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Alternative names Return to top
Ulcer - stomach; Peptic disease; Stomach ulcerDefinition Return to top
A gastric ulcer is a break in the normal tissue lining the stomach. See also duodenal ulcer, which is a break in the normal tissue lining the duodenum (the first part of the small bowel).Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Benign gastric ulcers are caused by an imbalance between the secretion of acid and an enzyme called pepsin and the defenses of the stomach's mucosal lining. This leads to inflammation that may be aggravated by aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibruprofen.
Risk factors for benign gastric ulcers include the following:
Stress does not cause or worsen gastric ulcers.
Symptoms Return to top
Note: There may be no symptoms.
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
For people with Helicobacter pylori infection, the main goal is eradication of the organism that causes the problem. Multiple regimens are effective and usually include either an H2 receptor antagonist such as famotidine (Pepcid) or nizatidine (Axid) or a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole (Prilosec) or esomeprazole (Nexium) to suppress acid, combined with two antibiotics.
For people without H. pylori infection, ulcer-healing medications such as antacids, H2 receptor antagonists, or proton pump inhibitors are usually effective. Long-term treatment may be required.
In the event of bleeding from the ulcer, endoscopic therapy can control bleeding in most cases.
Surgical intervention may be recommended for people who do not respond to medical therapy or to endoscopic therapy for bleeding. A vagotomy (cutting the vagus nerve, which controls the stomach's production of gastric acid) or a partial gastrectomy (removal of part of the stomach) may be necessary.
Self-help measures include:
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Most ulcers heal with medication in 6 to 8 weeks. Recurrence is common, but is less likely if H. pylori infection is treated and acid-blocking medications are continued.
Complications Return to top
Complications are often corrected by medication, through an endoscope, or (in rare instances) with surgery.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms of gastric ulcer develop.
Prevention Return to top
Use caution in taking aspirin and NSAIDs if prone to gastric ulcers.
Update Date: 7/19/2004 Updated by: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |