Peptic Ulcer

Treatment Options

Acid suppressing drugs can heal ulcers, however, if H. Pylori is still present, the ulcers will come back. The best treatment involves getting rid of the infection. Currently, the recommended treatment involves a combination of two antibiotics and an acid-suppressing drug. This treatment is very successful in getting rid of infection. Medications for treating H. pylori are 80 — 90% effective.

• Antacids work by neutralizing acid that is present in the stomach. Antacids are of value for patients who have intermittent symptoms that require quick relief. However to treat an ulcer frequent dosing is necessary and more effective medications are now present.
• H2 receptor antagonists work by blocking histamines that stimulate acid secretion in the stomach. These are prescriptions drugs but some are now available as over the counter medications that do not requires a doctor’s prescription.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective medications for lowering acid and treating ulcer disease. They work by blocking proton pumps that secrete acid in the stomach and block acid the strongest.
• Surgery for ulcers has declined significantly with the advent of very effective medical therapy. Surgery is usually indicated for ulcers that present with complications such as a bleeding ulcer that can’t be stopped through therapeutic maneuvers through the gastroscope, obstruction and perforation. Rarely there are patients who may fail medical therapy and continue to have a symptomatic ulcer.