What is a stomach ulcer?
Stomach ulcers, which are also known as gastric ulcers, are painful
sores in the stomach lining. Stomach ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer
disease. Peptic ulcers are any ulcers that affect both the stomach and
small intestines.
Stomach ulcers occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your
stomach from digestive juices is reduced. This allows the digestive
acids to eat away at the tissues that line the stomach, causing an
ulcer.
Stomach ulcers may be easily cured, but they can become severe without
proper treatment.
What causes stomach ulcers?
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Stomach ulcers are almost always caused by one of the following:
an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as
aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
Rarely, a condition known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can cause
stomach and intestinal ulcers by increasing the body’s production of
acid. This syndrome is suspected to cause less than 1 percent of all
peptic ulcers.
Symptoms of stomach ulcers
A number of symptoms are associated with stomach ulcers. The severity of
the symptoms depends on the severity of the ulcer.
The most common symptom is a burning sensation or pain in the middle of
your abdomen between your chest and belly button. Typically, the pain
will be more intense when your stomach is empty, and it can last for a
few minutes to several hours.
Other common signs and symptoms of ulcers include:
dull pain in the stomach
weight loss
not wanting to eat because of pain
nausea or vomiting
bloating
feeling easily full
burping or acid reflux
heartburn (burning sensation in the chest)
pain that may improve when you eat, drink, or take antacids
anemia (symptoms can include tiredness, shortness of breath, or paler
skin)
dark, tarry stools
vomit that’s bloody or looks like coffee grounds
Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms of a stomach ulcer. Even
though discomfort may be mild, ulcers can worsen if they aren’t treated.
Bleeding ulcers can become life-threatening.
How are stomach ulcers diagnosed?
Diagnosis and treatment will depend on your symptoms and the severity of
your ulcer. To diagnose a stomach ulcer, your doctor will review your
medical history along with your symptoms and any prescription or
over-the-counter medications you’re taking.
To rule out H. pylori infection, a blood, stool, or breath test may be
ordered. With a breath test, you’ll be instructed to drink a clear
liquid and breathe into a bag, which is then sealed. If H. pylori is
present, the breath sample will contain higher-than-normal levels of
carbon dioxide.
Other tests and procedures used to diagnose stomach ulcers include:
Barium swallow: You drink a thick white liquid (barium) that coats your
upper gastrointestinal tract and helps your doctor see your stomach and
small intestine on X-rays.
Endoscopy (EGD): A thin, lighted tube is inserted through your mouth and
into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This test is
used to look for ulcers, bleeding, and any tissue that looks abnormal.
Endoscopic biopsy: A piece of stomach tissue is removed so it can be
analyzed in a lab.
Explore the interactive 3-D diagram below to learn more about stomach
ulcers.
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Treating stomach ulcers
Treatment will vary depending on the cause of your ulcer. Most ulcers
can be treated with a prescription from your doctor, but in rare cases,
surgery may be required.
It’s important to promptly treat an ulcer. Talk to your doctor to
discuss a treatment plan. If you have an actively bleeding ulcer, you’ll
likely be hospitalized for intensive treatment with endoscopy and IV
ulcer medications. You may also require a blood transfusion.
Nonsurgical treatment
If your stomach ulcer is the result of H. pylori, you’ll need
antibiotics and drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs block
the stomach cells that produce acid.
In addition to these treatments, your doctor may also recommend:
H2 receptor blockers (drugs that also block acid production)
stopping use of all NSAIDs
follow-up endoscopy
probiotics (useful bacteria that may have a role in killing off H.
pylori)
bismuth supplement
Symptoms of an ulcer may subside quickly with treatment. But even if
your symptoms disappear, you should continue to take any medication
prescribed by your doctor. This is especially important with H. pylori
infections, to make sure that all bacteria are eliminated.
Side effects of medications used to treat stomach ulcers can include:
nausea
dizziness
headaches
diarrhea
abdominal pain
These side effects are typically temporary. If any of these side effects
cause extreme discomfort, talk to your doctor about changing your
medication.
Surgical treatment
In very rare cases, a complicated stomach ulcer will require surgery.
This may be the case for ulcers that:
continue to return
don’t heal
bleed
tear through the stomach
keep food from flowing out of the stomach into the small intestine
Surgery may include:
removal of the entire ulcer
taking tissue from another part of the intestines and patching it over
the ulcer site
tying off a bleeding artery
cutting off the nerve supply to the stomach to reduce the production of
stomach acid
Healthful diet
In the past, it was thought that diet could cause ulcers. We know now
this isn’t true. We also know that while the foods you eat won’t cause
or cure a stomach ulcer, eating a healthful diet can benefit your
intestinal tract and overall health. In general, it’s a good idea to eat
a diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
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That said, it’s possible that some foods play a role in eliminating H.
pylori. Foods that may help fight off H. pylori or boost the body’s own
healthy bacteria include:
broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and radishes
leafy greens, such as spinach and kale
probiotic-rich foods, such as sauerkraut, miso, kombucha, yogurt
(especially with lactobacillus and Sacharomyces)
apples
blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries
olive oil
If you think you have a stomach ulcer, these may be good foods to add to
your daily diet.
Home remedies for stomach ulcers
In addition to eating healthy foods, the following items may help reduce
the effects of H. pylori, the bacteria responsible for many stomach
ulcers. However, these supplements are not intended to replace
prescription medication or your current treatment plan. They include:
probiotics
honey
glutamine (food sources include chicken, fish, eggs, spinach, and
cabbage)
Your doctor may also have suggestions for things you can do at home to
relieve discomfort from your ulcer. You can also talk to your doctor
about these natural and home remedies for ulcers.
When should you call or see a doctor?
If you think you have a stomach ulcer, call your doctor. Together you
can discuss your symptoms and treatment options. It’s important to get a
stomach ulcer taken care of because without treatment, ulcers and H.
pylori can cause:
bleeding from the ulcer site that can become life-threatening
penetration, which occurs when the ulcer goes through the wall of the
digestive tract and into another organ, such as the pancreas
perforation, which occurs when the ulcer creates a hole in the wall of
the digestive tract
obstruction (blockage) in the digestive tract, which is due to swelling
of inflamed tissues
stomach cancer, which is up to six times more likely in people who have
H. pylori infections compared to those who don’t
Symptoms of these complications can include those listed below. If you
have any of these symptoms, be sure to call you doctor right away:
weakness
trouble breathing
red or black vomit or stools
sudden, sharp pain in your abdomen that doesn’t go away
Prevention of stomach ulcers
To prevent the spread of bacteria that might cause a stomach ulcer, wash
your hands with soap and water on a regular basis. Also, be sure to
properly clean all of your food and to cook it thoroughly as needed.
To prevent ulcers caused by NSAIDs, stop using these medications (if
possible) or limit their use. If you need to take NSAIDs, be sure to
follow the recommended dosage and avoid alcohol while taking these
medications. And always take these medications with food and adequate
liquids.
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