How can ulcers be cured

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Products containing bismuth may help with symptoms of a peptic ulcer. There is also some evidence that zinc can help heal ulcers. Mastic powder, the product of a type of evergreen shrub, may also help improve symptoms and speed healing of peptic ulcers. While certain over-the-counter and alternative medications may be helpful, evidence on effectiveness is lacking. Therefore they are not recommended as the primary treatment for peptic ulcers. Make an appointment with your regular doctor if you have signs or symptoms that worry you.

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in the digestive system gastroenterologist. It's a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment.

Here's some information to help you get ready, and what you can expect from your doctor. In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over points you want to cover. Your doctor may ask:. While you're waiting to see your doctor, avoiding tobacco, alcohol, spicy foods and stress may help lessen your discomfort.

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Diagnosis Endoscopy Open pop-up dialog box Close. Endoscopy An endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube endoscope down your throat and into your esophagus. Email address.

First Name let us know your preferred name. Last Name. Thank you for subscribing Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Kellerman RD, et al. Gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. In: Conn's Current Therapy Elsevier; Accessed July 8, Peptic ulcer disease.

They can also help a range of other digestive issues, including spasms and diarrhea. Flavonoids protect the stomach lining from developing ulcers. They do this by increasing stomach mucus, which inhibits the growth of H. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties. Plantains are a type of banana.

Research from suggests that unripe plantains may have a positive effect on peptic ulcers. Unripe plantains contain a flavonoid called leucocyanidin. Leucocyanidin increases the amount of mucus in the stomach. This fruit may also reduce acidity, which can help prevent and relieve symptoms of ulcers. Honey is a popular, natural sweetener used across the United States. People who consume honey regularly can enjoy a range of health benefits. A review from states that Manuka honey has antimicrobial effects against H.

It suggests that honey could be useful for treating stomach ulcers. Turmeric is a popular yellow spice frequently used in India and other parts of southern Asia. Like chili peppers, turmeric contains a compound called curcumin. Researchers are beginning to study curcumin in regards to its health benefits. A review concluded that curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that may help prevent stomach ulcers.

However, there are a limited number of studies on humans. There needs to be more research to examine how effective turmeric is in treating ulcers. Still, initial results appear to be positive. Scientists hope that turmeric can help relieve ulcer symptoms and treat the sores. Some people use chamomile flowers and chamomile teas to treat minor anxiety , intestinal spasms, and inflammation. A review study published in reports that chamomile extracts may also have anti-ulcer properties.

Some researchers think it may inhibit stomach ulcers and reduce their healing time. However, much of this research derives from animal studies. Researchers do not know whether chamomile will have the same effects on humans. Garlic is popular in many parts of the world for adding flavor to food.

Garlic has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which make it helpful in fighting infections. For example, a study on animals showed that garlic could help prevent the development of ulcers and help speed up the healing process. According to a review , garlic may also help prevent the growth of H. One small-scale study from suggests that eating two cloves of garlic with a meal, twice a day, can have anti-bacterial effects against H.

However, not all studies agree that garlic affects H. Scientists still need to do more research. Licorice is a popular spice that is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia.

People have used licorice in traditional medications for hundreds of years. Some people believe that eating a dried licorice root can help cure and prevent ulcers.

Protectants coat ulcers and protect them against acid and enzymes so that healing can occur. Doctors only prescribe one protectant— sucralfate Carafate —for peptic ulcer disease. Tell your doctor if the medicines make you feel sick or dizzy or cause diarrhea or headaches. Your doctor can change your medicines.

If you smoke, quit. You also should avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol and smoking slow the healing of a peptic ulcer and can make it worse. Your doctor can help you determine how to continue using an NSAID safely after your peptic ulcer symptoms go away.

Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take. Your doctor can then decide if you may safely take NSAIDs or if you should switch to a different medicine. In either case, your doctor may prescribe a PPI or histamine receptor blocker to protect the lining of your stomach and duodenum. If you have an H. A doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill H. How doctors prescribe antibiotics may differ throughout the world.

Over time, some types of antibiotics can no longer destroy certain types of H. Antibiotics can cure most peptic ulcers caused by H. However, getting rid of the bacteria can be difficult. Take all doses of your antibiotics exactly as your doctor prescribes, even if the pain from a peptic ulcer is gone. Medicines containing bismuth subsalicylate , such as Pepto-Bismol, coat a peptic ulcer and protect it from stomach acid.

Although bismuth subsalicylate can kill H. An antacid may make the pain from a peptic ulcer go away temporarily, yet it will not kill H.