A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of your stomach or the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). If the ulcer is in your stomach, it is called a gastric ulcer. If the ulcer is in your duodenum, it is called a duodenal ulcer. Ulcers are fairly common. In
the past, experts thought lifestyle factors such as stress and diet caused ulcers. Today we know that stomach acids and other digestive juices help create ulcers. These fluids burn the linings of your organs. Causes of peptic ulcers include: Each person’s symptoms may vary. In some cases ulcers don’t cause any symptoms. The most common ulcer symptom is a dull or burning pain in your belly between your breastbone and your belly button (navel). This pain often occurs around meal times and may wake you up at night. It can last from a few minutes to a few hours. Less common ulcer symptoms may include:
Peptic ulcer symptoms may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure. How are peptic ulcers diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will look at your past health and give you a physical exam. You may also have some tests. Imaging tests used to diagnose ulcers include:
You may also have the following lab tests to see if you have an H. pylori infection:
How are peptic ulcers treated?Treatment will depend on the type of ulcer you have. Your healthcare provider will create a care plan for you based on what is causing your ulcer. Treatment can include making lifestyle changes, taking medicines, or in some cases having surgery. Lifestyle changes may include:
Medicines to treat ulcers may include:
In most cases, medicines can heal ulcers quickly. Once the H. pylori bacteria is removed, most ulcers do not come back. In rare cases, surgery may be needed if medicines don’t help. You may also need surgery if your ulcer causes other medical problems. What are the complications of peptic ulcers?Ulcers can cause serious problems if you don’t get treatment. The most common problems include:
When should I call my healthcare provider?See your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:
Untreated peptic ulcers may cause other health problems. Sometimes they bleed. If they become too deep, they can break through your stomach. Ulcers can also keep food from going through your stomach. Key points
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
What is the main diagnostic method for gastric ulcer?Gastroscopy. This is a test to look inside your stomach directly and see whether you have a stomach ulcer. It involves passing a thin, flexible tube (an endoscope) with a camera through into your stomach and the 1st section of the small intestine (duodenum).
What test most accurately detects the cause of gastric ulcers?Endoscopy. Your doctor may use a scope to examine your upper digestive system (endoscopy). During endoscopy, your doctor passes a hollow tube equipped with a lens (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus, stomach and small intestine. Using the endoscope, your doctor looks for ulcers.
What is the most common gastric ulcer?The most common causes of peptic ulcers are infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Stress and spicy foods do not cause peptic ulcers.
What are gastric ulcers and what is the most common cause?Stomach ulcers are usually caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These can break down the stomach's defence against the acid it produces to digest food. The stomach lining then becomes damaged causing an ulcer to form.
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