Some of the ulcer treatments available include antacids to lessen symptoms, medications that coat the surface of the ulcer, medications that reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach, antibiotics to cure H. pylori infections, or a combination of any of these. Drinking milk does not cure ulcers and may actually make your ulcer worse. Milk provides brief relief of ulcer pain because it coats the stomach lining. Milk also stimulates your stomach to produce more acid, which can in turn make ulcers worse. More than 90 percent of ulcers are effectively treated.
Recurrent ulcers can lead to complications.
Contact your doctor right away if symptoms persist or recur, or if new symptoms develop. Serious complications of stomach ulcers include bleeding, a perforation or hole in the stomach wall, and the obstruction of food trying to get from the stomach to the intestines. People who smoke are twice as likely to develop ulcers. Ulcers also heal more slowly in people who smoke, possibly becausesmoking can drain the body of vitamin C. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks and alcoholilc beverages. Both can further irritate the stomach and may increase production of gastric juices.