Health A-Z

Gastric ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. They can cause a range of symptoms and discomfort. Here's an overview of symptoms, treatment plans, and diagnosis/testing methods for gastric ulcers.

1. Burning Pain: This is the most common symptom, usually occurring in the upper abdomen between meals and during the night.
2. Nausea: Feeling nauseated, especially after eating.
3. Indigestion: Frequent indigestion or heartburn.
4. Loss of Appetite: Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite.
5. Weight Loss: Unintended weight loss may occur due to decreased appetite or difficulty eating.
6. Vomiting: Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds (indicating bleeding).
7. Dark Stools: Stools may appear black or tarry due to bleeding.

1. Medication: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are commonly prescribed to reduce stomach acid production and promote healing. Examples include omeprazole (Prilosec) and ranitidine (Zantac).
2. Antibiotics: If H. pylori infection is present, a combination of antibiotics (such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole) is prescribed to eradicate the bacteria.
3. Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids may provide temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
4. Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding irritants like NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen), alcohol, and smoking can help prevent further irritation of the stomach lining.
5. Dietary Modifications: Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding spicy or acidic foods can help reduce symptoms.

1. Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach to visualize the ulcer and surrounding tissues. Tissue samples may be taken for biopsy during this procedure.
2. Biopsy: During endoscopy, a small tissue sample may be taken for analysis in the laboratory to check for the presence of H. pylori bacteria or signs of cancer.
3. Blood Tests: Blood tests can detect antibodies to H. pylori, indicating a current or past infection. Blood tests can also reveal anemia, which may be caused by bleeding ulcers.
4. Stool Tests: Stool samples may be analyzed for the presence of H. pylori bacteria or blood.
5. Imaging Tests: In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans may be ordered to check for complications such as perforation or obstruction.