Stomach Ulcer

What is a stomach ulcer?

A stomach ulcer is like a painful sore that forms inside your stomach. You might also hear doctors call them "peptic ulcers" or "gastric ulcers". These sores can also happen in the first part of your small intestine - these are called "duodenal ulcers".

Think of an ulcer like a mouth ulcer, but inside your stomach instead. They can be serious, but the good news is that most people get better with the right treatment.

What does a stomach ulcer feel like?

The main sign of a stomach ulcer is pain in your tummy. This pain:

• Usually happens in the upper part of your tummy
• Often feels like a burning sensation
• Is often worse at night

You might also notice:

• Indigestion that won't go away
• Heartburn (a burning feeling in your chest)
• Feeling bloated
• Feeling sick or actually being sick
• Feeling full very quickly when eating

When should you speak to your GP?

See your GP if:

• You have indigestion that doesn't get better with treatment
• Your tummy pain keeps coming back

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you have:

• Tummy pain that's getting worse or won't go away
• Lost your appetite
• Feel full after eating tiny amounts
• Lost weight without trying
• Feel like there's a lump in your tummy
• Find it painful or difficult to swallow
• Keep being sick
• Feel tired all the time

Emergency warning signs

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you have:

• Bright red blood in your vomit, or vomit that looks like ground coffee
• Blood in your poo, or black, sticky, very smelly poo
• Severe tummy pain
• Pain when someone touches your tummy
• Sudden chest pain

Don't drive yourself to A&E - ask someone else to drive you or call an ambulance.

What causes stomach ulcers?

The two main causes are:

1. A bacterial infection - caused by germs called H. pylori bacteria
2. Pain relief medicines - regular use of anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen

You're more likely to get stomach ulcers if you smoke or as you get older.

How are stomach ulcers treated?

Your GP might arrange some tests first, such as:

• A breath test to check for H. pylori bacteria
• A poo sample test
• A blood test
• Sometimes a camera test (gastroscopy) where a thin, flexible tube with a camera goes down your throat

Treatment usually involves:

• Antibiotics if you have the H. pylori infection
• Medicines to reduce stomach acid
• Treatment typically lasts 1 week to 2 months

What can you do to help yourself?

• Eat smaller meals
• Have your evening meal 3-4 hours before bed
• Try to keep to a healthy weight
• Find ways to manage stress
• Don't take anti-inflammatory painkillers without speaking to your GP first
• Avoid foods that make symptoms worse (like spicy or fatty foods, coffee, chocolate)
• Don't smoke
• Don't drink too much alcohol

Remember, it's important to get treatment for stomach ulcers. Without treatment, they can lead to serious complications including bleeding, anaemia, or even a hole in your stomach wall.

If you're worried about stomach ulcer symptoms, speak to your GP for proper assessment and treatment.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.