Gastric ulcers, also referred to as stomach or peptic ulcers, occur when the lining of the stomach develops sores or open lesions. According to the Mayo Clinic, historically stress and diet were thought to cause this type of ulcer. It is now understood that bacterial infections and certain types of medications cause most gastric ulcers.
Symptoms
Most patients with gastric ulcers complain of burning in the stomach. The Mayo Clinic states this burning sensation or pain can range from the navel to the breastbone, last a few minutes or several hours and gets worse on an empty stomach. Some foods may help decrease the pain but symptoms tend to get worse at night and the discomfort may come and go. Other symptoms include bloody vomit, black or tarry stools, nausea, weight loss and changes in appetite. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some ulcers may not cause any symptoms.
Complications
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, gastric ulcers can result in serious medical problems. The University of Maryland Medical Center says complications of peptic ulcers include bleeding from the ulcer site, perforation or an actual hole occurring in the stomach wall, and narrowing or obstruction of the passageways into and out of the stomach.
Causes
Most ulcers are caused by a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori (or H. pylori). Other causes include increased amount of acid production by the body and anti-inflammatory medications that irritate the stomach lining such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen. Although stress does not actually cause ulcers, it can increase the incidence of adverse side effects.
Diagnosis
According to Mayo Clinic, the following diagnostic tests can help identify the presence of a gastric ulcer: blood tests; breath tests used to detect the presence of H. pylori; stool antigen tests that check for H. pylori; upper gastrointestinal imaging where the patient drinks a thick white liquid prior to X-rays to reveal the presence of an ulcer; and endoscopy, a procedure that involves placing a tube with an attached camera into the gastrointestinal tract via the mouth or rectum. During an endoscopy, the health care provider can visualize the lining of the stomach and presence of ulcers.
Treatment
The University of Maryland Medical Center states the following treatment regimens can usually manage gastric ulcers: lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking; medications including H2-blockers, acid pump inhibitors, protective agents and antibiotics to kill the bacteria; and surgery to reduce acid production or enlarge the gastrointestinal passageways.
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