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How can you care for duodenitis?
- If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
- Be safe with medicines. If your doctor prescribed medicine to decrease stomach acid, take it as directed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Do not take any other medicine, including over-the-counter pain relievers, without talking to your doctor first.
- If your doctor recommends over-the-counter medicine to reduce stomach acid, such as Pepcid AC (famotidine) or Prilosec (omeprazole), follow the directions on the label.
- To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- Limit how much alcohol you drink.
- Avoid coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate, and other foods with caffeine. They increase stomach acid.
Duodenitis: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe belly pain.
- You vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
- Your stools are maroon or very bloody.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or feel like you may faint.
- You have trouble breathing or are breathing faster and passing only a little urine.
- You have new or worse belly pain.
- You have a new or higher fever.
- You have signs of dehydration, such as:
- Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
- Passing only a little urine.
- Feeling thirstier than usual.
- You have nausea or vomiting and can't keep fluids down.
- You cannot pass stools or gas.
- You have new or more blood in your stools or your stools are black and tarlike.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have new or worse symptoms.
- You are losing weight.
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.