Primary Care

Self-Care Tips | Ulcers

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An ulcer is a sore in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. 

Symptoms of an ulcer

• Feeling better when you eat or drink and then worse an hour or two later
• Feeling worse when you eat or drink
• A heavy feeling, bloating, burning, or dull pain in your stomach
• Stomach pain that wakes you up at night
• Stomach pain that goes away after eating
• Feel full fast
• Weight loss
• Vomiting

What you can do to avoid an ulcer

• Stop drinking alcohol
• Avoid caffeine
• Quit smoking
• Limit your use of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs
• Eat a healthy diet and avoid foods that bother you

When to call your primary care provider

• Vomiting blood
• Ongoing nausea or repeated vomiting
• Bloody or black stools
• Feel weak or dizzy
• Feel cold or clammy
• Sudden, severe pain
• Pain reaches your back
• No appetite
• Difficulty swallowing
• Continued weight loss
• Pain doesn't go away with medicine

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