Diagnosis and treatment of ulcer symptoms
Several options are available for the diagnosis of ulcers -- this includes endoscopic and x-ray examination. Endoscopy is a medical procedure through which a doctor evaluates the esophagus (slowing tube), stomach the intestine. A flexible, light instrument called the Endoscope is introduced through the mouth or a natural opening, this helps the doctor to identify the affected area. Alternatively, the patient is allowed to swallow a white, chalky liquid containing Barium, which illuminates a Ulcer during an X-ray examination.
The presence of Helicobacter Pylori (a spiral shaped liked bacteria usually found in our stomach) might be evaluated through a series of tests including blood, breath and tissues. Once the presence of H.Pylori is confirmed, eliminating it may cure ulcer. Various medications including the H2 Blockers, proton-pump inhibitors, mucosal protective agents and antibiotics are suggested by a doctor. However if the medications fail to cure, a surgery might be needed.
Alongwith the medications, a change in the lifestyle, reduction of stress (physical) is necessary to revive the digestive capability of the stomach to produce more mucus and bicarbonates.
Some common medications
- H2 Blockers – also known as the H-2 receptor antagonists, are generally used to minimize the production of acids in the stomach. A common chemical named theHistamine-2, which indicates the stomach to make more acids is blocked by the H2 Blockers. Different Types of H-2 Blockers are - Tagamet (cimetidine), Pepcid (famotidine), Axid (nizatidine).
- Proton Pump Inhibitors - A Proton Pump Inhibitors or a PPI are a combined group of drugs which act on the reduction of the acids by blocking the pumps that create acids in the stomach.A PPI is a higher dose of drug, which is used when a H2 Blocker fails to cure an “ulcer”. Though the H2 Blocker and the Proton Pump Inhibitors are generally very well tolerated but it rare cases a patient might experience a feeling of headache, nausea.