Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a peptic ulcer. This is a sore that can form on the lining of the stomach or duodenum. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. An ulcer in the stomach is also called a "gastric" ulcer. An ulcer in the duodenum is also called a "duodenal" ulcer.
Your ulcer might have been caused by an infection with a bacteria called "Helicobacter pylori" ("H. pylori) in your stomach or duodenum. Or it might have been caused by taking "NSAID" medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). Other medicines and illnesses can also cause an ulcer.
You might have been given antibiotics or other medicines to treat your ulcer. It's very important to finish all the medicine, even if you start to feel better.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Take all your medicines as instructed.
●Follow the doctor's instructions about avoiding NSAID medicines.
●Write down when you have pain and the foods you eat. Then, you can avoid foods that bother your stomach.
●Avoid alcohol.
●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You vomit a lot of blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.
•You have a lot of blood in your bowel movements.
•You have severe belly pain.
•Your belly gets hard or swollen, or hurts if you press on it.
●Return to the ED if:
•You vomit a little blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.
•Your bowel movements are black or tar colored.
•You feel very weak, lightheaded, or like you might pass out.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your symptoms are not getting better after 4 or 5 days while taking your medicines as instructed.
●You are losing weight without trying.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Peptic ulcers (The Basics)
Patient education: H. pylori infection (The Basics)
Patient education: H. pylori tests (The Basics)
Patient education: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (The Basics)
Patient education: Peptic ulcer disease (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Helicobacter pylori infection and treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (Beyond the Basics)
