Stomach ulcers can be very painful and in rare cases can cause fatal complications.
They can have a range of symptoms that some people could pass off as simple indigestion so it is important to be aware of all the signs and if they are happening frequently. The most common causes of ulcers are the bacteria H. pylori, which is usually harmless but can cause ulcers in some and also anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can cause an ulcer, particularly if taken over a long period of time or in high doses.
There is no substantial evidence that lifestyle choices, such as spicy foods, alcohol or stress, cause ulcers, but they can worsen symptoms. If an ulcer is suspected, a breath, blood or stool test can be carried out to check the presence of the H. pylori bacteria.
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If it is there, people are given antibiotics to clear it and the ulcer and other medications can be used to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach while the ulcer heals. Tummy pain is the most common and telling sign of a stomach ulcer and is said to feel like a burning sensation. It can last for minutes or hours and usually starts a few hours after eating. While antacids may relieve the pain, it will keep coming back.
Other less common symptoms include, indigestion, heartburn, loss of appetite, feeling sick and weight loss.
Visit a GP if you experience persistent symptoms of a stomach ulcer. Contact a GP or NHS 111 immediately if:
- you are passing dark, sticky, tar-like stools
- you have a sudden, sharp pain in your tummy that gets steadily worse
Go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or call 999 if:
- you are vomiting blood – the blood can appear bright red or have a dark brown, grainy appearance, similar to coffee grounds
Complications from a stomach ulcer are very rare but very serious. They can cause internal bleeding, perforation [when the lining of the stomach splits open] or gastric outlet obstruction when the stomach becomes so swollen it stops food from passing through.
For more information about stomach ulcers, visit the NHS website here.
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