How To Prevent Stomach Ulcers

Gastric ulcers are quite common. In fact, a high incidence is seen among patients. It is therefore important to be able to prevent stomach ulcers.

A low percentage of patients who suffer from them  can manifest complications such as bleeding and hole in the stomach, which can be life-threatening. This is not a small problem.

What are stomach ulcers?

Gastric ulcers are defects or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the part of the small intestine that comes after the stomach).

They develop and grow due to the acidic activity of stomach acid. The disease is associated with two primary factors:  Helicobacter pylori  bacterial infections and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Most people who have stomach ulcers will not manifest any symptoms or only suffer from dyspepsia:

• Stomach pain.

• Burning sensation or heartburn.
• Food intolerance with flatulence and upset stomach.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Complications of gastric ulcer include bleeding, perforation, penetration and obstruction. The incidence has decreased in recent decades  thanks to the identification and treatment of  H. pylori.

What factors make it likely to develop stomach ulcers?

One of the crucial factors is infection in the stomach of  Helicobacter pylori. Between 85 and 100% of patients with stomach ulcers test positive for this bacterium in the stomach or duodenum.

Likewise, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, diclofenac, piroxicam and naprozen and other drugs such as cigarettes and alcohol is a risk factor. The risk gradually increases the longer a person uses them.

Experts also know that there is a family-related predisposition to stomach ulcers. However, this predisposition must be combined with unhealthy habits in order to end up in illness.

For example, consuming certain foods and beverages that can cause stomach upset. Eating a healthy diet, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber, can reduce the risk of suffering from stomach ulcers.

In addition  , the role that stress plays in the development of stomach ulcers is controversial. There is some evidence that it may contribute to the development of it as well as partial healing and increased likelihood of recurrence.

How to prevent stomach ulcers?

We have decided to share some recommendations that you can follow to prevent stomach ulcers. These tips involve healthy habits and medical therapeutic measures backed by scientific evidence:

• Avoid using aspirin  whenever possible. In particular, healthcare professionals should consider it carefully before prescribing it to patients with previous stomach ulcers. Likewise, they should always choose the lowest possible dose and the patient should always take them with food. If you need painkillers, you should always choose paracetamol.
• For patients with previous stomach ulcers who need to continue taking aspirin or another type of NASID, experts recommend concomitant treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (eg omeprazole) for as long as they take it.
• Treat  H. pylori  infection with antibiotics. Several types of antibiotics have been tested, and many of them failed to kill the bacterium. The selected treatment must include the resistance of the bacterium. For that reason, one of the options that healthcare professionals choose is the combination of clarithromycin and amoxicillin for 14 days.

• Avoid cigarettes and limit alcohol intake.
• Make dietary changes. You should avoid chocolate, fatty foods, deep fried foods, coffee, citrus fruits and very spicy or strong foods. Although experts know that they can not directly cause stomach ulcers, they can aggravate them. They also always recommend reducing their intake.
• Avoid becoming overweight.

It takes dedication to prevent stomach ulcers

Patients who have suffered from stomach ulcers will benefit from most of the preventative measures we have mentioned in this article. More than anything else  , one should avoid taking NSAIDs and smoking.

In many cases, a doctor will additionally evaluate the eradication of  H. pylori. It is not something that the patient can decide for themselves. The doctor must actually perform additional tests to confirm the existence of the bacterium as well as its resistance to antibiotics. Once this process has been performed, they will establish the necessary treatment.

Although healthy habits, stress reduction and dietary changes are not factors associated with the actual development of stomach ulcers, they can improve the symptoms or prevent the pain from getting worse.

In short, there is no magic way to prevent stomach ulcers. This actually requires dedication and persistence in patients and the lifestyle changes they have to make.