There's great news for ulcer sufferers. Physicians no longer are limited to treating only the symptoms of ulcer conditions. There are now reasonably priced and tolerable treatments that include antibiotics which can actually cure the disease and reduce the possibilities of gastric cancer.
The Infectious Disease Association of California (IDAC) reviewed new findings on ulcer disease at a recent symposium in Southern California. Researchers have identified a bacteria -- Helicobacter pylori -- as a cause of the most common ulcers and, if left untreated, may result in the formation of cancerous tumors in the stomach. However, a few weeks course of antibiotics can successfully treat the condition with no recurrence.
Several million Americans currently take various medications on a daily basis for ulcer disease. Their illnesses may be labeled gastritis, duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, or peptic ulcers. Their medications range from antacids, such as Mylanta or Tums, to drugs that inhibit acid secretions from the stomach, such as Tagamet and Zantac among others. Also, lifestyle changes are prescribed, such as stopping smoking, reducing stress, and changing dietary habits.
However, these treatments only address the symptoms. They are not cures. They allow ulcers to heal, but when treatment is stopped, ulcers can recur in the majority of cases, indicating that the natural history of peptic ulcers have not been changed.
In the early 1980's, two investigators (Warren and Marshall) identified a bacteria from the stomachs of patients with gastritis. This bacteria has since been found to be the most common gastrointestinal infection in humans affecting approximately 20% of the adult population, and the percentages increase with age. Studies have shown that 75%-100% of patients with duodenal ulcers and 35%-86% of patients with gastric ulcers (and even some stomach cancers) have evidence of H. pylori infection. This led to the hypotheses that peptic ulcers, whether duodenal or gastric, are the end results of chronic infection.
H. pylori is affected by various antibiotics. Combinations of antibiotics and anti-acid production drugs have been used successfully, over a few weeks, to eradicate the H. pylori organisms and lead to permanent cures in patients with various types of peptic ulcer disease. In other words, antibiotics, that treat infection, can cure stomach ulcers.
So, if you or anyone you know has an ULCER, ask your doctor if Helicobacter pylori might be a culprit. This can easily be determined using one of several tests--including bloods tests for antibodies, a breath test, or endoscopy. If the bacteria is detected, a brief course of antibiotic treatment can provide long-term lasting relief.