Gastric Ulcer

Overview

Gastric (stomach) ulcers are open sores in the stomach lining caused by an imbalance between digestive acids and the protective mucosal barrier. H. pylori infection and NSAID use are the two most common causes. Most ulcers heal with medication, but complications like perforation or bleeding require emergency surgery.

Causes

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
• Regular NSAID use (aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac)
• Excessive acid production
• Smoking and alcohol
• Severe physiological stress (ICU patients)
• Rare: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Risk Factors

• H. pylori infection
• Regular NSAID/painkiller use
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Age over 50
• Previous ulcer history
• Concurrent steroid or anticoagulant use

Symptoms

Diagnosis

• Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy (gold standard)
• H. pylori testing (CLO test, breath test, stool antigen)
• Complete blood count (for anemia)
• CT scan (if perforation suspected)

Treatment Options

Surgical Treatment

Recovery

Perforated ulcer repair: 3-5 days hospital stay, liquid diet for 2-3 days, PPIs for 6-8 weeks. Medical treatment: ulcers typically heal in 4-8 weeks with PPIs. H. pylori eradication confirmed at 4 weeks post-treatment.

Prevention

• Test and treat H. pylori infection
• Avoid unnecessary NSAIDs (use paracetamol instead)
• Take PPIs if NSAIDs are essential
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol
• Manage stress

Frequently Asked Questions