Stomach ulcer, also known as gastric ulcer or peptic ulcer, is a localized area of erosion in the stomach lining. Symptoms include abdominal pain, possible bleeding, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common cause of a stomach ulcer is infection associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria. Another term for a stomach ulcer is peptic ulcer disease, which is when ulcers form in the stomach or first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
The spread of H. pylori between people is not completely understood; it may spread through contaminated food and water. Many people become infected with H. pylori at a young age, but symptoms most commonly occur in adulthood. In some people, the H. pylori bacteria cause an infection in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which may lead to an ulcer. Damage to the stomach lining from stomach acid increases the likelihood that H. pylori infection will cause a stomach ulcer.
Causes of peptic ulcers include
long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin NIH external link and ibuprofen NIH external link
an infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
rare cancerous and noncancerous tumors in the stomach, duodenum, or pancreas—known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES)
Two pictures of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause peptic ulcers.
What are the symptoms of a peptic ulcer?
A dull or burning pain in your stomach is the most common symptom of a peptic ulcer. You may feel the pain anywhere between your belly button and breastbone. The pain most often
happens when your stomach is empty—such as between meals or during the night
stops briefly if you eat or if you take antacids
lasts for minutes to hours
comes and goes for several days, weeks, or months
Less common symptoms may include
bloating
have difficulty breathing
burping
feeling sick to your stomach
poor appetite
vomiting
weight loss
Even if your symptoms are mild, you may have a peptic ulcer. You should see your doctor to talk about your symptoms. Without treatment, your peptic ulcer can get worse.
Woman clutching her stomach which is in pain. A dull or burning pain in your stomach is the most common symptom of peptic
Who is more likely to develop peptic ulcers caused by NSAIDs?
People of any age who take NSAIDs every day or multiple times per week are more likely to develop a peptic ulcer than people who do not take them regularly. NSAIDs are a class of pain killers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Long-term use of NSAIDs can cause peptic ulcer disease.
Your chance of having a peptic ulcer caused by NSAIDs, also called an NSAID-induced peptic ulcer, is increased if you
are age 70 or older
are female
are taking more than two types of NSAIDs or have taken NSAIDs regularly for a long time
have had a peptic ulcer before
have two or more medical conditions or diseases
are taking other medicines, such as corticosteroids NIH external link and medicines to increase your bone mass
drink alcohol or smoke
Who is more likely to develop peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori?
About 30 to 40 percent of people in the United States get an H. pylori infection.1 In most cases, the infection remains dormant, or quiet without signs or symptoms, for years. Most people get an H. pylori infection as a child.
Adults who have an H. pylori infection may get a peptic ulcer, also called an H. pylori-induced peptic ulcer. However, most people with an H. pylori infection never develop a peptic ulcer. Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori are uncommon in children.
H. pylori are spiral-shaped bacteria that can damage the lining of your stomach and duodenum and cause peptic ulcer disease. Researchers are not certain how H. pylori spread. They think the bacteria may spread through
unclean food
unclean water
unclean eating utensils
contact with an infected person’s saliva and other bodily fluids, including kissing
Researchers have found H. pylori in the saliva of some infected people, which means an H. pylori infection could spread through direct contact with saliva or other bodily fluids.
What other problems can a peptic ulcer cause?
A peptic ulcer can cause other problems, including
bleeding from a broken blood vessel in your stomach or small intestine
perforation of your stomach or small intestine
a blockage that can stop food from moving from your stomach into your duodenum.
How long does it take a stomach ulcer to heal?
With medication, it may take several weeks for the ulcer to heal. Eating a healthy diet, limiting or omitting alcohol, and not smoking will encourage healing.
