Gastrointestinal pain, discomfort, gas, and a burning sensation indicate a stomach problem, which can often be ulcers or open wounds. There may be no symptoms if the condition is mild. But it can offset bleeding and cause a perforation or a blockage in the digestive system if the condition worsens.

Considering the symptoms, causes, and complications of stomach ulcers, timely treatment becomes inevitable in several cases. Though it’s common to ignore the early warning signs of peptic ulcers, immediate attention is needed if symptoms last over a week or two.

After diagnosing the severity of a peptic ulcer, depending on the symptoms experienced, your doctor will suggest a treatment accurate enough to address the condition. Most peptic ulcers can be treated by medication prescribed by your doctor. But, in serious cases, surgery and other advanced treatments may be required.

It’s very important to treat stomach ulcers promptly to avoid developing further complications. There are some lifestyle changes and treatment options you should consider to successfully get rid of peptic ulcers. Some treatment options are mentioned below:

Prescriptions
A nonsurgical treatment involves prescriptions given by your doctor. These commonly include:

• Antibiotics: If you are infected by Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) bacterium present in your digestive tract, you may require antibiotics for a short-term course. They kill the bacteria depending on your antibiotic resistance. Some antibiotics used to stop early warning signs of peptic ulcers include Biaxin (clarithromycin), Flagyl (metronidazole), Tindamax (tinidazole), Levaquin (levofloxacin), Amoxil (amoxicillin), and Tetracycline HCL (tetracycline). Side effects include indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and loss of appetite.
• H2 blockers: They suppress the amount of acid the stomach produces and reduce the pain after a couple of weeks. This medication is given in cases where the ulcers return due to infection from H. pylori.

Proton pump inhibitors
As the name suggests, these inhibitors completely block the stomach from producing acid by addressing the stomach’s acid pump.

Mucosal protective medications
They protect the mucous lining of the stomach from acid damage but do not stop the release of stomach acid. Carafate is a protective agent that forms a protective barrier to heal the ulcer and stop damage by stomach acid. Cytotec is a synthetic substance protecting the stomach lining by increasing mucus and bicarbonate production.

Over-the-counter therapies
These medications are given to relieve symptoms of peptic ulcers. Antacids neutralize the stomach acid and provide temporary relief. They also protect the mucus lining in the stomach. Bismuth subsalicylate provides a protective layer against infection from H. pylori and successfully treats digestive disorders.

Surgical treatments
Depending on how much early warning signs of peptic ulcers have advanced, specific surgeries are suggested.

Vagotomy is performed to cut a part of the nerve that regulates acid secretion to reduce stomach acid.

Antrectomy is performed simultaneously with vagotomy to remove the antrum. The antrum produces hormones that let the stomach secrete digestive juices.

Pyloroplasty enhances the opening of the pylorus that connects the duodenum and small intestine. The surgery lets stomach contents pass out freely. Sometimes, vagotomy is also involved.