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Cures & Research For a Duodenal Ulcer

Despite the common belief that we digest in our stomachs, in actuality the duodenum--the connector between the stomach and small intestines--does much of the work. For decades, a person with a hole known as a peptic ulcer forming in her duodenum could expect serious pain and life quality impairment.

Not anymore. Recent research has not only shed light on peptic ulcers, it has led to a cure.

  1. Put A Little Spice Back In Your Life

    • For more than 50 years, medicine has been under the impression that peptic ulcers are caused by nerves, stress and even eating spicy foods. Doctors believed that overproduction of stomach acid eventually burned a hole in the stomach or duodenum and that emotions were largely responsible for the overproduction.

      According to the Mayo Clinic, those days are long gone. Peptic ulcers are actually the result of an infection of H. pylori bacteria.

    Treatment

    • Like most bacterial infections, antibiotics do the trick. However, they don't do it alone. Once a peptic ulcer opens up, stomach acids irritate and continue to burn into them.

      Therefore, doctors also have to reduce stomach acid. This can be done via one of three types of drugs. Antacids like over-the-counter Tums or Rolaids neutralize stomach acid. Acid Blockers also known as Histamine 2 Blockers stop the production of Histamine 2 which is responsible for stomach acid production. Common brands include Tagamet, Pepcid AC, Zantac and Axid. Proton Pump Inhibitors stop the cells responsible for releasing stomach acid. They essentially turn off "the faucet." Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec are common brands of Proton Pump Inhibitors and are mostly prescription drugs.

      But sometimes even reducing acid and treating bacteria aren't enough. Doctors may also choose to coat the lining and tissues of the stomach and duodenum using Cytoprotective medications like over-the-counter Pepto-Bismol or prescription Cytotec and Carafate.

      Because these combination treatments have become so common, drug manufacturers have begun offering compounds of two antibiotics and either an acid suppressor or a Cytoprotective medication all in one pill. Common prescription brands include Helidac and Prevpac.

    Complications and Other Causes

    • Sometimes standard treatment doesn't work on a peptic ulcer. Smoking and alcohol consumption can interfere with the effectiveness of treatment. In some cases, certain strains of H. pylori bacteria may be more resistant to antibiotics and may require more powerful medications than usual. Also, the presence of Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can interfere with the course of treatment. Common NSAIDs include Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Naproxen (Aleve).

      Certain peptic ulcers may also be caused or aggravated by Stomach Cancer, Cirrhosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

      Obviously, in order to effectively diagnose and treat a peptic ulcer, consult a qualified physician.

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