Stomach ulcer
Stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) are sores that develop on the stomach lining. An ulcer can also develop in the part of the intestine (just beyond the stomach), which is a duodenal ulcer. The symptoms and treatments of duodenal and stomach ulcers are similar.
Stomach ulcer symptoms
The common symptoms are gnawing or burning pain in your abdomen, but not all stomach ulcers are painful. Some might notice complications like bleeding from an ulcer. Less common symptoms are more likely to be:
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Being or feeling sick
- Unintentional weight loss
Some also burn or experience bloating after consuming fatty food.
Stomach ulcers causes
Damage to the stomach lining that protects from the acids in your stomach leads to stomach ulcers, which typically result of:
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Being or feeling sick
- Unintentional weight loss
Some also burn or experience bloating after consuming fatty food.
Stomach ulcers causes
Damage to the stomach lining that protects from the acids in your stomach leads to stomach ulcers, which typically result of:
- An infection with H.pylori bacteria
- Consuming anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or aspirin for a long time than prescribed
People believe certain foods and stress may cause stomach ulcers, but there is very little evidence to back the belief. The stomach ulcer can affect anyone, but it is more likely to develop among people who are 60, and men are more likely to develop than women.
Stomach ulcer complications
Complications due to stomach ulcers are rare, but they can be severe and potentially life-threatening; some include:
- Bleeding from the ulcer site
- Ulcer splitting open (perforation)
- Ulcer block the way for food to go through the digestive system
Stomach ulcer treatments
The treatments will depend on the cause of the ulcer. The doctor may prescribe medications or antibiotics to reduce the amount of stomach acid.
Stomach ulcers can come back after treatments; however, this is less likely to happen when you have already addressed the underlying cause.
When to seek medical help for a stomach ulcer
- When you are passing sticky, tar-like dark stools
- When you have sudden sharp pain in your abdomen that gradually worsens
- When you vomit blood (the blood can be bright red or have a dark brown, grainy appearance, like coffee ground
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022