Reducing Your Risk of Peptic Ulcer Disease
Since peptic ulcers are sometimes caused by infection with
H. pylori, you should follow hygienic practice to decrease your risk of becoming infected. Be sure to:
- Wash hands well and regularly.
- Avoid contact with other people’s vomit or stool.
- Wear gloves if you must clean up after someone. Afterwards, wash your hands well.
- Drink only water known to be clean.
Smoking has been associated with the development of peptic ulcers because ulcers that do form are slower to heal. If you are a smoker, talk with your doctor about programs that can help you quit.
Overuse of alcohol, especially in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, has sometimes been thought to increase the risk of peptic ulcers. Nonsteroidal drugs are definitely proven causes of ulcers, but the causal role of alcohol remains somewhat uncertain, especially in combination with smoking. However, alcohol misuse is a serious health problem regardless of its relationship to ulcer disease. If you can’t stop drinking on your own, contact your doctor for help and support.
If you need to use pain medicines, your doctor may recommend you use a medication other than an NSAIDs. Try not to take NSAIDs on a regular basis, Instead, only use them when necessary and as directed.
If you have a medical condition that requires you to take large doses of NSAIDs, ask your doctor about using medications like sodium sucralfate, omeprazole, or misoprostol to help protect your stomach against ulcers.
References
H. pylori and peptic ulcers. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hpylori/index.aspx. Updated April 30, 2012. Accessed April 29, 2013.
Meurer LN, Bower DJ. Management of
helicobacter pylori
infection.
Am Fam Physician. 2002;65(7):1327-36.
Peptic ulcer disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated April 22, 2013. Accessed April 29, 2013.
Understanding peptic ulcer disease.
American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at:
http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/digestive-conditions/peptic-ulcer-disease. Published April 23, 2010. Accessed April 29, 2013.
What I need to know about peptic ulcers. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/pepticulcers%5Fez/. Updated May 14, 2012. Accessed April 29, 2013.