A gastric ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach. Ulcers can be treated. A small percentage of them may be cancerous. See your doctor if you think you may have a gastric ulcer.

Gastric Ulcer

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Most gastric ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection. It is most often Helicobacter pylori. An ulcer may also be caused by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Some factors thought to increase the risk of a gastric ulcer are:

• Gender: male
• Older age (the incidence of gastric ulcer peaks at age 50)
• Regular use of pain medications
• Smoking
• High levels of stress
• Lower socioeconomic status
• Alcohol use
• Acid reflux
• Gastritis
• Cirrhosis
• Chronic kidney failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Use of steroid medications

Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain that may:
  • Wake you at night
  • Be relieved by antacids or milk
  • Occur 2-3 hours after a meal
  • Be worse when you don't eat
• Nausea
• Abdominal indigestion
• Vomiting, especially blood
• Blood in stools or black, tarry stools
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue
• Burning pain in the gut that feels like a dull ache and comes and goes, often starts 2-3 hours after a meal and goes away after you eat, or it may come in the middle of the night when your stomach is empty
• Losing weight
• Loss of appetite
• Pain while eating
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam may be done. Other tests may include:

• Biopsy —removal of a sample of tissue for testing
• Blood tests
• Endoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine parts of the body
• Upper gastrointestinal (GI) X-ray —a series of x-rays of the upper digestive system taken after drinking a barium solution (also called a barium swallow)
• Breath tests

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Some ulcers will heal if you avoid caffeine, NSAIDs, alcohol, and tobacco. Other treatment options include:

If you are diagnosed with a gastric ulcer, follow your doctor's instructions .

Steps you can take to prevent gastric ulcers include:

• Stop using NSAIDs. You can talk with your doctor about alternatives
• Do not smoke.
• Do not drink alcohol.