Treatment:

Treatment involves a combination of medications to kill the H. pylori bacteria (if present), reduce acid levels, and protect the GI tract. This strategy allows your ulcer to heal and reduces the chance it will come back.

Take all of your medications exactly as prescribed.

• Acid blockers (such as cimetidine, ranitidine, or famotidine)
• Antibiotics to kill H. pylori
• Bismuth to help protect the lining and kill the bacteria
• Medications that protect the tissue lining (such as sucralfate)
• Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), or esomeprazole (Nexium)

If a peptic ulcer bleeds a lot, an EGD may be needed to stop the bleeding. Surgery may be needed if bleeding cannot be stopped with an EGD, or if the ulcer has caused a perforation.

Expectations (prognosis):

Peptic ulcers tend to come back if untreated. If you follow your doctor's treatment instructions and take all of your medications as directed, the H. pylori infection will be cured and you'll be much less likely to get another ulcer.

Complications:

• Bleeding inside the body (internal bleeding)
• Gastric outlet obstruction
• Inflammation of the tissue that lines the wall of the abdomen (peritonitis)
• Perforation of the stomach and intestines

Calling your health care provider:

Call 911 if you:

• Develop sudden, sharp abdominal pain
• Have a rigid, hard abdomen that is tender to touch
• Have symptoms of shock such as fainting, excessive sweating, or confusion
• Vomit blood or have blood in your stool (especially if it's maroon or dark, tarry black)

Call your doctor if:

• You feel dizzy or lightheaded
• You have ulcer symptoms