Peptic Ulcers

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum.* The duodenum is the first part of your small intestine. If peptic ulcers are found in the stomach, they're called gastric ulcers. If they're found in the duodenum, they're called duodenal ulcers. You can have more than one ulcer. *Linked terms are defined in the glossary. Many people have peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers can be treated successfully. Seeing your doctor is the first step. What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers? Illustration showing man with stomach pain. A burning pain in the gut is the most common symptom. A burning pain in the gut is the most common symptom. The pain * feels like a dull ache * comes and goes for a few days or weeks * starts 2 to 3 hours after a meal * comes in the middle of the night when your stomach is empty * usually goes away after you eat Other symptoms are * losing weight * not feeling like eating * having pain while eating * feeling sick to your stomach * vomiting Some people with peptic ulcers have mild symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, you may have a peptic ulcer and should see your doctor. Peptic ulcers are caused by * bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori for short * nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen * other diseases Examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause peptic ulcers. Your body makes strong acids that digest food. A lining protects the inside of your stomach and duodenum from these acids. If the lining breaks down, the acids can damage the walls. Both H. pylori and NSAIDs weaken the lining so acid can reach the stomach or duodenal wall. H. pylori causes almost two-thirds of all ulcers. Many people have H. pylori infections. But not everyone who has an infection will develop a peptic ulcer. Most other ulcers are caused by NSAIDs. Only rarely do other diseases cause ulcers. How are peptic ulcers treated? Peptic ulcers can be cured. Medicines for peptic ulcers are * proton pump inhibitors or histamine receptor blockers to stop your stomach from making acids * antibiotics to kill the bacteria Depending on your symptoms, you may take one or more of these medicines for a few weeks. They'll stop the pain and help heal your stomach or duodenum. Ulcers take time to heal. Take your medicines even if the pain goes away. If these medicines make you feel sick or dizzy, or cause diarrhea or headaches, your doctor can change your medicines. If NSAIDs caused your peptic ulcer, you'll need to stop taking them. If you smoke, quit. Smoking slows healing of ulcers.