The goals of treatment are pain relief, healing of the ulcer, and prevention of complications. Treatment can also help prevent recurrence of the ulcer. You may stay in the hospital for the first stage of treatment if your symptoms are severe or if you are having complications, such as bleeding. Antacids can have side effects after you have used them for a while. Follow your health care provider's instructions carefully, and report any problems promptly.
Stomach ulcers respond well to treatment but they can recur.
You can help reduce the chance that an ulcer will recur by taking your medications. These complications may require surgery. Two to three percent of stomach ulcers become stomach cancer. Make sure you report all continuing or recurrent symptoms to your health care provider. Follow the full treatment prescribed by your health care provider.