Abdominal ulcers are sores that form on the lining of the stomach. Similarly, ulcers can also develop in a section of the intestine immediately following the stomach, known as duodenal ulcers.
Both stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers, also referred to as peptic ulcers, result in similar symptoms and are treated using the same methods.
Causes of Abdominal Ulcers
Abdominal ulcers typically include a burning or gnawing pain in the center of the abdomen. However, abdominal ulcers may not always cause pain, and some individuals may also experience symptoms like indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, and nausea.
It stems from damage to the protective layer that shields the stomach lining from stomach acids.
Source: Abdominal pain can be experienced in many ways.
This damage often occurs due to:
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
- Prolonged or high-dose use of anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin.
While it was once believed that stress or certain foods could trigger stomach ulcers, there is little evidence to support this notion. Abdominal ulcers can affect individuals of any age but are more prevalent among those aged 60 or older, with men being more susceptible than women.
Identifying Abdominal Pain Locations
Where you feel pain in your stomach can give clues about what might be causing it.
Source: Check the Diagram below for more information
Here's a breakdown:
- Upper Right: Gallstones, inflamed gallbladder (cholecystitis), stomach or duodenal ulcers, hepatitis.
- Upper Center: Heartburn, indigestion, hiatal hernia, epigastric hernia, stomach or duodenal ulcers, hepatitis.
- Upper Left: Functional dyspepsia, stomach ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis.
- Middle Right: Kidney stones, kidney infection, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation
- Middle Center: Umbilical hernia, appendicitis, stomach or duodenal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis.
- Middle Left: Kidney stones, kidney infection, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation.
- Lower Right: Appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, pelvic pain
- Lower Center: Bladder infection, prostatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, inguinal hernia, pelvic pain.
- Lower Left: Constipation, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic pain, inguinal hernia.
How Do Doctors Treat Abdominal Ulcers?
To treat abdominal ulcers, doctors typically prescribe medications to aid in ulcer healing and address the underlying causes. Here's how they approach treatment:
1. Healing Peptic Ulcers
Medications: Doctors may recommend or prescribe the following medicines:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
- H2 blockers
- Other prescribed medications
2. Treating the Causes of Abdominal Ulcers
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection: For H. pylori infection, doctors typically prescribe a combination of medicines, which may include:
- Two or more antibiotics
- A PPI
- In some cases, bismuth subsalicylate
It's crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to ensure the eradication of the bacteria. Doctors may perform follow-up testing to confirm eradication.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): If NSAIDs are the cause of the ulcers, doctors may recommend altering the medication regimen. This could involve:
- Stopping NSAID use
- Switching to a different NSAID
- Lowering the NSAID dosage
- Prescribing alternative pain medications
Patients who need to continue NSAID use may be advised to also take a PPI to protect the stomach lining.
It's essential to discuss treatment options with your doctor to determine the most suitable plan for your condition.
3. Other Cause
If peptic ulcers aren't caused by an H. pylori infection or NSAIDs, doctors will investigate other possible causes. Depending on the underlying cause, additional treatments may be recommended.
Diet Tips for Abdominal Ulcers
Making dietary changes can offer relief during abdominal ulcer or peptic ulcer treatment.
Here are some helpful suggestions:
1. Avoid Trigger Foods
Stay away from foods and spices that may stimulate stomach acid production. Common culprits include chili powder, garlic, black pepper, and caffeine.
2. Limit Alcohol
Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, so it's best to avoid it during treatment.
3. Include Soluble Fiber
Incorporate foods rich in soluble fiber into your diet. These include oats, apples, oranges, carrots, psyllium husk, legumes, flax seeds, nuts, and barley. Soluble fiber dissolves easily and can help soothe the digestive system.
4. Consume Vitamin A-Rich Foods
Foods high in vitamin A can also be beneficial. These include liver, broccoli, kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, and collard greens.
5. Focus on Balanced Meals
Opt for a well-rounded diet that emphasizes fruits and vegetables while avoiding overly spicy or flavorful dishes. A balanced diet can help alleviate symptoms.
Remember, while diet adjustments can provide relief, they aren't a substitute for medical treatment. Abdominal ulcers or peptic ulcers may require additional treatment beyond dietary changes.
What if Abdominal Ulcers Don't Heal Or Return After Treatment?
Most ulcers can be healed with medication and treatment of the underlying cause.
However, if an ulcer persists or recurs after treatment, your doctor may:
- Check for and treat any contributing factors: This may include addressing an H. pylori infection if present.
- Recommend smoking cessation: Smoking can impede ulcer healing, so quitting smoking may be advised.
- Prescribe additional medications: Your doctor may suggest or prescribe more medicines to aid in ulcer healing.
- Suggest an upper GI endoscopy: This procedure may be recommended to collect biopsies for further evaluation.
In rare instances where ulcers fail to heal despite treatment, surgery may be considered as a last resort option.
In Summary
Treatment for abdominal ulcers typically involves a combination of medications to aid in healing the ulcer and addressing the underlying causes.
If an ulcer fails to heal or recurs despite treatment, additional steps may be taken, including further evaluation, medication adjustments, lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation, and in rare cases, surgical intervention.
Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is essential to monitor ulcer healing progress and adjust treatment as needed.
