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, so see your doctor if you think you may have a gastric ulcer.
Most gastric ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection (most often
Helicobacter pylori
) or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
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 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
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
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:
Medications used to treat gastric ulcers include proton pump inhibitors, histamine receptor blockers, and antibiotics. Treatment with medications focuses on stopping your stomach from making acids and killing the bacteria that is causing your ulcer. Antacids may also help reduce pain and heal ulcers.
If ulcers do not heal with medications, surgery may be needed. Surgery can remove the ulcers and/or reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes.
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.
Last reviewed August 2007 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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