Overview
A stomach ulcer is an open sore that forms in the lining of the stomach. It belongs to a group of conditions called peptic ulcers. Ulcers can cause pain, nausea, and bleeding, but some people have few or no symptoms. Because problems from ulcers can become serious, medical assessment is important if symptoms suggest one.
Key Symptoms
Common symptoms include burning, aching, or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, often between meals or at night. Some people also have bloating, nausea, vomiting, early fullness, or loss of appetite. In other cases, the first sign is a complication such as vomiting blood, black stools, or feeling faint from bleeding.
Causes and Risk Factors
Two major causes are infection with Helicobacter pylori and repeated use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. Smoking may make ulcers harder to heal, and alcohol can irritate the stomach lining. Serious illness and rare conditions that increase stomach acid can also play a role. Risk may be higher in older adults and in people who have had ulcers before.
Who Is Affected
Stomach ulcers can affect adults of many ages and occur worldwide. They are more likely in people who use NSAID pain medicines often, especially older adults. People with H. pylori infection may also develop ulcers, although not everyone with the infection gets one.
Prevention
Prevention depends partly on the cause. Avoiding unnecessary NSAID use, following medical advice about pain medicines, and not smoking may help lower risk. Good hygiene and food and water safety may help reduce spread of H. pylori in some settings. If you have had an ulcer before, ask a healthcare professional how to lower your risk of another one.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may ask about symptoms, medicine use, and any signs of bleeding. Tests for H. pylori may include a breath test, stool test, or other lab testing. In some people, an upper endoscopy is used to look directly at the stomach lining and check for bleeding or other causes of symptoms.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the cause of the ulcer. If H. pylori is present, treatment usually aims to clear the infection and reduce stomach acid so the ulcer can heal. If NSAIDs are contributing, a clinician may review whether those medicines should be changed or stopped. Treatment may also include medicines that protect the stomach lining, and urgent hospital care may be needed for bleeding, perforation, or blockage.
Diet and Lifestyle
Food does not usually cause stomach ulcers, but some foods or drinks may worsen discomfort for some people. It can help to notice what triggers symptoms and avoid smoking and heavy alcohol use. Eating regular meals and discussing medicine use, including over-the-counter pain relievers, with a healthcare professional may also help.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if you have ongoing upper belly pain, repeated nausea or vomiting, unexplained weight loss, trouble eating, or symptoms that keep coming back. You should also get checked if you regularly use NSAID pain medicines and develop stomach symptoms. Early evaluation can help find the cause and reduce the chance of complications.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help right away if you vomit blood, pass black or tarry stools, faint, feel very weak, or have sudden severe stomach pain. These can be signs of bleeding or a perforation, which are medical emergencies. Fast treatment is important.