Gastric Ulcer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
A gastric ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach. It is most commonly caused by bacterial infection or prolonged use of anti-inflammatory medications and is highly treatable.
Wissenswertes über "Gastric Ulcer"
A gastric ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach. It is most commonly caused by bacterial infection or prolonged use of anti-inflammatory medications and is highly treatable.
What Is a Gastric Ulcer?
A gastric ulcer (medically known as ulcus ventriculi) is an open wound that forms in the mucous membrane lining the stomach. Under normal conditions, this lining protects the underlying tissue from the corrosive effects of stomach acid. When the protective barrier is weakened or acid production becomes excessive, the lining can be damaged, eventually leading to ulcer formation.
Causes
The most common causes of gastric ulcers include:
- Helicobacter pylori infection: A bacterial infection that damages the protective stomach lining and is responsible for approximately 70–80% of gastric ulcers.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen or diclofenac can irritate and erode the stomach lining when used long-term.
- Excess stomach acid: An imbalance between acid secretion and the stomach's natural defenses promotes ulcer development.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and chronic stress can increase the risk or worsen existing ulcers.
- Rare causes: Conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, in which a tumor causes extreme overproduction of stomach acid.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a gastric ulcer can vary in intensity. Common signs include:
- Burning or dull pain in the upper abdomen, often occurring during or shortly after eating
- Nausea and occasional vomiting
- Bloating, belching, and a feeling of fullness
- Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
Serious complications may produce symptoms such as black, tarry stools (melena) or blood in vomit (hematemesis), which require immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis
Several methods are used to diagnose a gastric ulcer:
- Upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD): The gold-standard procedure, in which a flexible camera is used to directly visualize the stomach lining and collect tissue samples (biopsies).
- Helicobacter pylori testing: Performed via breath test, stool antigen test, or biopsy during endoscopy.
- Biopsy analysis: Essential to rule out malignancy, as gastric ulcers can, in rare cases, be cancerous.
- Blood tests: To detect anemia caused by chronic bleeding.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the ulcer:
Helicobacter pylori Eradication
If a Helicobacter pylori infection is confirmed, eradication therapy is prescribed. This typically involves a combination of two antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin and amoxicillin) together with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for 7–14 days. The success of treatment is confirmed by follow-up testing.
Acid-Suppressing Medications
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole or pantoprazole are the cornerstone of ulcer treatment. They reduce stomach acid production and promote healing of the gastric lining. Treatment is usually continued for several weeks.
Avoiding Harmful Substances
If NSAIDs are the cause, they should be discontinued or replaced with stomach-friendlier alternatives where possible. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake should be stopped to support recovery.
Endoscopic or Surgical Intervention
Complications such as active bleeding, perforation of the stomach wall, or gastric outlet obstruction may require endoscopic treatment or, in severe cases, surgery.
Prognosis and Outlook
With appropriate treatment, most gastric ulcers heal completely. Successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori significantly reduces the risk of recurrence. Follow-up endoscopy is recommended to confirm complete healing and to rule out gastric cancer, particularly for larger or persistent ulcers.
References
- Malfertheiner P. et al. - Management of Helicobacter pylori infection: the Maastricht VI/Florence consensus report. Gut, 2022.
- Longo DL et al. (eds.) - Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st edition. McGraw-Hill Education, 2022.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Peptic Ulcers (Stomach Ulcers). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023. Available at: www.niddk.nih.gov.
Verwandte Produkte
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, probiotic lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
Best-selling products
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, probiotic lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®The latest entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryAortic Arch Anomaly
Glandular Atrophy
Bile Pigment
Most read entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryMagnesiumcarbonat
Cologne list
Calorie content
Related search terms: Gastric Ulcer + Gastric Ulcus + Ulcus Ventriculi + Stomach Ulcer