Treatment of Chronic Ulcers — What Works Best

Travel is not only about vivid impressions but also a source of stress for the body, especially when changing climate, diet, and daily routine. People with chronic gastrointestinal diseases should pay special attention to their health while on the road. One such condition is peptic ulcer disease.

Peptic ulcer disease is a chronic condition in which ulcers form on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. It is accompanied by periods of exacerbation and remission and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Modern medicine offers various methods for treating peptic ulcers, including medication therapy, diet, and lifestyle changes. Effective treatment is aimed not only at healing the ulcer but also at eliminating the causes that trigger it, as well as preventing relapses. Medications are prescribed that fight infection, reduce acid production, and protect the mucous membrane (for example, De-Nol).

Why Peptic Ulcer Disease Occurs

There may be several reasons:

• Helicobacter pylori infection. This bacterium is the main cause of peptic ulcer disease. It destroys the protective layer of the stomach lining and increases the acidity of gastric juice.

• Increased acidity. Excess production of hydrochloric acid irritates the stomach lining and contributes to the formation of ulcers.

• Long-term use of NSAIDs. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the production of protective prostaglandins, making the lining more vulnerable.

• Stress and nervous strain. Prolonged emotional tension can provoke spasms in the stomach’s blood vessels and impair circulation, contributing to the development of ulcers.

• Improper diet. Frequent consumption of spicy, fatty, acidic, or overly hot food irritates the stomach lining and increases the risk of ulcer formation.

• Alcohol abuse. Alcohol damages the protective barrier of the mucosa and increases gastric acidity.

• Smoking. Nicotine worsens blood supply to the stomach lining and reduces its ability to regenerate.

• Hormonal disorders. Some endocrine diseases can affect gastric juice secretion and contribute to ulcer development.

Delayed gastric emptying or bile reflux into the stomach also irritates the mucosa and increases the risk of ulcer formation.

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What Medications Are Used to Treat Peptic Ulcer Disease

The treatment of peptic ulcer disease includes:

• proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Esomeprazole);

• H2-histamine receptor blockers (Ranitidine, Famotidine);

• antacids (Almagel, Maalox, Phosphalugel);

• bismuth preparations (De-Nol);

• antibiotics (Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin, Metronidazole);

• gastroprotectors (Sucralfate);

• prokinetics (Domperidone, Metoclopramide);

• antispasmodics (Drotaverine, Papaverine).

Effective treatment of peptic ulcer disease requires a comprehensive approach, which includes not only taking medication but also dietary adjustments, quitting all bad habits, and reducing stress levels.

When planning a trip, especially to other climate zones, don’t forget to consult your doctor and take care of necessary medications in advance. Taking care of your health is the key to a comfortable vacation without unpleasant surprises. May every trip bring you joy, not a reason to visit a gastroenterologist.