Stomach ulcers, medically known as gastric ulcers, are open sores that develop on the lining of your stomach. Similar ulcers can also occur in the upper part of your small intestine, just beyond the stomach, called duodenal ulcers. Both types, often grouped together as peptic ulcers, share similar symptoms and treatments.
Understanding Stomach Ulcers
What is a Stomach Ulcer?
A stomach ulcer is essentially a wound in the stomach lining. This lining protects your stomach from the strong acids that digest food. When this protective layer is damaged, acid can irritate the stomach wall, leading to an ulcer. Duodenal ulcers occur in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, and arise from similar causes affecting the protective lining.
Common Symptoms: What Does a Stomach Ulcer Feel Like?
The most frequently reported symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the center of your abdomen. People often describe this pain as being in the upper middle area of the stomach. However, it’s important to know that stomach ulcers don’t always cause pain. Some individuals might experience other, less direct symptoms. These can include:
- Indigestion: A general feeling of discomfort after eating, which can involve bloating, gas, and nausea.
- Heartburn and Acid Reflux: A burning sensation in the chest, often rising up towards the throat, caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus.
- Feeling Sick (Nausea): A sensation of unease in the stomach that may or may not lead to vomiting.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It’s crucial to consult your doctor (General Practitioner or GP) if you suspect you might have a stomach ulcer based on these symptoms. Prompt medical advice is essential to get a correct diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment.
Warning Signs: When to See a Doctor Immediately
Certain symptoms indicate a potentially serious issue requiring urgent medical attention. Contact your GP or a healthcare service like NHS 111 immediately if you experience:
- Dark, Sticky, Tar-like Stools: This is a significant warning sign, indicating potential bleeding in the stomach or upper digestive tract. The dark color and sticky consistency are due to digested blood in the stool.
- Sudden, Sharp Abdominal Pain That Worsens: A rapidly intensifying and severe pain could indicate a complication and needs immediate evaluation.
Emergency Situations
Go directly to the nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department or call emergency services (999 in the UK) if you experience:
- (The original article implies that the symptoms above, dark stools and sudden sharp pain, are emergency situations, but it is better to clarify that severe pain escalating quickly should prompt A&E visit.) Severe, sudden abdominal pain that is rapidly getting worse and is unlike any pain you have experienced before.
These symptoms could signal serious complications, such as internal bleeding or a perforation (a hole in the stomach lining).
Causes and Risk Factors
Stomach ulcers develop when the protective lining of the stomach is damaged, allowing stomach acid to cause injury. The most common causes for this damage are:
Main Causes
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Bacteria Infection: This bacterial infection is a leading cause of stomach ulcers. H. pylori can damage the stomach lining, making it vulnerable to acid.
- Anti-inflammatory Medicines (NSAIDs): Regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin can irritate and erode the stomach lining, especially when taken long-term or at high doses.
Other Factors
While stress and diet were once thought to be major causes, current evidence suggests they play a less direct role. However, certain factors can increase your risk of developing stomach ulcers:
- Age: Stomach ulcers are more common in people over the age of 60.
- Gender: Men are statistically more likely to develop stomach ulcers than women.
Treatment and Management
Treatment for stomach ulcers is tailored to the underlying cause.
How are Stomach Ulcers Treated?
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These medications are commonly prescribed to reduce stomach acid production, allowing the ulcer to heal.
- Antibiotics: If an H. pylori infection is diagnosed, antibiotics are necessary to eradicate the bacteria, preventing recurrence of the ulcer.
Stomach ulcers can recur even after successful treatment, particularly if the underlying cause isn’t addressed. Therefore, completing the full course of prescribed medication and discussing preventative measures with your doctor is crucial.
Potential Complications
While less common, complications from stomach ulcers can be serious and potentially life-threatening. These include:
- Bleeding Ulcers: Bleeding can occur at the ulcer site, leading to anemia and, in severe cases, requiring blood transfusions.
- Perforation: A severe ulcer can erode through the stomach wall, creating a hole (perforation). This is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery.
- Gastric Obstruction: An ulcer located in a specific area can block the passage of food through the digestive system, causing vomiting and preventing food from moving into the intestines.
Understanding what a stomach ulcer feels like and recognizing the associated symptoms is the first step in seeking timely medical help and preventing potential complications. If you are experiencing persistent stomach pain or any of the warning signs mentioned, consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and management.
