Ulcers

Ulcers that don't heal

About 90% of all stomach ulcers heal within 1 to 3 months of starting treatment. Ulcers that don't heal within 1 to 3 months of starting treatment are called Refractory Ulcers.

Why Ulcers don't heal

There are many reasons why stomach ulcers don't heal. The number 1 reason is because people don't take their medications properly. They may skip doses, take too much or take too little of their medication.

If a stomach ulcer is caused by the bacterium Helicobactor pylori, the reason that it isn't healing may be because the bacteria is resistant to the antibiotic that you are taking.

In severe cases, refractory ulcers may be a result of extreme overproduction of stomach acid. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is a condition that causes extreme overproduction of stomach acid.

Other reasons why stomach ulcers don't heal are:

• regular use of tobacco
• alcohol use
• use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
• cancer
• chron's disease

How to treat ulcers that don't heal

If you are having difficulty healing an ulcer, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will re-evaluate you and give you more treatment options. Some of the options your doctor might suggest are:

• Eliminate all factors that may interfere with healing
• Take larger doses of medicines
• Take additional medicines
• Surgery(in severe cases)

Health Topics:

"If Only I Had Teeth Down There." Is the Rapex Condom a Solution to Rape?

Mama wants to help

Resources for free food Daily affirmations for a better life Domestic violence hotline Free and low rent housing Adult daycare Holiday resources Share your story. We will listen.