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.
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:
Symptoms include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam may be done. Other tests may include:
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:
Treatment with medications focuses on:
Medications used to treat gastric ulcers include:
If ulcers do not heal with medications, surgery may be needed. Surgery can remove the ulcers and/or reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes.
If you are diagnosed with a gastric ulcer, follow your doctor's instructions .
RESOURCES:
American College of Gastroenterology
http://www.acg.gi.org/
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
http://www.cag-acg.org/
Veteran's Affairs Canada
http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/
References:
Gastric ulcer disease. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed101.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=116159 . Accessed July 5, 2007.
Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer disease. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ulcer/history.htm . Accessed July 30, 2007.
MedlinePlus website. Available le at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000213.htm . Accessed July 30, 2007.
Last reviewed January 2010 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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