A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. Ulcers are common and very treatable, but they can cause real pain and, if ignored, lead to bleeding. For years people blamed spicy food and stress. We now know the two main causes are a bacteria called H. pylori and the regular use of certain pain medications. Here is what to look for and how ulcers are treated.
What a Peptic Ulcer Is
The stomach makes strong acid to digest food, and a layer of mucus protects its lining. When that protection breaks down, acid eats into the tissue and forms a sore. An ulcer in the stomach is called a gastric ulcer, and one in the upper small intestine is called a duodenal ulcer.
Symptoms
- A burning or gnawing pain in the upper belly, often between meals or at night
- Pain that eases for a while after eating or taking an antacid, then returns
- Bloating and frequent burping
- Nausea
- Feeling full quickly
Some ulcers cause no symptoms at all until they bleed, which is one reason not to ignore ongoing stomach pain.
The Main Causes
- H. pylori: a common bacteria that weakens the stomach lining. Learn more in our H. pylori guide.
- NSAID pain relievers: regular use of ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can wear down the protective lining.
Spicy food and stress do not cause ulcers, but they can make the symptoms feel worse.
Complications to Watch For
An untreated ulcer can bleed, which may show up as black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or lightheadedness. Rarely, an ulcer can wear all the way through the wall, which is an emergency. Any sign of bleeding needs prompt care.
How Ulcers Are Diagnosed
The best test is an upper endoscopy, where I use a thin camera to look directly at the stomach lining, confirm the ulcer, and take a sample if needed. We also test for H. pylori with a breath, stool, or biopsy test, since treating it is a key part of healing.
Treatment
Most ulcers heal well with treatment. The usual plan includes acid-reducing medication called a proton pump inhibitor to let the sore heal, treatment for H. pylori with antibiotics if it is present, and stopping or reducing NSAID pain relievers. Symptoms often improve within a couple of weeks, though the medication is usually continued longer to fully heal the lining.
When to Seek Care
See a gastroenterologist for stomach pain that keeps coming back or does not respond to over-the-counter treatment. Seek care right away for black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or sudden severe belly pain.
Talk to a Gastroenterologist in Mountainside, NJ
If your symptoms keep coming back or you are not sure what is causing them, Dr. Amber Khan can help. We see patients from across Union County and New Jersey.