Katie27

By Katie27

02 April 2008 16:13

Every day I get agonising heartburn despite taking indigestion remedies. Is this anything to worry about?

Yours Expert Answer

Yours Health Expert

By Yours Health Expert

These episodes may be linked to H Pylori, a bacteria which can be associated with ulcers. Seek medical advice immediately if you experience sharp, persistent stomach pains, black stools and bloody vomiting. Ulcers need to be dealt with promptly.

H pylori can be treated with a simple combination of drugs to kill the bacteria itself, reduce stomach acid, and protect your stomach lining. You usually only need to take the drugs for a week.

Stop smoking, avoid aspirin and non-steroidal tablets (NSAIDs) for arthritis or pain control if possible, and reduce alcohol intake and stress levels.

Camomile herbal tea, liquorice root and cabbage have all been claimed to be beneficial to people with peptic ulcers and may be worth trying if other treatments have failed.

Page