How to Treat Duodenal Ulcers?
Treatment for duodenal ulcers has changed drastically over the last couple of decades. Whereas fifty years ago, most patients with duodenal ulcers had to have their abdomens cut open and surgery performed, today most patients are treated by a combination of drugs that reduces the exposure of the stomach lining to acid. Among the most effective are drugs known as H2 Blockers, which can effectively block the production of acid in the stomach. The H2 Blockers, of which there are several on the market (such as Cimetidine, Ranitidine and Famotidine), are ex-pensive, but they have revolutionised the management of stomach ulcers. Most patients who are shown to have an ulcer on gastroscopy are prescribed a course of H2 Blockers, usually for four to six weeks, and this usually heals the ulcers. But the drugs alone are not enough – certain measures which are known to stimulate acid production by the stomach have to be avoided. Cigarette smoking, stress and certain pain-killing drugs known as Non
