Managing Peptic Ulcers: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Up until fairly recently, it was believed that a peptic ulcer was caused by stress. It was only within the last 2 decades that scientists learned that it is actually caused by an infection with a pathogen called Helicobater pylori. Peptic ulcers create open sores along the lining of the small intestine. Understanding how to treat patients with peptic ulcers will help you provide comfort to patients and their families.

Things You'll Need

• Antibiotics
• Light snack
• Decaffeinated, nonalcholic beverages
• Patient education materials on smoking cessation
• Antacids

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Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Encourage the patient to maintain a medication schedule if antibiotics have been prescribed. Set an alarm to remind the patient when it is time for each dose. It may be helpful to provide a snack during medication doses to prevent nausea.

• 2

  Keep the patient hydrated. Offer plenty of decaffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages. Vary the selection to prevent boredom and to encourage fluid intake.

• 3

  Educate the patient on the importance of smoking cessation. Discuss the link between quitting smoking and enhanced healing of peptic ulcers. Offer the patient sugar-free gum or hard candies to replace the desire smoke.

• 4

  Give the patient over-the-counter antacids to alleviate peptic ulcer symptoms. Follow the medication directions carefully. Check with patients periodically to determine if additional antacid treatment is needed.

• 5

  Help the patient reduce his or her stress level. While it is now known that stress does not cause an ulcer, it is believed that stress can aggravate its symptoms. Assist in reducing a patient's stress level by listening to their concerns, helping them stay organized, and monitoring the number and nature of office visits.