Stomach ulcer

Stomach ulcer

• About stomach ulcers
• Stomach ulcer symptoms
• Stomach ulcer causes
• Stomach ulcer diagnosis
• Stomach ulcer treatment
• Stomach ulcer complications

About stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. Ulcers can also occur in part of the intestine just beyond the stomach. These are called duodenal ulcers.

Stomach and duodenal ulcers are sometimes called peptic ulcers. This information applies to both.

Symptoms of stomach ulcers

Although the most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the abdomen (tummy). Not all stomach ulcers are painful.

Some people experience:

• indigestion
• heartburn
• nausea (feeling sick)

You should speak to your GP if you think you have a stomach ulcer.

More about the symptoms of a stomach ulcer

Get urgent medical advice

Speak to your GP immediately (or phone 111) if:

• your symptoms persist
• you’re vomiting blood – the blood can appear bright red or have a dark brown, grainy appearance like coffee grounds
• you’re passing dark, sticky, tar-like stools
• you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your tummy that gets steadily worse

These could be a sign of a serious complication.

What causes stomach ulcers?

Stomach ulcers occur when the layer protecting the stomach lining from stomach acid breaks down. This allows the stomach lining to become damaged.

This is usually caused by:

• an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria
• taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin – particularly if they’re taken for a long time or at high doses

There’s little evidence that stress or certain foods causes stomach ulcers.

More about the causes of stomach ulcers

Treating stomach ulcers

You’ll be treated using antibiotics if your ulcer was caused by a H. pylori infection. This kills the bacteria and should prevent the ulcer coming back.

You’ll be treated using a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) if your ulcer was caused by NSAIDs. Your doctor will prescribe these and discuss whether you should keep using NSAIDs. Alternative medication to NSAIDs, such as paracetamol, may be recommended.

Most stomach ulcers take a few months to heal after treatment. However, stomach ulcers can come back after treatment, although this is less likely to happen if the underlying cause is addressed.

More about treating stomach ulcers

Complications

Complications are rare but can be very serious and potentially life-threatening.

The main complications include:

• bleeding at the site of the ulcer
• the stomach lining at the site of the ulcer splits open – known as perforation
• the ulcer blocks the movement of food through the digestive system – known as gastric obstruction