In the past, ulcers were treated by a bland diet and drugs to reduce the acidity of the stomach. Today, ulcers are often treated with antibiotics. What evidence caused the change in treatment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Experiments have shown that a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori is the cause of many ulcers. Antibiotics are effective in treating the infection and allowing the ulcer to heal. This understanding of the root cause of ulcers has led to a shift in treatment away from addressing only the symptoms (reducing stomach acidity) to addressing the underlying cause (bacterial infection).

In the Past, Ulcers Were Treated by a Bland Diet