Peptic ulcer (patient information)

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What is a Peptic ulcer?

A benign gastric ulcer (from the antrum) of a gastrectomy specimen.

A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is the beginning of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers are common: One in 10 Americans develops an ulcer at some time in his or her life. One cause of peptic ulcer is bacterial infection, but some ulcers are caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), like aspirin and ibuprofen. In a few cases, cancerous tumors in the stomach or pancreas can cause ulcers. Peptic ulcers are not caused by stress or eating spicy food, but these can make ulcers worse.

What are the symptoms of a Peptic ulcer?

Abdominal discomfort is the most common symptom. This discomfort usually

• is a dull, gnawing ache
• comes and goes for several days or weeks
• occurs 2 to 3 hours after a meal
• occurs in the middle of the night—when the stomach is empty
• is relieved by eating
• is relieved by antacid medications

Other symptoms include

• weight loss
• poor appetite
• bloating
• burping
• nausea
• vomiting

Some people experience only very mild symptoms, or none at all.

Emergency Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away:

• sharp, sudden, persistent stomach pain
• bloody or black stools
• bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

They could be signs of a serious problem, such as

• perforation—when the ulcer burrows through the stomach or duodenal wall
• bleeding—when acid or the ulcer breaks a blood vessel
• obstruction—when the ulcer blocks the path of food trying to leave the stomach

Who is at risk for Peptic ulcers?

You're more likely to develop a peptic ulcer if you:

• have an H. pylori infection
• use NSAIDs often
• smoke cigarettes
• drink alcohol
• have relatives who have peptic ulcers
• are 50 years old or older

When to seek urgent medical care

Call 911 if you:

• Develop sudden, sharp abdominal pain
• Have a rigid, hard abdomen that is tender to touch
• Have symptoms of shock such as fainting, excessive sweating, or confusion
• Vomit blood or have blood in your stool (especially if it's maroon or dark, tarry black)

Call your doctor if:

• You feel dizzy or lightheaded
• You have ulcer symptoms

Where to find medical care for yourdisease

Directions to Hospitals Treating Peptic ulcer

Prevention of Peptic ulcers

Lifestyle changes may help prevent peptic ulcers:

Tips include:

• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs. Try acetaminophen instead. If you must take such medicines, talk to your doctor first.
• Don't smoke or chew tobacco.
• Limit alcohol to no more than two drinks per day.