Stomach ulcer
A stomach ulcer is a crater-like sore in the lining of the stomach or in the first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum. These sores also are called peptic or gastric ulcers.
Stomach ulcers may cause a dull, aching pain above the navel that gets worse an hour or two after eating. In severe cases, ulcers can lead to severe internal bleeding and a hole (perforation) in the stomach or intestine.
Most stomach ulcers are caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or by medication (such as aspirin) that damages the stomach lining. Rarely, stomach ulcers are a result of stomach cancer. The role stress plays in a person's developing a stomach ulcer remains unclear.
Treatment includes medication to relieve symptoms and help heal the ulcer. In severe cases of excess bleeding or if a hole develops in the stomach or intestine, surgery may be needed.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise