Overview
A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, caused when the protective lining is worn away by stomach acid. It brings a burning upper-belly pain that may ease or worsen with food. Most ulcers are caused by a stomach bug or by regular use of painkillers, and they heal well with acid-reducing medicines and by treating the cause. Untreated ulcers can bleed or perforate.
Symptoms
- Burning or gnawing pain in the upper belly
- Pain that changes with eating — better or worse
- Bloating and belching
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Black stools or vomiting blood if the ulcer bleeds
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for persistent upper-belly pain, and urgently for black stools, vomiting blood, or sudden severe belly pain.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Vomiting blood, black tarry stools, or sudden severe belly pain with a rigid abdomen — the ulcer may be bleeding or perforated, go to a hospital immediately
Causes
Infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria and regular use of painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin. Smoking and alcohol worsen it.