People of any age group can develop an ulcer, said Dr. Joel B. Haight, a gastroenterologist in State College. Polansky said that although someone's diet has little effect, certain foods can definitely aggravate or reactivate already existing ulcers. White said she can't drink milk or soda, and she can't eat food with spices or red sauce, including pizza. The standard treatment for ulcers is Zantac, a pill, said Polansky. White said she carries Zantac with her and takes it preventively.
Antacids are another perfectly good treatment for ulcers.
Before Zantac was available, antacids were the standard treatment, Dr. Haight said. Although stress is not the cause of her ulcer, White feels her stress level aggravates it. She has changed her lifestyle to some extent to prevent problems. I guess I have to take a step back . . .