The Colon Wellness Center

Upper GI Disorders

Peptic Disease (Ulcers or Gastritis)

ULCERS are areas of severe inflammation (or sores) of the lining of the stomach or duodenum.

GASTRITIS is a milder, more widespread inflammation of the stomach.

Both conditions have the same causes and treatments. In addition to any medication prescribed by your doctor, there are some lifestyle adjustments you can make to speed the healing process.

AVOID CAFFEINE - This includes coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, cocoa, and some other sodas (check the label).

AVOID ASPIRIN - This includes coated (enteric-coated) and baby aspirin.

AVOID NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (also called NSAID's) - This includes Motrin, Ibuprofin, Nuprin, Aleve, Advil, and Motrin B.

AVOID SMOKING - Smoking increases the amount of acid your stomach produces.

AVOID ALCOHOL.

SPICY FOODS - Spicy foods do not cause gastritis, but many patients notice they aggravate their symptoms and cause discomfort. The rule of thumb is: if spicy foods bother you, avoid them while your stomach is healing.

ACIDIC FOODS - Citrus fruits and juices (i.e., orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice) tomato sauces, and vinegar do not cause gastritis, but can aggravate it. Again, if these foods bother you, avoid them.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY:

If you notice your symptoms worsening or if you have any of the following:

• Throwing-up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds.
• Blood in stool.
• Black tarry stools (unless you are taking Pepto Bismol or iron supplements). These medications may make stool appear black.
• Faint feeling.
• If you have any new symptoms.

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