A gastric ulcer is a wound in the mucosa that lines the inside of the stomach that can cause symptoms such as burning in the upper part of the abdomen, nausea and/or vomiting, especially after eating food.
Typically, gastric ulcer, also known as peptic ulcer, is caused by infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori or recurrent use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, without medical advice.
Read too: Peptic ulcer: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment
If a gastric ulcer is suspected, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist. Treatment is usually done with antacid medications, but may also involve the use of antibiotics in case of a yeast infection. H. pylorifor example.
Gastric ulcer symptoms
The main symptoms of gastric ulcer are:
- Burning in the upper part of the abdomen, especially after eating food;
- Nausea and/or vomiting;
- Weight loss;
- Vomiting with blood and/or dark stools, in case of bleeding.
Gastric ulcer symptoms typically begin 15 to 30 minutes after eating and can sometimes cause a person to lose weight due to fear of eating. See how to recognize the symptoms of gastric ulcers.
Online symptom test
Gastric ulcer is a type of peptic ulcer. To find out if you have a peptic ulcer, please select the symptoms you present:
This test is only a guidance tool and, therefore, is not intended to provide a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with a gastroenterologist or general practitioner.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of gastric ulcers is normally made by a gastroenterologist or general practitioner taking into account the symptoms presented and the results of the upper digestive endoscopy exam, which allows checking the presence of an ulcer in the stomach.
If you would like to schedule an appointment, find a gastroenterologist closest to you using the tool below:
Endoscopy is an exam in which the doctor inserts a flexible tube with a small camera at the end through the person’s mouth until it reaches the stomach, allowing the inside to be viewed and, sometimes, biopsy of identified lesions. Understand how endoscopy and preparation are performed.
The doctor may also recommend blood, stool or respiratory tests to check for the presence of H. pylori.
Causes of gastric ulcer
The main causes of gastric ulcers are:
- Bacterial infection H. pyloriwhich multiplies in the stomach and weakens the protective barrier of its wall;
- Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin or diclofenac;
- Excessive production of gastric juice, as occurs in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome;
- Serious diseases;
- Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy;
- Stomach cancer.
In these cases, gastric ulcers tend to arise due to an imbalance between the stomach’s defenses against gastric acid and its production, resulting in the formation of a wound.
Furthermore, gastric ulcers are more common in cases of alcohol consumption, smoking, long periods of fasting and use of drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines, for example.
Read too: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment
How the treatment is carried out
The main treatment options for gastric ulcers are:
1. Antibiotics
If the gastric ulcer is caused by bacteria H. pylorithe doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin or metronidazole.
Read too: H. pylori: what it is, symptoms, how it is caught and treatment
2. Proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, pantoprazole, or esomeprazole, work by blocking acid production in the stomach, which allows the gastric ulcer to heal over time. Treatment with these medications usually lasts around 8 weeks.
3. Antacids
Antacids, such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, or sodium bicarbonate, can help neutralize stomach acid and relieve symptoms in some cases. They should only be used if indicated by a doctor, because they do not cure stomach inflammation and excessive use can cause rebound acidity.
4. Painkillers
Analgesics, such as paracetamol or dipyrone, may be prescribed by the doctor to relieve pain, if necessary.
5. Make lifestyle changes
Avoiding the use of cigarettes and the consumption of alcoholic beverages, in addition to eating a healthy diet, can also help alleviate the symptoms of gastric ulcers and contribute to the recovery of the stomach wall.
6. Home treatment
A home treatment option for gastric ulcers is pure potato juice, which acts as a natural antacid and should preferably be taken on an empty stomach and immediately after preparation. However, its use should not replace treatment recommended by your doctor.
Read too: 9 home remedies for stomach ulcers
7. Surgery
Surgery is the last treatment option for gastric ulcers, and is indicated in cases where it is not possible to achieve a cure through the use of medication or when complications such as bleeding, gastric obstruction or perforation arise.
Complications of gastric ulcer
When gastric ulcer is not treated, it can cause complications such as:
- Bleedingwhich can result in anemia and, consequently, excessive tiredness, weakness, palpitations and paleness;
- Ulcer perforationwhich causes inflammation in the abdomen known as peritonitis, in which there is severe abdominal pain;
- Bowel obstructioncausing vomiting and weight loss, for example.
Therefore, if symptoms such as dark, sticky stools, bloody vomit or severe abdominal pain that does not go away appear, it is recommended to go to the nearest hospital for an evaluation.
