Peptic Ulcer Disease - Prevention
You can greatly reduce the chance that you will get a peptic ulcer if you:
- Don't start smoking. If you smoke, quit. Smokers are much more likely to develop ulcers than nonsmokers. For ways to quit smoking, see the topic Quitting Smoking.
- Avoid taking certain medicines. Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for longer than a few days at a time. If you are taking aspirin regularly for heart problems, ask your doctor about taking another medicine to help protect your stomach and intestines from ulcers.
- Drink alcoholic beverages only in moderation. Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women. Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
February 24, 2010
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