Peptic Ulcer

What is a peptic ulcer?

A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum (du-o-de-num). The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine that is connected to your stomach. Peptic ulcers may have different names, depending on their location. Gastric ulcers are peptic ulcers in the stomach. Duodenal ulcers are peptic ulcers in the intestine. Sometimes, a peptic ulcer may be present in the esophagus (e-sof-ah-gus) and is called an esophageal ulcer. Peptic ulcers may be a short or long term problem. Most ulcers can be treated successfully but the ulcer may return.

What causes a peptic ulcer?

Most peptic ulcers are caused by a bacteria (germ) in the stomach called Helicobacter (hel-i-ko-bak-ter) pylori. This bacteria is also called H. pylori. Certain medicines, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may cause peptic ulcers. Some diseases or infections may increase your risk of having a peptic ulcer. These diseases increase acid in your stomach or decrease your stomach's defense from acid. Other factors that may increase your risk of having a peptic ulcer are smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or eating certain foods. You may also be more likely to have a peptic ulcer if another family member has this disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of a peptic ulcer?

The most common symptom is a burning feeling or pain in your upper abdomen (stomach). This may occur 1 to 3 hours after eating or when you are hungry. The pain may wake you from sleep and may come and go for weeks to months. Other signs may be nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), or burping. Ulcers may cause bleeding. Your bowel movements (stool or BM) may be a red or black color. The pain may be relieved by eating or taking antacid medicine.

How is a peptic ulcer diagnosed?

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Endoscopy: This test uses a scope to see the inside of your digestive tract. A scope is a long, bendable tube with a light on the end of it. A camera may be hooked to the scope to take pictures. During an endoscopy, caregivers may find problems with how your digestive tract is working. Samples may be taken from your digestive tract and sent to a lab for tests. Small tumors may be removed, and bleeding may be treated during an endoscopy.
  
  
• Upper GI x-rays: During an upper GI series, an x-ray machine is used to take pictures of your stomach and intestines (bowel). You may be given a chalky liquid to drink before the pictures are taken. This liquid helps your stomach and intestines show up better on the x-rays. An upper GI series can show if you have an ulcer, a blocked intestine, or other problems.
  
  
• Urea breath test: This test checks for H. pylori. You will drink a liquid that contains a radioactive carbon. Thirty minutes after drinking the liquid, you will blow into a bag. The radioactive carbon will be broken down by H. pylori if it is present.

How is a peptic ulcer treated?

• Medicines: You may be given the following medicines:
  
  
  • Antacids: You may need antacids to decrease stomach acid.
    
    
  • Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
    
    
  • Antiulcer medicine: This medicine helps decrease the amount of acid that is normally made by the stomach.
  
  
• Surgery: You may need surgery to remove the ulcer. You may also need to have your vagus nerve cut. The vagus nerve is a major nerve in your body. By cutting the vagus nerve, the stomach releases less acid and moves less. This can be less irritating to the stomach wall.

Where can I find support and more information?

Having a peptic ulcer may be life-changing for you and your family. Accepting that you have a peptic ulcer may be hard. Contact the following for more information:

• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
  2 Information Way
  Bethesda , MD 20892-3570
  Phone: 1- 800 - 891-5389
  Web Address: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
  

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Learn more about Peptic Ulcer