Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
A stomachulceris a sore or break in the lining of the digestive tract. It develops when stomach acid damages this lining. Stomach ulcers usually occur due to abacterial infectionor frequent use of certain over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.
Many people with stomach ulcers experience symptoms like abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating,heartburn, andnausea. Stomach ulcers are fairly common and can be easily treated with medications and lifestyle modifications in most cases. Severe stomach ulcers may require surgery.
This article provides an overview of stomach ulcers and what to expect when they develop.
Both types of ulcers have similar causes and come with similar or nearly identical symptoms. A healthcare provider would need to perform an imaging test or procedure to find the exact location of the ulcer.
Peptic Ulcer Disease
A Look Inside the Digestive System
Contrary to popular belief, stress and spicy foods do notcause stomach ulcers, but they can aggravate existing ones.
Other, but less common, causes of peptic ulcers include:
In addition, the following factors may play a role in the development of peptic ulcers:
There are several differentsymptoms linked to stomach ulcers. The severity of the symptom usually depends on the severity of the ulcer. For example, smaller ulcers may not cause any symptoms, but larger ulcers can cause intense pain and potentially lead to serious bleeding, or cause narrowing of the lumen, resulting in bowel obstruction.
The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer ispain in the upper abdomen(between your chest and belly button). This pain can last for a few minutes or several hours.
The pain differs depending on the location of the ulcer. Stomach (gastric) ulcers may cause pain soon after eating, whereas duodenal ulcers are likely to present with abdominal pain a few hours after meals, when the stomach is empty (including nighttime abdominal pain). Stomach ulcer pain gets worse after eating, but improves after eating in duodenal ulcers.
Other symptoms commonly seen with stomach ulcers include:
When To Call a Healthcare ProviderWhile stomach ulcers can be painful and uncomfortable, they’re rarely life-threatening. But if you notice changes in appetite, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, dark black or bloody stools, or trouble breathing, call a healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention. These serious symptoms could be signs ofperforation(hole in the stomach lining), internal bleeding, or a blockage, which all require emergency care.
When To Call a Healthcare Provider
While stomach ulcers can be painful and uncomfortable, they’re rarely life-threatening. But if you notice changes in appetite, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, dark black or bloody stools, or trouble breathing, call a healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention. These serious symptoms could be signs ofperforation(hole in the stomach lining), internal bleeding, or a blockage, which all require emergency care.
If your symptoms point to a diagnosis of stomach ulcers, your healthcare provider will want to run several tests to confirm the potentialdiagnosis.
For these tests, you may be asked to stop taking antacids, proton pump inhibitors, andPepto-Bismol(bismuth subsalicylate) for at least two weeks before. It might be necessary to wait up to four weeks after stopping an antibiotic before taking anH. pyloritest
If needed, additional diagnostic procedures may include:
Most stomach ulcers are fairly easily treatable if caught relatively early enough.Treatment optionsinclude:
In many cases, ulcers that are treated with medications can heal in several weeks, though some gastric ulcers may take longer to heal than duodenal ulcers.
Your healthcare provider will likely request a follow-up appointment after you complete the course of treatment to make sure that the bacterial infection and ulcer are gone.
Ulcers and Stomach CancerSome research shows a possible connection betweenH. pyloribacteria, ulcers, andstomach cancer.Your healthcare provider will recommend a biopsy of the ulcer if this is suspected, but know that the overall risk is relatively slim and more research needs to be done on this topic.
Ulcers and Stomach Cancer
Some research shows a possible connection betweenH. pyloribacteria, ulcers, andstomach cancer.Your healthcare provider will recommend a biopsy of the ulcer if this is suspected, but know that the overall risk is relatively slim and more research needs to be done on this topic.
Summary
A stomach ulcer is a sore that develops in the stomach lining, usually due to a bacterial infection or long-term use of certain OTC pain relievers. They are a type of peptic ulcer. Lifestyle factors such as smoking may also contribute.
The most noticeable stomach and peptic ulcers symptoms include pain in the upper abdomen, heartburn, nausea, indigestion, and gas. Treatment options include acid-reducing medications, antibiotics, dietary or lifestyle changes, and (more rarely) surgery.
A Word From Verywell
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Michigan Health.Types of peptic ulcers.Testerman TL, Morris J.Beyond the stomach: an updated view of Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(36):12781-808. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i36.12781Fashner J, Gitu AC.Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and H. pylori infection.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(4):236-42.Deding U, Ejlskov L, Grabas MPK, Nielsen BJ, Torp-Pedersen C, Bøggild H.Perceived stress as a risk factor for peptic ulcers: a register-based cohort study.BMC Gastroenterology. 2016;16(1):140. doi:10.1186/s12876-016-0554-9Lim YJ.Genetic susceptibility of gastroduodenal disease in ethnic and regional diversity.Gut Liver.2014;8(6):575-576. doi:10.5009/gnl14313Li L, Chan R, Lu L, et al.Cigarette smoking and gastrointestinal diseases: the causal relationship and underlying molecular mechanisms (review).International Journal of Molecular Medicine. 2014;34(2):372-380. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2014.1786Bang CS, Baik GH, Kim JH, et al.Peptic ulcer disease in liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis: impact of portal hypertension.Scand J Gastroenterol.2014;49(9):1051-1057. doi:10.3109/00365521.2014.923501Johns Hopkins Medicine.Stomach and duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcers).MedlinePlus.Peptic ulcer.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Upper GI endoscopy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).Vomero ND, Colpo E.Nutritional care in peptic ulcer.Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2014;27(4):298-302. doi:10.1590/S0102-67202014000400017Kim HU.Diagnostic and treatment approaches for refractory peptic ulcers.Clin Endosc. 2015;48(4): 285–290. doi:10.5946/ce.2015.48.4.285American College of Gastroenterology.Peptic ulcer disease.Cedars Sinai Health.Stomach cancer.National Cancer Institute.Helicobacter pylori and cancer.Kim JJ.Upper gastrointestinal cancer and reflux disease.J Gastric Cancer.2013;13(2):79–85. doi:10.5230/jgc.2013.13.2.79Milosavljevic T, Kostić-Milosavljević M, Jovanović I, Krstić M.Complications of peptic ulcer disease.Dig Dis. 2011;29(5):491-493. doi:10.1159/000331517
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.University of Michigan Health.Types of peptic ulcers.Testerman TL, Morris J.Beyond the stomach: an updated view of Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(36):12781-808. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i36.12781Fashner J, Gitu AC.Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and H. pylori infection.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(4):236-42.Deding U, Ejlskov L, Grabas MPK, Nielsen BJ, Torp-Pedersen C, Bøggild H.Perceived stress as a risk factor for peptic ulcers: a register-based cohort study.BMC Gastroenterology. 2016;16(1):140. doi:10.1186/s12876-016-0554-9Lim YJ.Genetic susceptibility of gastroduodenal disease in ethnic and regional diversity.Gut Liver.2014;8(6):575-576. doi:10.5009/gnl14313Li L, Chan R, Lu L, et al.Cigarette smoking and gastrointestinal diseases: the causal relationship and underlying molecular mechanisms (review).International Journal of Molecular Medicine. 2014;34(2):372-380. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2014.1786Bang CS, Baik GH, Kim JH, et al.Peptic ulcer disease in liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis: impact of portal hypertension.Scand J Gastroenterol.2014;49(9):1051-1057. doi:10.3109/00365521.2014.923501Johns Hopkins Medicine.Stomach and duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcers).MedlinePlus.Peptic ulcer.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Upper GI endoscopy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).Vomero ND, Colpo E.Nutritional care in peptic ulcer.Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2014;27(4):298-302. doi:10.1590/S0102-67202014000400017Kim HU.Diagnostic and treatment approaches for refractory peptic ulcers.Clin Endosc. 2015;48(4): 285–290. doi:10.5946/ce.2015.48.4.285American College of Gastroenterology.Peptic ulcer disease.Cedars Sinai Health.Stomach cancer.National Cancer Institute.Helicobacter pylori and cancer.Kim JJ.Upper gastrointestinal cancer and reflux disease.J Gastric Cancer.2013;13(2):79–85. doi:10.5230/jgc.2013.13.2.79Milosavljevic T, Kostić-Milosavljević M, Jovanović I, Krstić M.Complications of peptic ulcer disease.Dig Dis. 2011;29(5):491-493. doi:10.1159/000331517
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
University of Michigan Health.Types of peptic ulcers.Testerman TL, Morris J.Beyond the stomach: an updated view of Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(36):12781-808. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i36.12781Fashner J, Gitu AC.Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and H. pylori infection.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(4):236-42.Deding U, Ejlskov L, Grabas MPK, Nielsen BJ, Torp-Pedersen C, Bøggild H.Perceived stress as a risk factor for peptic ulcers: a register-based cohort study.BMC Gastroenterology. 2016;16(1):140. doi:10.1186/s12876-016-0554-9Lim YJ.Genetic susceptibility of gastroduodenal disease in ethnic and regional diversity.Gut Liver.2014;8(6):575-576. doi:10.5009/gnl14313Li L, Chan R, Lu L, et al.Cigarette smoking and gastrointestinal diseases: the causal relationship and underlying molecular mechanisms (review).International Journal of Molecular Medicine. 2014;34(2):372-380. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2014.1786Bang CS, Baik GH, Kim JH, et al.Peptic ulcer disease in liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis: impact of portal hypertension.Scand J Gastroenterol.2014;49(9):1051-1057. doi:10.3109/00365521.2014.923501Johns Hopkins Medicine.Stomach and duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcers).MedlinePlus.Peptic ulcer.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Upper GI endoscopy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).Vomero ND, Colpo E.Nutritional care in peptic ulcer.Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2014;27(4):298-302. doi:10.1590/S0102-67202014000400017Kim HU.Diagnostic and treatment approaches for refractory peptic ulcers.Clin Endosc. 2015;48(4): 285–290. doi:10.5946/ce.2015.48.4.285American College of Gastroenterology.Peptic ulcer disease.Cedars Sinai Health.Stomach cancer.National Cancer Institute.Helicobacter pylori and cancer.Kim JJ.Upper gastrointestinal cancer and reflux disease.J Gastric Cancer.2013;13(2):79–85. doi:10.5230/jgc.2013.13.2.79Milosavljevic T, Kostić-Milosavljević M, Jovanović I, Krstić M.Complications of peptic ulcer disease.Dig Dis. 2011;29(5):491-493. doi:10.1159/000331517
University of Michigan Health.Types of peptic ulcers.
Testerman TL, Morris J.Beyond the stomach: an updated view of Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(36):12781-808. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i36.12781
Fashner J, Gitu AC.Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and H. pylori infection.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(4):236-42.
Deding U, Ejlskov L, Grabas MPK, Nielsen BJ, Torp-Pedersen C, Bøggild H.Perceived stress as a risk factor for peptic ulcers: a register-based cohort study.BMC Gastroenterology. 2016;16(1):140. doi:10.1186/s12876-016-0554-9
Lim YJ.Genetic susceptibility of gastroduodenal disease in ethnic and regional diversity.Gut Liver.2014;8(6):575-576. doi:10.5009/gnl14313
Li L, Chan R, Lu L, et al.Cigarette smoking and gastrointestinal diseases: the causal relationship and underlying molecular mechanisms (review).International Journal of Molecular Medicine. 2014;34(2):372-380. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2014.1786
Bang CS, Baik GH, Kim JH, et al.Peptic ulcer disease in liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis: impact of portal hypertension.Scand J Gastroenterol.2014;49(9):1051-1057. doi:10.3109/00365521.2014.923501
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Stomach and duodenal ulcers (peptic ulcers).
MedlinePlus.Peptic ulcer.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Upper GI endoscopy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers).
Vomero ND, Colpo E.Nutritional care in peptic ulcer.Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2014;27(4):298-302. doi:10.1590/S0102-67202014000400017
Kim HU.Diagnostic and treatment approaches for refractory peptic ulcers.Clin Endosc. 2015;48(4): 285–290. doi:10.5946/ce.2015.48.4.285
American College of Gastroenterology.Peptic ulcer disease.
Cedars Sinai Health.Stomach cancer.
National Cancer Institute.Helicobacter pylori and cancer.
Kim JJ.Upper gastrointestinal cancer and reflux disease.J Gastric Cancer.2013;13(2):79–85. doi:10.5230/jgc.2013.13.2.79
Milosavljevic T, Kostić-Milosavljević M, Jovanović I, Krstić M.Complications of peptic ulcer disease.Dig Dis. 2011;29(5):491-493. doi:10.1159/000331517
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