Gastric Ulcer (Stomach Ulcer)

Description

An erosion of the lining of the stomach. At times these ulcers can bleed and cause life threatening bleeding. Rarely the ulcers are secondary to cancer. An infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can increase the incidence and severity of the disease. The following conditions increase the risk of this disorder: drinking alcohol, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs / NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin), smoking, and physical stress (infections, trauma, hospital admissions). Rarely the ulcer can extend through the entire lining of the stomach and result in a life threatening abdominal infection (peritonitis).

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, vomiting blood, vomiting coffee ground material, black stools (melena), bloody stools, burning in chest.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests to determine the extent of disease include: nasogastric tube lavage, rectal exam, EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), and blood tests.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the illness and includes: proton pump inhibitors (omperazole/Prilosec, pantoprazole/Protonix), H2 blockers (cimetidine/Tagamet, ranitidine/Zantac), endoscopic cauterization of bleeding, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, antibiotics if caused by H. pylori, and hospitalization.

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