Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers

Also known as: gastric ulcers, peptic ulcers, ulcers.

What are stomach and duodenal ulcers?

Stomach and duodenal ulcers occur when the lining of the stomach or intestines become damaged for numerous reasons. This can lead to several symptoms, most commonly burning stomach pain.
 

What causes stomach and duodenal ulcers?

The most common causes of ulcers are a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori or long-term use of pain medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Factors like spicy foods, stress, alcohol intake, and smoking can make existing ulcers worse.
 

What are the symptoms of stomach and duodenal ulcers?

Along with the burning stomach pain, ulcers can cause heartburn, nausea, belching, and a feeling of bloating or fullness. On occasion, ulcers may create bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract which can be associated with vomiting of blood or passage of dark, blackish stools.
 

What are stomach and duodenal ulcer care options?

A variety of medications can be used to kill the bacteria that causes ulcers, decrease acid production in the stomach to promote healing of the ulcer, or else coat over the area of the ulcer and help protect the stomach from further damage. In severe instances, surgery may be needed to fix the damage caused by an ulcer.

Reviewed by: John M Peters, DO

This page was last updated on: March 20, 2019 04:07 PM