Peptic ulcer Health Article

Calling your health care provider

Call 911 if you:

• Suddenly develop sharp abdominal pain.
• Have symptoms of shock like fainting, excessive sweating, or confusion.
• Are vomiting blood or have blood in your stool (especially if maroon or dark, tarry black)
• Have a rigid, hard abdomen that is tender to touch.

Call your doctor if:

• You have ulcer symptoms.
• You feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Prevention

• Don't smoke or chew tobacco.
• Limit alcohol.
• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Try acetaminophen instead.

References

Spechler, SJ. Peptic Ulcers. In: Feldman, M, Friedman, LS, Sleisenger, MH, eds. Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA; WB Saunders Company; 2002:747-772.

Noble J. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2001:910-918.

Mahachai V, Thomson AB, Vilaichone RK. Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection and NSAIDs on the risk of peptic ulcer bleeding. J Med Assoc Thai. 2004 Sep;87 Suppl 2:S295-9. Review.