Stomach ulcers, or peptic ulcers, are sores in the lining of your stomach. Your stomach has a layer of thick mucous to protect it from the acid produced to digest food. If the mucous layer is interrupted, the acid can splash directly on the wall of the stomach and create a sore. Stomach ulcers are more common than you may think. Read on for some surprising facts about them.
It is estimated that 75% of people with stomach ulcers don’t experience any symptoms. Those people may find out they have them with testing for another condition, like chronic heartburn or acid reflux. Others may find them when the ulcers have become so severe that they finally cause symptoms.
When people do have symptoms of an ulcer, they usually feel a burning sensation in their stomach. They may feel full and bloated or belch excessively. They may not tolerate fatty foods well. They may also feel nauseous or have heartburn.
Ulcers are frequently caused by a bacterial infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacteria is very common, though its transmission is not well understood. Nearly 40% of people in the United States have an H. pylori infection.
For the majority of people, H. pylori doesn’t cause any problems. When H. pylori does cause an ulcer, antibiotics can be effective in eliminating the bacteria.
H. pylori can be diagnosed with a blood test, stool test, or breath test. For the breath test, you drink a special solution. The molecules in the solution interact with the bacteria to release a carbon gas that a machine can detect when you exhale.
Ulcers may also be caused by long-term use of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Many of these are available over-the-counter. Some examples are aspirin (Excedrin), naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Motrin). These drugs interrupt the stomach’s ability to protect itself from acid and can cause an ulcer.
There are also some prescription NSAIDs people take for conditions like chronic back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. If you need to take one of these medications, it is important to discuss side effects and ways to protect yourself from ulcers with your physician.
Contrary to popular belief, stress doesn’t cause stomach ulcers. Spicy foods don’t cause them either. However, stress can make ulcers worse. Reducing stress can be helpful in managing ulcers. Avoiding spicy foods and fatty foods can also help reduce symptoms.
The majority of ulcers don’t cause significant problems. On rare occasions, ulcers can bleed so much that they need hospitalization or a blood transfusion. Some ulcers will bleed slowly over time and lead to anemia.
Symptoms of a bleeding ulcer may be black, tarry stool, or stool with dark blood. There may be vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds. If you experience those symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately.
Stomach ulcers are often mild and can be treated easily with medications like proton-pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Nexium). An antibiotic may be prescribed if you have an H. pylori infection.
If you are experiencing symptoms of an ulcer, your doctor may perform lab tests and an upper endoscopy to diagnose them.
Don’t let stomach ulcers cause you discomfort any longer – schedule an appointment today!
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