Prednisone, a common corticosteroid, can thin your stomach lining, increasing your risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. This happens because prednisone reduces the production of protective mucus in your stomach. The medication also interferes with the natural mechanisms that repair damage to the stomach lining.
Understanding the Risk Factors
Your risk of stomach problems increases with higher prednisone doses and longer treatment durations. Other factors, like existing stomach conditions or concurrent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), significantly elevate your risk. Regular alcohol consumption further compounds this risk.
Protecting Your Stomach
To minimize stomach problems while taking prednisone, talk to your doctor about taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or histamine-2 blocker (H2 blocker). These medications help reduce stomach acid production. Your physician may also suggest avoiding NSAIDs and alcohol. Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding irritants, and reporting any stomach pain immediately are also crucial steps for protection.
Recognizing Symptoms
Watch for symptoms like heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or blood in your stool or vomit. These could be signs of a stomach ulcer or bleeding. Prompt medical attention is necessary if you experience any of these symptoms.
