Peptic (Stomach) Ulcer Disease: Symptoms and Treatment

Peptic (or stomach) ulcer disease affects 1 in 10 people. Caused by open sores that develop on the stomach’s lining or the duodenum (start of small intestine), peptic ulcers are painful and frustrating. Fortunately, available treatment can cure nearly all cases of the condition.

Many digestive health problems can be managed by your primary care provider. Find a provider accepting new patients. If necessary, he or she can refer you to one of our board-certified gastroenterologists.

Risk Factors for Peptic Ulcer Disease

While anyone can develop peptic ulcer disease, it is most common in individuals who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Because NSAIDs are used by those with osteoarthritis and other disorders common to older adults, NSAID-induced peptic ulcers are seen frequently in adults ages 70 and older.

However, there are other risk factors that can affect both young and older adults. Smoking and drinking, being female, living with at least two other medical conditions, and being infected by H. pylori bacteria all increase the risk of peptic ulcers. Having a history of peptic ulcers increases the likelihood that you develop another.

Surprisingly, spicy foods have been determined to not cause peptic ulcers. In fact, there is some indication that the ingredient that gives pepper their heat (capsaicin) may actually help the stomach. However, any food — whether spicy, cool or creamy — should be avoided if it causes discomfort in the stomach, digestive tract or elsewhere.

Peptic Ulcer Symptoms

The most common symptom for those with peptic ulcer disease is stomach pain. The pain occurs between the belly button and breastbone and can be dull or severe in nature.

In most cases, the pain isn’t constant. Rather, it appears off and on for days, weeks or months at a time, and it is temporarily relieved by taking an antacid. Once pain develops, it takes a few minutes or a few hours to pass.

Though the most common symptom is pain, stomach ulcer disease can also lead to vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite, weight loss and general feelings of stomach sickness.

Peptic Ulcer Treatment

Overcoming stomach ulcer disease requires appropriate medication. Depending on the root cause of the disease, different medications may be prescribed.

Medications currently available to cure peptic ulcer disease include:

• Antibiotics to treat ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria
• Histamine receptor (H2) blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce the body’s production of stomach acid, which speeds healing
• Protective medications that coat ulcers and protect them from exposure to digestive acids, allowing them to heal