How to Treat Gastric Ulcers: Effective Remedies and Medical Options

If you’re frequently feeling burning stomach pain, or a gnawing sensation in your stomach, there is a chance that you could have a peptic ulcer. These can include gastric ulcers (also called stomach ulcers), which are on the inside of the stomach, as well as duodenal ulcers, which appear on the inside of the upper part of the small intestine. These ulcers are open sores, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including intermittent discomfort, or bloating and/or nausea. In more severe cases, peptic ulcers can lead to bloody vomit or dark stools (Mayo Clinic, 2023). 

As a gastro clinic in Montreal, we take a careful, individualized approach to each case since the medical strategies to treat gastric ulcers follow well-established pathways. Below, you’ll be walked through the main treatment options which will hopefully clear up common questions as well as highlight when more advanced care is necessary.

How to Treat Gastric Ulcers - Medications and Medical Procedures 

Medications to Reduce Stomach Acid

One of the cornerstones of treatment is lowering acid production. While stomach acid  alone does not cause the ulcer,  it prevents healing and worsens pain. Taking medicine, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), including omeprazole or pantoprazole, is often the first choice to reduce bothersome stomach acid. H2 blockers like famotidine may also be used. By reducing the acid burden, the sore in the stomach lining has a chance to recover, and for many patients, this step alone leads to significant relief (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). It’s important to still have  long-term follow-up care, as ulcers can return if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.

Antibiotic Therapy for H. pylori

A frequent question we hear is whether ulcers can heal on their own. Some do, but if Helicobacter pylori infection is present, antibiotics are required for lasting resolution. H. pylori is a bacterium that damages the stomach lining and interferes with natural defenses, thus allowing stomach acid to cause ulcers. The standard treatment is a combination of two or more antibiotics paired with an acid-suppressing drug. This approach is very important because untreated infection can cause ulcer recurrence. At our clinic, we provide pylori testing and recommend tailored therapy based on results.

Protective Medications to Support Healing

Among other treatment options, mucosal protective agents are sometimes prescribed, like Sucralfate, for example, that coats the ulcer and creates a physical barrier against stomach acid. Misoprostol can also be used in specific cases, particularly in patients who must continuously take anti-inflammatory medications, also known as NSAIDs, which irritate the stomach lining and inhibit the body’s natural ability to repair the mucous layer of the GI tract.These treatments do not replace PPIs or antibiotics, but they can provide an added layer of protection that promotes more efficient healing.

The Importance of Avoiding Irritants

A lot of people wonder what they can do at home to help their healing process.Reducing irritants is a fantastic first step which involves making  lifestyle changes. Alcohol, caffeine, acidic and spicy foods, and smoking are known to weaken the stomach lining, and continuing to use them while trying to treat an ulcer makes recovery slower. We know that these habits can make symptoms worse. Although they can be difficult to modify, even small reductions can make a difference. 

Safer Approaches to Pain Management

Pain relief is often the first concern, but many pain relievers complicate ulcer care, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin which can  damage the inner lining of the stomach wall and make existing sores worse. 

When anti-inflammatories are required for another condition, we review each patient’s medical history and risk factors before choosing to either adjust the current treatment plan or to start a different medicine, or provide additional protective therapy to help the digestive tract recover while still addressing other health needs.

When Surgical or Endoscopic Treatment is Needed

The majority of ulcers respond to medication, but some become chronic ulcers or present with complications such as bleeding. Duodenal ulcers in the upper part of the tract are especially prone to this, and in cases of severe blood loss, endoscopy is required. 

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Using a flexible tube with a tiny camera, we can find the source, check the ulcer directly, and stop bleeding through cauterization or clips. Surgery is rare, but it remains an option for patients who develop perforations or when other causes like Zollinger Ellison syndrome are identified. These procedures are not routine, but they are sometimes necessary to protect against further injury.

Expert Care at Gastroenterology Westmount

We understand that living with an ulcer is exhausting, especially when symptoms worsen at night or after eating acidic foods. The good news is that most ulcers heal after the underlying cause has been identified. With the right treatment, most people recover fully. If an h pylori infection is suspected, we confirm it through a breath test or blood test to detect pylori bacteria, then build a tailored plan. We also talk through diet triggers, review the use of home remedies that may irritate the stomach, and explain when to seek urgent care. 

At Gastroenterology Westmount, we bring together years of experience in digestive health to support patients in Montreal. If you suspect you may have an ulcer, book an appointment today. With the right evaluation and treatment, you can regain comfort and peace of mind.

References

• Cleveland Clinic. (2023, October 25). Stomach ulcer (gastric ulcer). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22314-stomach-ulcer
• Mayo Clinic. (2023, August 25). Peptic ulcer – symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peptic-ulcer/symptoms-causes/syc-20354223