Stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers can affect anyone but are more common in people aged 60 or over, with men being slightly more affected than women. Peptic Ulcer Disease* can have serious complications, with approximately 276 Australians dying of the disease in 2020 according to the World Health Organization.

What is a stomach ulcer?

Stomach ulcers – also known as gastric ulcers or peptic ulcers – are open, inflamed sores in the lining of the stomach. Duodenal ulcers occur in the upper part of the small intestine.

What causes stomach ulcers?

Although it was once thought stomach ulcers were caused by stress and spicy foods, it’s now known that most ulcers are caused by a bacterium Helicobacter pylori**, which lives in the lining of the stomach. Stomach ulcers can also be caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Spicy foods can make your symptoms worse, but they do not cause ulcers.

How do I know if I have a stomach ulcer and what are the symptoms?

Many people with stomach ulcers don’t experience symptoms. But when symptoms that may indicate an ulcer occur, your doctor will use a few different methods to diagnose them.

• Firstly, your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and when they occur. They may ask you about your diet and what foods you usually eat.

• Stomach ulcers are commonly diagnosed via an endoscopy, when a small camera attached to a flexible tube is passed through the mouth into the stomach and the stomach lining can be examined. This is usually done in a doctor’s surgery under twilight sedation but can also be done under general anaesthetic.

• You’ll also most likely be tested for Helicobacter pylori. The test involves blowing into a silver balloon-like device, often from the comfort of your own home, then the spittle is sent off to a lab to get results. Your doctor may also order blood tests, stool tests or an X-ray.

What is the treatment for stomach ulcers?

If it’s determined that your ulcer was caused by Helicobacter pylori, you’ll be prescribed a course of antibiotics. Your doctor will determine the most effective antibiotic or a combination of antibiotics to best treat your ulcer.

Other ulcers may be treated with medicines that reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces, called proton pump inhibitors.

You can help reduce your symptoms by:

• quitting smoking

• eating plenty of fruit and vegetables

• making sure there is enough iron in your diet

• avoiding foods that make symptoms worse, such as fatty meals, alcohol, tomatoes, spicy foods, coffee, chocolate or hot drinks

• losing weight if you are overweight

• taking an antacid.

Long term outcomes and possible complications

Stomach ulcers are a common condition that can be easily treated in most cases. However, it’s important to see your doctor for professional medical advice and treatment. For example, if the ulcer is bleeding it may need to be treated with a procedure during an endoscopy, and perforated peptic ulcers may require surgery.

Interesting fact

Approximately 15 per cent of the population are infected with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium that can cause stomach ulcers. Many children’s stomachs contain this bacterium, which if undetected can remain for a lifetime.