gastric ulcer

A gastric ulcer, also known as a stomach ulcer or peptic ulcer, is an open sore that develops in the lining of the stomach. This condition occurs when stomach acid erodes through the mucosa, causing a break in the tissue lining of the stomach.

Causes and Symptoms

Most stomach ulcers are caused by infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria [6]. The most common symptom of a gastric ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the tummy (abdomen) [4]. However, some people may not experience any pain at all.

Other symptoms of peptic ulcers include:

• Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
• Burping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Not feeling hungry
• Losing weight without trying

What is Peptic Ulcer Disease?

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition that causes ulcers to develop in the lining of your digestive tract. The term "peptic" refers to its relation to digestion [7]. A peptic ulcer can occur in either the stomach or the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine.

Key Facts

• A gastric ulcer is a type of peptic ulcer that occurs in the stomach.
• Stomach ulcers are treatable and common digestive conditions.
• The most common symptom of a gastric ulcer is abdominal pain.
• Peptic ulcers can be caused by infection with H. pylori bacteria.

References: [1] - A dull or burning pain in the stomach could be a peptic ulcer. [2] - A stomach ulcer or gastric ulcer is an open sore in your stomach lining. [3] - A peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach or intestine. [4] - The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the tummy (abdomen). [5] - Jan 25, 2024 — A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or your duodenum, the first part of your small intestine. [6] - Aug 14, 2023 — A stomach or gastric ulcer is a break in the tissue lining of the stomach. Most stomach ulcers are caused by infection with the Helicobacter ... [7] - Peptic ulcer disease is a condition that causes ulcers (open sores) to develop in the lining of your digestive tract. [8] - What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers? · Feeling full after eating a small amount of food · Burping · Nausea · Vomiting · Not feeling hungry · Losing weight without ...

Common Signs and Symptoms of Gastric Ulcer

A gastric ulcer, also known as a stomach ulcer, can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. The most common symptom is stomach pain, which can be described as burning or gnawing in nature [1][3]. This pain is often located in the centre of the abdomen and can radiate to the back if the ulcer has penetrated through the stomach lining.

Other typical signs and symptoms include:

• Indigestion: A feeling of discomfort or bloating after eating
• Nausea: Feeling queasy or like you're going to vomit
• Abdominal discomfort: A general feeling of unease or tenderness in the abdominal area

In some cases, a gastric ulcer can cause more severe symptoms, such as:

• Vomiting blood or dark, tarry stools: This is a sign that the ulcer has bled and requires immediate medical attention
• Chest pain: This can be a symptom of a perforated ulcer, which is a serious condition that requires emergency treatment

It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as prompt treatment can help alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.

References:

[1] Aug 16, 2024 — The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is stomach pain. [3] Signs and symptoms ... The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the tummy (abdomen). [6] Peptic Ulcer Disease Symptoms · Abdominal discomfort or pain [8] Symptoms · Feeling of fullness and problems drinking as much fluid as usual

Diagnostic Tests for Gastric Ulcer

Gastric ulcers, also known as stomach ulcers, can be diagnosed using various tests. Here are some of the common diagnostic tests used to detect gastric ulcers:

• Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy and Biopsy: This is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach to visualize the inside of the stomach. A biopsy may also be taken during this procedure to examine tissue samples for signs of an ulcer.
• Gastroscopy: Similar to upper GI endoscopy, gastroscopy involves passing a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end through the mouth and into the stomach to visualize the inside of the stomach.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check for signs of bleeding or infection in the stomach. These tests include complete blood cell (CBC) count, liver function tests (LFTs), and levels of certain enzymes.
• Urea Breath Test: This test involves breathing into a device that measures the amount of urea in the breath. Urea is produced when bacteria in the stomach break down food.
• Stool Test: A stool test may be conducted to check for signs of bleeding or infection in the digestive tract.

These tests can help doctors diagnose gastric ulcers and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms that may indicate a gastric ulcer.

References:

• [2] To detect an ulcer, your healthcare professional may first take a medical history and do a physical exam.
• [3] Gastroscopy. This is a test to look inside your stomach directly and see whether you have a stomach ulcer.
• [6] Endoscopy – a thin flexible tube is threaded down the oesophagus into the stomach under light anaesthesia.
• [8] An upper endoscopy (or EGD test) goes inside your upper GI tract with a tiny camera to examine the inside of the stomach.

Treatment Options for Gastric Ulcer

Gastric ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, can be treated with a combination of medications to reduce symptoms and promote healing.

• Medications to Reduce Gastric Acid: Antacids, histamine (H2) blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used to neutralize or reduce gastric acid production. These medications can help alleviate symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, and abdominal pain.
  • Antacids [5] work by neutralizing stomach acid, providing quick relief from symptoms.
  • H2 blockers [5] reduce gastric acid production by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach lining.
  • PPIs [8] are more potent than H2 blockers and can provide long-term reduction of gastric acid production.
• Medications to Protect and Repair Tissues: Medications such as sucralfate, prostaglandins, and potassium-competitive acid blockers (PACBs) help protect and repair the stomach lining.
  • Sucralfate [8] forms a protective barrier over the ulcer site, allowing it to heal.
  • Prostaglandins [8] stimulate the production of mucus in the stomach, protecting the mucosal lining.
  • PACBs [8] reduce gastric acid production and help protect the stomach lining.

Additional Treatment Options

In addition to medications, other treatment options may be recommended depending on the underlying cause of the gastric ulcer. These include:

• Stopping NSAIDs: If the gastric ulcer is caused by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), stopping or reducing their use can help alleviate symptoms.
  • Stopping NSAIDs [3] can allow the stomach lining to heal and reduce inflammation.
• Treating H. pylori Infection: If the gastric ulcer is caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
  • Empiric triple therapy for H pylori infection [7] is often used to treat this type of infection.

References

[1] - Treatment for peptic ulcers involves killing the H. pylori germ, if needed. Treatment also might involve stopping NSAIDs or lowering the amount...

[2] - Drugs used to treat Stomach Ulcer ; Generic name: omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate systemic; Brand names: Zegerid, Konvomep

[3] - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ... Ibuprofen pills spilling onto a counter.

[4] - First-line treatment for peptic ulcer disease is a combination of medications to reduce gastric acid and help protect and repair your tissues.

[5] - Peptic Ulcer Disease Treatment: Medication · Antacids neutralize gastric acid. · Histamine (H2) blockers reduce gastric acid by blocking the H2 receptors.

[6] - Drugs for Peptic Ulcer and Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (Gord) ; Nizatidine, An H2 receptor antagonist used to treat GERD and a variety of ulcers.

[7] - Apr 26, 2021 — Treatment options include empiric antisecretory therapy, empiric triple therapy for H pylori infection, endoscopy followed by appropriate...

[8] - Medications for the Treatment of Gastric Acidity · Proton Pump Inhibitors · H2 Blockers · Antacids · Prostaglandins · Sucralfate · Potassium-Competitive Acid...

Differential Diagnosis of Gastric Ulcer

Gastric ulcers, also known as stomach ulcers, can be challenging to diagnose due to their similarity in symptoms with other conditions. The differential diagnosis of gastric ulcers involves considering various conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

Conditions to Consider:

• Hiatal hernia: A condition where the stomach bulges up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm, which can cause symptoms similar to those of a gastric ulcer.
• Abnormal esophageal contractions: Conditions such as achalasia or diffuse esophageal spasm can cause dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and chest pain, mimicking the symptoms of a gastric ulcer.
• Prolonged emptying of stomach: Conditions like gastroparesis can cause delayed emptying of food from the stomach, leading to symptoms similar to those of a gastric ulcer.
• Gastrinomas: Rare tumors that produce excess gastrin, a hormone that stimulates acid production in the stomach, which can lead to peptic ulcers.

Other Considerations:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation.
• Pancreatic neoplasms: Tumors in the pancreas can cause abdominal pain and other symptoms that may be mistaken for a gastric ulcer.
• Mesenteric ischemia (abdominal angina): A condition where there is reduced blood flow to the intestines, causing abdominal pain and other symptoms.

Key Points to Remember:

• Gastric ulcers usually cannot be differentiated from duodenal ulcers based on history alone [1].
• The differential diagnosis of epigastric pain includes several conditions that may present with similar symptoms [6].

References:

[1] Apr 26, 2021 — Gastric and duodenal ulcers usually cannot be differentiated based on history alone, although some findings may be suggestive (see Diagnosis).

[4] by J FASHNER · 2015 · Cited by 159 — An important cause of dyspepsia is peptic ulcer disease (PUD), which includes gastric and duodenal ulcers.

[6] The differential diagnosis of epigastric pain includes gastroesophageal reflux, gastric or pancreatic neoplasms, mesenteric ischemia (abdominal angina), or ...