What are the warning signs of an ulcer?

Here are the top five signs you may have an ulcer:
  • Dull, burning pain. The most common sign of a stomach ulcer is dull, burning pain in the stomach area. …
  • Indigestion or heartburn. …
  • Nausea or vomiting. …
  • Change in stool color. …
  • Unexplained weight loss.

How do you check yourself for a stomach ulcer?

Urea breath tests and stool tests are typically the most accurate in being able to pinpoint an H. pylori presence that may be causing peptic ulcers.

Where is ulcer pain located?

In some cases ulcers don’t cause any symptoms. The most common ulcer symptom is a dull or burning pain in your belly between your breastbone and your belly button (navel). This pain often occurs around meal times and may wake you up at night. It can last from a few minutes to a few hours.

Do stomach ulcers go away on their own?

Many people who have peptic ulcers may not see a doctor when their symptoms begin. Their symptoms, such as belly pain, may come and go. Even without treatment, some ulcers will heal by themselves. And even with treatment, ulcers sometimes come back.

What foods soothe an ulcer?

Apples, pears, oatmeal, and other foods that are high in fiber are good for ulcers in two ways. Fiber can lower the amount of acid in your stomach while easing bloating and pain. Research has also shown that a diet rich in fiber may help prevent ulcers.

What drink is good for ulcers?

Drinking and Eating With an Ulcer

Plain water is the best choice. Meal timing might also make a difference. Some patients have reported a reduction in pain if they skip between-meal snacks, because eating less often reduces the amount of stomach acid produced throughout the day.

What is the best antacid for stomach ulcer?

Possible medicine treatments include antibiotics to eliminate Helicobacter pylori bacteria in your digestive tract. Your doctor may also recommend antacids to neutralize stomach acid and reduce pain.
…
These include:
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  • Ranitidine (Zantac)
  • Famotidine (Pepcid)
  • Nizatidine (Axid)

When should you go to the ER for an ulcer?

An ulcer that is bleeding more heavily may cause stools that are black and tarry, or signs of blood in your stool or vomit. These latter symptoms can be an indication of a life-threatening condition, and you should proceed immediately to an emergency room.

Can I take Pepto Bismol with an ulcer?

Do not use this medication to self-treat ulcers. Bismuth subsalicylate is a salicylate. Salicylates can cause serious bleeding problems when used alone in patients with ulcers.

What causes an ulcer to flare up?

The most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Stress and spicy foods do not cause peptic ulcers.

Can ulcers affect bowel movements?

Sometimes, peptic ulcers can lead to serious problems. These include: Bleeding – This can cause smelly and black-colored bowel movements or vomiting blood.

Will Tums help a stomach ulcer?

Antacids, such as Tums, can provide immediate pain relief but aren’t typically used to heal your ulcer. If your ulcer is due to frequent use of NSAIDs you should work with your doctor in order to reduce or eliminate your use of them.

Can you take Tylenol with stomach ulcer?

TYLENOL® may be a safe over the counter pain reliever for those with a history of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, or stomach problems such as heartburn. TYLENOL® is not an NSAID. NSAIDs (for example: ibuprofen, naproxen sodium) can cause stomach ulcers and an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding.

Do ulcers hurt when you push on your stomach?

The most common symptom of peptic ulcers is abdominal pain. The pain is usually in the upper middle part of the abdomen, above the belly button (navel) and below the breastbone. The ulcer pain can feel like burning, or gnawing, and it may go through to the back.

Do ulcers cause gas and bloating?

The main symptom caused by a stomach ulcer is having a pain in the upper tummy (abdomen). Other symptoms may include: Bloating. This means your tummy swells because your stomach is full of gas or air.

How can I get immediate relief from ulcer pain?

In general, people with ulcers should use acetaminophen for over-the-counter pain relief. Unless your doctor has said it’s OK, you should not use aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen sodium. If acetaminophen doesn’t help with your pain, see your doctor.

How long do stomach ulcers last?

Uncomplicated gastric ulcers take up to two or three months to heal completely. Duodenal ulcers take about six weeks to heal. An ulcer can temporarily heal without antibiotics. But it is common for an ulcer to recur or for another ulcer to form nearby, if the bacteria are not killed.

Do stomach ulcers cause back pain?

Ulcer and heartburn

A peptic ulcer can cause referred pain in your back. This type of ulcer is a sore in your stomach or the small intestines. Typical symptoms include: heartburn.

Why is ulcer pain worse at night?

“If you want pain at nighttime, eat at bedtime,” he said. That’s because when you eat, your stomach makes a lot of acid to digest the food. But “once the food is gone,” he said, acid levels remain high. A result: You’ll most likely be jolted awake by pain.