Locations:
SearchAdvertisement
The short answer from a gastroenterologist
A: If you have peptic ulcer disease, which can involve stomach ulcers and/or duodenal ulcers of the small intestine, the answer is yes! These ulcers can be completely healed.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
The development of H2 blockers (Pepcid®, Tagamet®, Axid®) and then Proton Pump Inhibitors (Prilosec®, Prevacid®, Nexium®, Aciphex®, Dexilant®, Zegerid®, and Protonix®) allow for most ulcers to be completely healed with medication. With these treatment developments, surgery for peptic ulcer disease is seldom needed.
These types of ulcers are caused primarily by three things: Stomach acids, H. pylori infections and medications, such as aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil® and Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®).
Contrary to popular belief, the normal stress of day-to-day life does not cause or contribute to ulcers. Also, there’s no genetic link involved with the risk for developing ulcers, and diet has no effect on the healing of an ulcer either.
— Gastroenterologist Michael Kirsch, MD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Help your aching belly by staying hydrated, eating bland foods and avoiding certain foods
Hunger is the obvious cause, but food quality, and lack of protein and water are also key
Different symptoms call for different menus
Large portions, restrictive diets, emotions and social cues can all play a role in overeating
‘Stomach gripping’ can lead to muscle weakness, back pain and breathing problems
Time of onset and duration of symptoms tell the story
There’s debate about whether there’s a relationship
Nausea, heartburn and weight loss may signal more is going on with your GI system
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims
