Stomach Ulcers In Encino, CA
Stomach ulcers, also called gastric ulcers, are sores that can form on the lining of your stomach. A common myth is that they are caused by stress or spicy, acidic foods, but the actual cause is an infection. This infection is caused by an overabundance of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori in your stomach. You can also suffer from stomach ulcers if you have used aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium for long periods of time. Dr Mordo Suchov at Gastroenterology Associates Of Southern California in Encino, California wants to share the facts about stomach ulcers.
Many people with stomach ulcers may never experience symptoms however there are some definite signs and symptoms of stomach ulcers, including:
- Burning stomach pain with excess stomach acid
- Burning stomach pain with an empty stomach
- Stomach pain that is worse between meals or at night
- Intolerance to fatty foods
- Feeling bloated or overly full
- Frequent belching
- Heartburn
- Nausea
Stomach ulcers can also cause more severe symptoms. You need to visit your gastroenterologist in Encino, CA if you experience:
- Vomiting or vomit that is red or black (bloody)
- Stools that are tarry and black (a sign of blood in your stool)
- Difficult or labored breathing
- Fainting or light-headedness
- Unexplained weight loss or changes in appetite
There are some simple home remedies you can try, which may provide relief from stomach ulcer symptoms. Your gastroenterologist in Encino, CA wants you to try:
- Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits containing vitamins A and C, vegetables and whole grains
- Eating foods with probiotics, including cheeses, yogurt and fermented foods
- Removing milk from your diet because milk can cause excess stomach acid
- Changing pain-relieving medications to acetaminophen (Tylenol) products
- Limiting stress because it can increase your stomach ulcer symptoms
It’s also vital not to smoke or drink excess alcohol because it can increase stomach acid and make you more prone to stomach ulcers.
Your gastroenterologist in Encino, CA can suggest a variety of medications to help heal your stomach ulcer, depending on the cause. These medications include:
- Antibiotics to kill the H. pylori bacteria; these can include amoxicillin, metronidazole or tetracycline among others
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to block acid production and aid healing; these can include Nexium, Prilosec or Prevacid among others
- Antacids to neutralize stomach acid