The standard of treatment of peptic ulcer over the past decades has undergone a number of significant changes and it is not surprising if we recall that earlier this disease was considered solely as a consequence of increased secretion in the stomach of hydrochloric acid, and chronic stress was noted from the contributing factors.
Later in the research it was possible to establish that in most cases the cause of the disease is not the level of acidity, but the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Such research results have led to the fact that the standards of treatment of peptic ulcer of the stomach have been revised, and it became necessary to develop new methods of treating ulcers.
The principles of treatment of peptic ulcer are based on a comprehensive approach, which includes medication, diet and, if necessary, surgical intervention.
Antibacterial treatment of stomach ulcers
In the first stage of , the patient is prescribed proton pump inhibitors( lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole) that maintain an increased level of gastric acidity, as well as antihistamines( Ranitidine) inhibiting the secretion of gastric juice. Against the background of taking these drugs, a course of antibacterial drugs effective against the Helicobacter pylori bacterium( Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin, Metronidazole, Tetracycline) is prescribed. It is important that these drugs are active only at high pH, so their reception separately from the PPI does not give a positive effect.
The first stage on average lasts a week and consists of taking Metronidazole + IPP + Clarithromycin. During this time, 90% of the patients manage to get rid of Helicobacter pylori completely. However, half of the patients have various side effects in the form of allergies, dysbacteriosis, nausea, diarrhea, rash.
If a positive result is not achieved, then go to the second stage of therapy.
The second stage of lasts 2 weeks, during which the patient takes IPP + Metronidazole + Bismuth subcitrate + Tetracycline. In this case, the number of side effects and their severity is much higher than those after the first stage.
Surgical treatment for stomach ulcers
This method of treatment, as an operation in case of an ulcer, is applied only in the most extreme case, for example, if the patient has bleeding or stomach cancer has developed. Surgical intervention is an extreme measure in this disease, because during the operation it is necessary to remove the affected area of the stomach.
It should be noted that with timely access to a doctor and compliance with all of his recommendations, surgery can be avoided.
Diet as an important principle of treatment of gastric ulcer
Both after surgical and conservative treatment of peptic ulcer, a significant role is assigned to proper nutrition of the patient. It is important that the patient adheres to the diet not only during treatment and some time after it, but also for the next 3-5 years, which will allow the stomach to fully recover from the trauma and save the patient from recurrence of the disease.
Food for peptic ulcer should not contain products such as coffee, strong tea, pickles, marinades, smoked products, fried foods, mushroom broths, raw vegetables and fruits( in large quantities), carbonated drinks. At the same time, the diet should not be lean, otherwise the body will not receive the necessary vitamins and minerals for recovery.