Prevention

You can prevent peptic ulcers by avoiding things that break down the stomach's protective barrier and increase stomach acid secretion. These include alcohol, smoking, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and caffeine.

Preventing infection with H pylori is a matter of avoiding contaminated food and water and adhering to strict standards of personal hygiene. Wash your hands carefully with warm water and soap every time you use the bathroom, change a diaper, and before and after preparing food.

If you need the pain relief and anti-inflammatory action of aspirin or an NSAID, you can reduce your risk of ulcers by trying the following:

• Try a different NSAID, one that is easier on the stomach.
  
  
• Reduce the dose or the number of times you take the medication.
  
  
• Substitute another medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
  
  
• Talk to your health care provider about how you can protect yourself.

Following the treatment recommendations of your health care provider can help prevent recurrence of ulcers. This includes taking all medications as prescribed, especially if you have H pylori infection.

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Peptic Ulcers - Symptoms At Onset Of Disease

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