Related Media: Upper GI Endoscopy

Definition

A gastric ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach.

Gastric Ulcer

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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

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chances of gastric ulcer include:

• H. pylori infection
• Taking NSAIDs for a long time and at higher doses
• Prior peptic ulcer disease
• Cigarette smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake

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.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done.

An upper endoscopy will confirm an ulcer. Other tests may be done to look for a cause.

Treatment

Treatment options may include one or more of the following:

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.