How To Prevent Stomach Ulcers
Gastric ulcer is quite common. In fact, a high recurrence rate is observed among patients. Therefore, it is important to be able to prevent stomach ulcers.
A low percentage of patients suffering from them can manifest complications such as bleeding and perforation, which can be life-threatening. This is not a minor issue.
What are stomach ulcers?
Gastric ulcers are defects or ulcers in the inner lining of the stomach or duodenum (the part of the small intestine that comes after the stomach).
They develop and grow thanks to the acid activity of the gastric juice. The disease is associated with two main factors: Helicobacter pylori infections and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Most people who have stomach ulcers will not manifest symptoms or will just suffer from dyspepsia:
- Stomach pain
- Burning or heartburn
- Food intolerance with belching and tension in the stomach
- Nausea and vomiting
Gastric ulcer complications include bleeding, penetration, perforation and obstruction. The prevalence has been reduced in recent decades, thanks to the identification and treatment of H. pylori.
What factors make stomach ulcers more likely?
One of the decisive factors is a gastric infection of Helicobacter pylori. Between 85% and 100% of patients with gastric ulcers test positive for this bacterium in the stomach or duodenum.
Similarly, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, diclofenac, piroxicam and naproxen, along with 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 stomach ulcers can be hereditary. However, this disposition must be combined with unhealthy habits to end up in a disease. An example might be consuming certain foods and beverages that can cause stomach discomfort. Adhering to a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables and fiber can reduce the risk of suffering from it.
In addition, the role of stress in the formation of wounds is controversial. There is some evidence that it can contribute to development, as well as partial healing and increased relapse.
How to prevent stomach ulcers?
We have decided to share some recommendations that you can follow to prevent stomach ulcers. These tips are framed in the context of healthy habits and medical therapeutic measures supported by scientific evidence:
- Avoid using aspirin whenever possible. In particular, medical professionals should carefully consider prescribing it to patients with a history of gastric ulcer. Similarly, they should always choose the lowest possible doses, and patients should always take them with meals. If you need painkillers, you should always choose paracetamol.
- For patients with a history of wounds who need to continue taking aspirin or another NSAID, experts recommend concomitant treatment with proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole) for as long as they take them.
- Eliminate H. pylori infection with antibiotics. Several antibiotics have been tested, and many of them failed to kill the bacteria. The treatment regimen chosen must take into account the resistance patterns of this bacterium. For this reason, the combination of clarithromycin and amoxicillin for 14 days is one of the options chosen by medical professionals.
- Avoid cigarettes and limit your alcohol intake.
- Change your diet. You should avoid chocolate, fatty foods, fried foods, coffee, citrus fruits and overly strong or spicy foods. Although experts know that they do not cause stomach ulcers directly, they can aggravate them. Thus, they always suggest reducing consumption.
- Avoid becoming overweight.
Measures to prevent stomach ulcers are important to avoid recurrence
Patients who have had this disorder will benefit from most of the measures to prevent stomach ulcers that we recommended in this article. Above all, they should mainly avoid taking NSAIDs and smoking.
In addition, a doctor will on many occasions evaluate the eradication of H. pylori. This is not something the patient can decide alone. In fact, the doctor must perform complementary methods to confirm the existence of the bacterium, as well as antibiotic resistance. Once this process is complete, they will establish the necessary protocol.
Although healthy habits, stress reduction and dietary measures are not causal factors, they can improve the symptoms or prevent the worsening of dyspepsia. In short, there are no magic ways to prevent stomach ulcers. In fact, it requires the commitment and perseverance of the patient and the lifestyle changes they should make.
