Living with a peptic ulcer

If you have the symptoms of a peptic ulcer you should consult your doctor, who can confirm the diagnosis and provide you with a treatment plan. A peptic ulcer is not a long-term condition that you have to live with. The following changes to your lifestyle may help to reduce the symptoms but are not a substitute for treatment. 

• If you need to take pain killers, talk to your doctor first. The use of aspirin and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac) can cause ulcers. If you need to take these medicines, your doctor may prescribe another medicine to protect your stomach. 
  
  
• It is not clear if stress plays a role in the development of peptic ulcers. However, reducing stress in your life by relaxation techniques or planning your day better may help. 
  
  
• Restrict caffeine intake. 
  
  
• Avoid eating late at night. 
  
  
• Try to moderate the amount of alcohol that you drink. 
  
  
• Smoking – try to stop smoking or to at least reduce the number of cigarettes that you smoke.