How to Avoid Irritating an Ulcer

A peptic ulcer occurs when the stomach lining or first part of the small intestine begins eroding. If you are diagnosed with a peptic ulcer, your medical provider may prescribe antacids, acid blockers or antibiotics to reduce the pain. In addition to following your doctor's treatment plan, there are several things you can do to prevent future flare-ups. To learn how to avoid irritating an ulcer, use the following tips.

 Steps

    1
    Learn which anti-inflammatory drugs are safe to take. Acetaminophen is recommended over aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen and other drugs in the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, if you have prescription NSAIDs that you take on a daily basis, a prostaglandin analog, such as Pepto Bismol, may be prescribed. A proton pump inhibitor may also help reduce stomach acid.
    2
    Reduce consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Studies show that alcohol and caffeine irritate the stomach and intestine lining, which can lead to bleeding and inflammation. They can also cause the acid level in your stomach to rise quickly, which may cause additional pain and heartburn.
    3
    Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can weaken the stomach lining, which irritates current ulcers or may even cause new ulcers to develop. Cigarette smoke causes an increase in stomach acid, which can irritate an ulcer.
    4
    Make smart food choices. Patients with peptic ulcers should avoid diets rich in red meat, fried or fatty foods, and refined foods, such as flour or sugar. Diets heavy in these foods can lead to further ulcer irritation and an increase in stomach acid. Diets rich in whole grains and fiber rich foods, with limited dairy, help control the production of stomach acid.
    5
    Eat meals according to a regular schedule. A peptic ulcer sufferer is not advised to eat sporadic meals that vary in size. Doing so may cause disruption in the normal production of stomach acid, and end up irritating an ulcer. Keeping meals small, and eating 5 to 6 times a day at regular intervals, can level out stomach acid.
    6
    Take all prescribed medication. If your health care provider has determined your peptic ulcer was caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), antibiotics are necessary to eradicate the bacteria. According to the Mayo Clinic, 70% to 90% of ulcers are related to the presence of this bacteria. The H. pylori causes increased ulcer irritation, especially after meals and at night.
    7
    Reduce stress. Although there is a low correlation between stress and ulcer pain in the medical community, some ulcer sufferers find that when emotional stress in their life rises, so does the ulcer irritation.