Gastric Ulcer (Stomach Ulcer; Ulcer, Gastric; Ulcer, Stomach)

A gastric ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach. Ulcers can be treated. 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. It is most often Helicobacter pylori. An ulcer may also be caused by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Risk Factors   

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:
          o Wake you at night
          o Be relieved by antacids or milk
          o Occur 2-3 hours after a meal
          o 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, 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. A physical exam may be done. 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)
    * Breath tests

Treatment   

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

Medications
Treatment with medications focuses on:

    * Stopping your stomach from making acids
    * Killing the bacteria that is causing your ulcer

Medications used to treat gastric ulcers include:

    * Proton pump inhibitors
    * Histamine receptor blockers
    * Antibiotics

Antacids may also help reduce pain and heal ulcers.

Surgery

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.

If you are diagnosed with a gastric ulcer, follow your doctor's instructions.

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.

Posted in Gastric Ulcer , Gastric Ulcer Symptoms , Gastric Ulcer Causes , Gastric Ulcer Emedicine , Gastric Ulcer Treatment