Gastric Ulcer (Stomach Ulcer, Peptic Ulcer of the Stomach)

Definition

A gastric ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach. Ulcers can be treated and a small percentage of them may be cancerous. See your doctor if you think you may have a gastric ulcer.

Causes

Most gastric ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection (most often Helicobacter pylori) or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Some factors thought to increase the risk of a gastric ulcer are:

• Gender: male
• Older age (the incidence of gastric ulcer peaks at age 50)
• Regular use of pain medications
• Smoking
• High levels of stress
• Lower socioeconomic status
• Alcohol use
• Acid reflux
• Gastritis
• Cirrhosis
• Chronic kidney failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Use of steroid medications

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain that may wake you at night and be relieved by antacids or milk. This pain usually occurs 2-3 hours after a meal and may be worse when you don't eat.
• Nausea
• Abdominal indigestion
• Vomiting, especially blood
• Blood in stools or black, tarry stools
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue
• Burning pain in the gut that feels like a dull ache and comes and goes; it often starts 2-3 hours after a meal and goes away after you eat, or it may come in the middle of the night when your stomach is empty.
• Losing weight
• Loss of appetite
• Pain while eating
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Other tests may include:

• Biopsy—removal of a sample of tissue for testing
• Blood tests
• Endoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine parts of the body
• Upper gastrointestinal (GI) X-ray—a series of x-rays of the upper digestive system taken after drinking a barium solution (also called a barium swallow)
• Measurement of bile acid (Bile acid is found in bile. It aids in digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.)
• Breath tests

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Some ulcers will heal if you avoid caffeine, NSAIDs, alcohol, and tobacco. Other treatment options include:

Prevention

Steps you can take to prevent gastric ulcers include:

• Stop using NSAIDs. You can talk with your doctor about alternatives
• Do not smoke
• Do not drink alcohol