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Peptic ulcers Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2009.

Answers to questions about peptic ulcers

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Do I need to make any changes to what I eat if I have a peptic ulcer?

There are certain foods and drinks that can make your symptoms worse if you have a peptic ulcer.

Explanation

Your stomach produces acid to help with digestion. Too much acid can damage the lining of your stomach and first part of your small bowel (duodenum) and cause peptic ulcers. Foods that encourage acid production will usually make the symptoms of peptic ulcers worse. These include spicy foods, alcohol, fizzy drinks and citrus foods.

If you're diagnosed with a peptic ulcer or regularly get heartburn or pain in your upper abdomen (tummy) after meals, it's important that you make some changes to your diet to help reduce your symptoms. These measures include:

  • not having food and drink that give you more severe symptoms
  • not eating fried or fatty foods
  • not eating three hours before bedtime
  • eating smaller meals
  • eating meals that are high in fibre
  • stopping smoking

Sources

  • Dyspepsia - proven peptic ulcer. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 11 June 2009
  • Peptic ulcer. GP Notebook. www.gpnotebook.co.uk, accessed 11 June 2009
  • Dyspepsia: managing dyspepsia in adults in primary care. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), August 2004. www.nice.org.uk
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Where does Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) come from?

It isn't known where H. pylori comes from, how it's spread or why some people become ill from it and others don't. It probably spreads from one person to another through close contact in early childhood or through poor hygiene. It's possible that contaminated food and water may cause infection.

Explanation

H. pylori infection is quite common - about half of the world's population is infected. These bacteria cause the stomach to make too much acid. The acid damages the lining of the stomach and small bowel (duodenum) and causes peptic ulcers. H. pylori is the main cause of peptic ulcers.

If you're diagnosed with a peptic ulcer, your GP may recommend you have certain tests to find out if you have H. pylori. If you do, your GP may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. It's important that you take the full course of antibiotic treatment to make sure that you completely get rid of the bacteria from your digestive system.

Sources

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How long will it take before peptic ulcers improve?

How soon you recover from a peptic ulcer depends on the size of the ulcer and its cause. You're very likely to need to take medicines to relieve your symptoms. It can take several weeks for your ulcer to heal after the cause has been identified and treated.

Explanation

The main goals for treating a peptic ulcer include:

  • removing the underlying cause (particularly H. pylori infection or use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs)
  • preventing further damage and complications
  • reducing the risk of the ulcer coming back

Medicines are usually needed to provide relief from your symptoms and to treat H. pylori infection. Lifestyle factors such as making changes to your diet are also important.

Once the cause of your peptic ulcer has been identified and treated, it may still take several weeks for it to heal. To help reduce the risk of it coming back, it's important that you follow your GP's advice and complete the full course of any treatment you're prescribed.

Sources

  • Dyspepsia - proven peptic ulcer. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 11 June 2009
  • Peptic ulcer. GP Notebook. www.gpnotebook.co.uk, accessed 11 June 2009
  • Dyspepsia: managing dyspepsia in adults in primary care. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), August 2004. www.nice.org.uk
  • Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 57th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2009.
  • Helicobacter pylori. Health Protection Agency. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 11 June 2009
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2009

 

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