It was anything but sweet music to the ears of people who were trying to live with recurring, raging infernos in the depths of their stomachs. Now specific anti-ulcer diets, including those widely prescribed bland regimens, are out, says Steve Goldschmid, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Digestive Diseases at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. But a bleeding ulcer can become serious, even life threatening. Other symptoms of serious trouble include passing a stool that is black or one containing bright red blood. A person with a bleeding ulcer also may become dizzy and pass out.
Scientists have yet to say what, specifically, causes ulcers.
But stomach acid is the prime suspect and certain bacteria and stress are viewed as possible accomplices. Unfortunately, ulcers are also stubborn. Ulcers come and go. So here are some tips for living with ulcers that will hopefully make them go sooner. No one, however, is going so far as to claim that Pepto-Bismol is a cure for ulcers.