Gastric Ulcer
Overview
Causes
Upsets in the balance of stomach acid and juices can lead to an ulcer. This can be caused by:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
- Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Less common causes include any of the following:
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Radiation therapy
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Alcohol use disorder
- Tumors
- Other medications, such as steroids or those to treat osteoporosis
- Severe stress such as surgery, trauma , head injury, shock , or burns
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Gastric ulcers do not always cause symptoms. Symptoms may come and go and can occur at any time. Having an empty stomach may make them worse. Symptoms may include:
-
Gnawing pain:
- May awaken you from sleep
- May change when you eat
- May last for a few minutes or several hours
- Feels like unusually strong hunger pangs
- May be relieved by taking antacids
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Burping
- Weight loss
Ulcers can worsen. This can lead to serious problems and severe belly pain such as bleeding. Bleeding symptoms may include:
- Bloody or black, tarry stools
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds or blood
- Weakness
- Lightheadedness
An ulcer can break through the wall of the stomach. It is called a perforated ulcer. It causes sudden and severe pain.
Treatments
Treatment
Treatment options may include one or more of the following:
Medication
Medicine may help to treat cause or ease symptoms. Choices include:
- Antibiotics—if an infection is present or possible
- Over-the-counter antacids
- Proton pump inhibitors
- H2 blockers
- Medicine to coat ulcer
- Medicine to protect stomach against NSAIDs
Lifestyle Changes
Changes in everyday habits may help. They may ease symptoms and help the ulcer heal. Helpful steps are:
- Quit smoking . Smoking worsens symptoms and slows healing.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Avoid NSAIDs. This includes common over-the-counter drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Surgery and Endoscopy
Procedures may be needed for:
- An ulcer that will not heal
- Ulcers that keep coming back
- A bleeding ulcer
- An ulcer that has spread through stomach wall
- Ulcers that make it hard for food to pass out of stomach
An upper GI endoscopy may be done to stop bleeding. A tube is passed down the throat into the stomach. Heat, electricity, medicine, or a special glue will be used to stop bleeding.
Surgery for gastric ulcers is rare. It may be done to remove the ulcer or stop bleeding. Tissue from somewhere else on the body may also be used to patch the ulcer.
Prevention
Not all ulcers can be prevented. To help reduce the chances of H. pylori infection:
- Wash your hands often. This is very important after using the bathroom and before you eat or make meals.
- Drink water from a safe source.
- Do not smoke. Smoking increases the chances of getting an ulcer.
To help reduce the chances of a gastric ulcer from NSAIDs:
- Use other drugs when possible for managing pain.
- Take the lowest possible dose.
- Do not take drugs longer than needed.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking the drugs.
-
If you regularly take NSAIDs
- Ask your doctor if there is another treatment.
- Ask about medicine to protect your stomach.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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