the stomach and the first part of the small intestine called the duodenum.

Gastric ulcers develop when gastric acid secreted for the digestion of food causes damage to the stomach lining. Hence, the treatments include methods to reduce stomach acid or neutralize stomach acid.

Abdominal discomfort, frequent indigestion, and burning sensation in the throat are common signs of stomach ulcers. These symptoms typically last several hours, although some patients experience them continuously.

Infection due to bacteria, especially H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori), is one of the most common causes of stomach ulcers. Some other causes of peptic ulcer disease include long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the intake of spicy and fried foods. Excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking can also contribute to peptic ulcers.

In some cases, mental stress and anxiety may exacerbate the existing ulcers and worsen the stomach ulcer symptoms, including burning sensation, vomiting, and indigestion.

The erosion of the mucosa due to H. Pylori infection or other factors allows gastric acid and other digestive enzymes to eat away at the wall of the stomach. This eventually results in the formation of open sores, which are irritated by the acidic secretions continually.

If not treated properly, these ulcers can continue to erode through the walls of the stomach and even wear a hole all the way through, leading to a medical emergency referred to as gastric perforation.

What are the Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers?

Pain and burning sensation are the most common symptoms of a stomach ulcer. These symptoms usually start as a mild feeling of discomfort. The pain is typically described as a sharp burning sensation often accompanied by sour eructation.

As the condition progresses, the patient may develop additional symptoms like bloating, heartburn, nausea, an unsatisfying feeling of fullness, excessive belching, and sudden difficulty eating spicy foods or fatty foods.

Having an empty stomach can often make the pain worse. Most patients report deriving relief from the pain after eating bland or soothing foods that neutralize stomach acids, such as oatmeal, apples, and pears.

In extreme cases, gastric ulcers may cause severe symptoms such as:

Persistent nausea
Vomiting blood
Sudden, sharp, and severe abdominal pain
Black or tarry stools
Dark blood in stools
Difficulty breathing
Fainting or feeling dizzy
Unexplained drastic weight loss
Unusual changes to your appetite

What is the Fastest Way to Cure a Stomach Ulcer?

Medical treatments for peptic ulcer disease typically include one or a combination of the following groups of drugs:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are prescribed when an H. pylori infection is suspected to be the cause of stomach ulcers. Clarithromycin, metronidazole, amoxicillin, tinidazole, levofloxacin, and tetracycline are commonly prescribed antibiotics for treating an H. pylori infection.

Most patients need to use antibiotics for two weeks in combination with additional medications for lowering stomach acid secretion.

Proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) help to block stomach acid production in the stomach. These medications work by blocking the activities of the cells that play a role in the secretion of gastric acid.

Some commonly prescribed proton pump inhibitors for relieving stomach pain include omeprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole.

However, long-term treatment with these medications, particularly in high doses, might increase the risk of a fracture in the hip, spine, and wrist. Hence, the use of calcium supplements is often recommended for patients who need to use PPIs on a regular basis to reduce this risk.

Acid Blockers

Acid blockers, also referred to as histamine receptor blockers, help to relieve stomach pain by reducing the amount of gastric acid released into the digestive tract. These medications relieve ulcer pain and promote healing.

The commonly prescribed acid blockers include famotidine, cimetidine, and nizatidine.

Antacids

Antacids help to reduce the burning sensation in the stomach by neutralizing the existing stomach acid and, thus, provide rapid symptom relief. However, these medications only provide temporary relief and do not help to heal stomach ulcers.

Cytoprotective agents

Cytoprotective agents are medications that can protect the lining of the stomach and small intestine, thus slowing down or inhibiting the progress of gastric ulcers.

Sucralfate and misoprostol are commonly prescribed cytoprotective agents for patients with stomach ulcers.

Natural and Home Remedies to Reduce Stomach Acid and Heal Digestive Tract

Probiotics

Probiotics are living organisms that can relieve pain, restore the balance of bacteria in the gut, and support the healing of the damaged mucosal lining of the stomach and intestine. They are available as over-the-counter medications or in different types of foods.

Clinical research has revealed that probiotics can prevent stomach ulcers, speed up the healing process of the stomach lining, and relieve symptoms of peptic ulcers.

The sources of probiotics rich in diverse strains of healthy bacteria include:

Yogurts
Fermented foods such as kimchi and kombucha
Sauerkraut
Kefir
Sourdough bread

Turmeric

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which can act as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. These properties of turmeric can reduce damage to the stomach mucosa and support the healing of stomach ulcers.

Colorful Fruits

The intake of colorful fruits such as berries, apples, guava, and melons is highly recommended as a safe and effective way to derive instant relief from stomach pain. These fruits contain compounds known as flavonoids, which are also responsible for the rich colors of these fruits.

Flavonoids possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce damage to the stomach mucosa and heal ulcers. Flavonoids can also protect the stomach lining and prevent the development of ulcers in the digestive tract by increasing the secretion of mucus and inhibiting the growth of H. pylori.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is revered for its soothing properties. It can neutralize stomach acid. It can also create a protective lining along the inner mucosa of the stomach, thus inhibiting the progress of ulceration and erosion.

Aloe vera can also act as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduce pain and inflammation in the stomach and duodenum associated with a peptic ulcer, thus promoting natural healing.

Plantain Bananas

Eating plantains, which is a type of banana, has been found to be an effective way to derive instant relief from stomach pain caused due to peptic ulcers.

Research suggests that unripe plantains contain a compound called leucocyanidin that can increase the secretion of mucus in the stomach. This, in turn, can help to neutralize gastric acid and relieve the symptoms of peptic ulcers.

Honey

Honey can produce a powerful antimicrobial effect against H. pylori and thus, inhibit the development and progress of peptic ulcers. Additionally, honey can also act as a soothing agent and protect the delicate stomach lining from damage by acidic secretions.

Ginger

Ginger possesses powerful anti-bacterial and gastroprotective properties. Research has revealed that the medicinal properties of ginger can help to reduce damage to the stomach mucosa by H-Pylori infection and the prolonged use of NSAIDs such as indomethacin and ibuprofen. Hence, the use of ginger is recommended for the prevention of an indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer.

Ginger can also provide rapid relief from nausea, vomiting, sour eructation, and burning sensation caused due to stomach ulcers.

Treatment of Peptic Ulcers: Frequently Asked Questions

What Helps Stomach Ulcers Heal Instantly?

Stomach ulcers, once developed, take time to heal. However, the use of medications that reduce or neutralize acid, in combination with natural home remedies, can speed up the healing of damaged stomach mucosa.

What Drink Gets Rid of Stomach Ulcers?

Drinking milk can often provide instant relief from pain and burning sensation caused due to stomach ulcers. Beverages rich in flavonoids and other natural antioxidants, such as green tea, can also be effective for healing stomach ulcers.

Can I Heal a Stomach Ulcer by Myself?

Yes, you can heal stomach ulcers by yourself by following healthy dietary and lifestyle habits such as:

Avoid the intake of fatty and fried foods
Eat plenty of fresh fruits
Limit alcohol intake
Stop smoking
Sleep well
Reduce mental stress

Conclusion

Most ulcers of the stomach, if not treated in an appropriate manner, can progress, causing serious complications, such as gastric perforation. It is possible to inhibit the progress of stomach ulcers and promote the healing of gastric mucosa by taking appropriate medications and following healthy dietary and lifestyle habits.

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