Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe, sharp, or persistent stomach pain
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing

Do's

• Eat small, frequent meals to avoid excess acid production.
• Maintain hydration with plenty of water.
• Include fiber-rich foods, as they may help reduce ulcer risks.
• Finish your prescribed medication course even if you feel better.
• Get tested for H. pylori if recommended by a doctor.

Don'ts

• Avoid smoking as it impairs healing and increases acid production.
• Limit NSAID use; if needed, take them with food.
• Reduce alcohol intake and avoid excessive caffeine.
• Stay away from high-stress situations or find ways to manage stress effectively.
• Don't skip meals; an empty stomach can worsen symptoms.

NOTE:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

Medline Plus - Peptic Ulcer

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Symptoms & Causes of Peptic Ulcers (Stomach or Duodenal Ulcers)

NIH - National Library of Medicine - Peptic Ulcer Disease

American College of Gastroenterology - Peptic Ulcer Disease

NHS - Stomach ulcer