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Peptic Ulcer

Authors:
  • Debra Wood, RN
Publication Type:

Condition

Peptic Ulcer

(PUD; Duodenal Ulcer; Ulcer, Peptic; Ulcer, Duodenal)

Definition

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or intestine. They may be named by where they are found:

Gastric Ulcer.

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Causes

Acids that help break down food can lead to an ulcer. A change to the amount of acid causes damage to the stomach or intestine walls. This is most often caused by:

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Less common causes include:

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the chances of a peptic ulcer include:

  • Taking NSAIDs for a long time and at higher doses
  • Prior peptic ulcer disease
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Spicy food
  • Untreated stress

Symptoms

Peptic ulcers do not always cause symptoms. Symptoms may come and go. Food or fluids may make symptoms better and an empty stomach may make them worse.

Symptoms may include:

  • Burning stomach pain that:
    • May make a person wake up from sleep
    • Is worse on an empty stomach
    • Can be eased with food or antacids
  • Feeling of fullness
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Burping
  • Loss of appetite
  • Heartburn

Ulcers can cause bleeding. It is rare, but heavier bleeding can cause:

  • Bloody or black, tarry stools
  • Vomiting what looks like coffee grounds or blood

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may suspect an ulcer based on symptoms.

An endoscopy will help make the diagnosis. A scope will be passed down the throat to view the lining of the stomach.

Other tests may include:

  • H. pylori test—may be done through blood, stool, or a breath test
  • Biopsy—a sample of tissue is removed to look for cause

Treatment

The goals of treatment are:

  • Stopping further damage by decreasing stomach acid
  • Allowing time for the ulcer to heal

How this is done depends on what is causing the ulcer.

Prevention

To help reduce the chances of H. pylori infection:

  • Wash your hands often. This is key after using the bathroom and before eating or making food.
  • Drink water from a safe source.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking raises the chances of getting an ulcer.

To help reduce the chances of a peptic ulcer from NSAIDs:

  • Use other drugs when possible to manage pain.
  • Take the lowest possible dose.
  • Do not take drugs longer than needed.
  • Do not drink alcohol while taking the drugs.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking increases the chances of getting an ulcer.

Medicine

Stomach acid can be managed with:

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPI)—these reduce the amount of acid made
  • H2 blockers—if PPIs are not working
  • Over the counter antacids—neutralizes stomach acid

Medicine related to causes include:

  • Stop or limit NSAIDS—doctor may switch to another medicine if needed
  • Antibiotics to treat H. pylori infection

Quit smoking. Smoking worsens symptoms and slows healing.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES

CANADIAN RESOURCES

References

  • Fashner, J. and Gitu, A.C. Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and H. pylori infection. American Family Physician, 2015; 91 (4): 236-242.
  • Peptic ulcer disease. American College of Gastroenterology website. Available at: http://patients.gi.org/topics/peptic-ulcer-disease.
  • Peptic ulcer disease. American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org/attachments/6522/All_PepticUlcerDisease_2017.pdf.
  • Peptic ulcer disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/peptic-ulcer-disease.
  • Peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/peptic-ulcers-stomach-ulcers.

Contributors

  • Nicole S. Meregian, PA
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.