Peptic Ulcer

What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers?

About three-quarters of people with peptic ulcers don’t have symptoms. However, if stomach pain is present, stomach acid makes the pain worse, as does having an empty stomach. Eating certain foods that buffer stomach acid or taking an acid-reducing medication can relieve the pain, but then it may come back. The pain may be worse between meals and at night. Symptoms include:

• Burning stomach pain
• Feeling of fullness, bloating or belching
• Fatty food intolerance
• Heartburn
• Nausea

Less often, ulcers may cause severe symptoms such as:

• Vomiting or vomiting blood (if you are vomiting blood, go to your nearest hospital emergency department)
• Dark blood in stools, or stools that are black or tarry
• Trouble breathing
• Feeling faint
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Appetite changes

See your clinician right away if you are having severe symptoms. Also see your clinician if over-the-counter antacids relieve your pain but the pain returns.

LVPG gastroenterologists can help with a diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

What are the causes and risk factors?

Peptic ulcers occur when acid in the digestive tract eats away at the inner surface of the stomach or small intestine. The acid can create a painful open sore that may bleed.

A mucous layer that normally protects against acid coats your digestive tract. But if the amount of acid is increased or the amount of mucus is decreased, you could develop an ulcer.

Common causes include:

• A bacterium
• Regular use of certain pain relievers
• Long-term use of NSAIDs
• Other medications

Risk factors

Alone, these factors do not cause ulcers, but they can make them worse and more difficult to heal.

• Smoking increases the risk of peptic ulcers in people who are infected with H. pylori
• Alcohol can irritate and erode the mucous lining of your stomach, and it increases the amount of stomach acid that’s produced
• Untreated stress
• Spicy foods

How are peptic ulcers prevented?

Clinicians recommend following the risk-reducing strategies above. Additional prevention strategies may include protecting yourself from infections and using caution with pain relievers.

How are peptic ulcers diagnosed?

To detect an ulcer, your clinician may first take a medical history and perform a physical exam. They may decide to conduct diagnostic tests such as laboratory testing, endoscopy and an upper gastrointestinal series.

How are peptic ulcers treated?

Treatment for peptic ulcers depends on the cause. Usually, it involves killing the H. pylori bacterium, if present; eliminating or reducing use of NSAIDs, if possible; and helping your ulcer to heal with medication.

This treatment is often successful, leading to ulcer healing. But if your symptoms are severe or if they continue despite treatment, your clinician may recommend endoscopy to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms. Ask your doctor whether you should undergo follow-up tests after your treatment.