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H. pylori infection is considered to be a carcinogen by the World Health Organization as it is associated with the development of stomach cancer. Medications for treating H. pylori are 80 — 90% effective. |
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There are three main complications that can result from peptic ulcers.
1) Bleeding: Bleeding may be the first symptom and of an ulcer. Bleeding ulcers can cause vomiting of red blood or black coffee ground like material. If the blood passes out through the bowel, you may have black bowel movements. If there is a lot of bleeding both black and red stool may be passed. When an ulcer continues to bleed without treatment, you may become weak and anemic.
2) Obstruction: An ulcer can cause an obstruction or blockage of the stomach or duodenum. This may be due to acute swelling from the inflamed ulcer. With long standing ulcers, there can be healing with scarring that leads to the blockage. Patients with obstruction may have problems with filling up quickly when eating, nausea, and vomiting.
3) Perforation: Rarely ulcers may create a hole in the lining of the stomach or duodenum and result in a perforation. If this happens, you will experience sudden, severe abdominal pain.
It is always important to contact your doctor immediately if your symptoms worsen. |
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Proton pump inhibitors have been used for many years. They all have excellent safety profiles. In rare cases, individuals can experience problems with headaches, diarrhea and rash. Always speak to your doctor about any side effects, new symptoms or questions you have related to your treatment. There was some question about whether or not long term use of proton pump inhibitors increase the risk of bone fractures. This concern has not been substantiated. |
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No one knows for sure how H. pylori spreads, so prevention is difficult. There are currently no human vaccines available to protect against H. pylori infections. |
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Taking an ulcer medication can heal the ulcer but if the bacteria are still present, the ulcer will most likely come back. If an ulcer is caused by medication, then stopping the medication can prevent ulcer recurrences. There is a group of patients who may have ulcers unrelated to H. Pylori or drugs and these ulcers may recur spontaneously. |
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Important: This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. 
