Stomach ulcer

A stomach ulcer also called (peptic ulcer) is a break in the tissue lining the stomach most are caused by infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Symptoms may include abdominal pain just below the ribcage, indigestion, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, blood in the vomit or bowel motions and symptoms of anaemia, such as light-headedness. Treatment options include antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications.

A stomach or gastric ulcer is a break in the tissue lining the stomach the term 'peptic ulcer' refers to those that occur in either the stomach or the first part of the small intestine that leads out of the stomach, called the duodenum it was once commonly thought that stress, smoking and diet were the principal causes of stomach ulcers. However, the Helicobacter pylori bacterium is now known to be responsible for most duodenal ulcers and 60 per cent of stomach ulcers. The H. pylori bacterium also prompts many symptoms of dyspepsia, or indigestion.

Symptoms of stomach ulcers
Some stomach ulcers don’t produce any symptoms. If present, they can include:

* Abdominal pain just below the ribcage
* Indigestion
* Nausea
* Loss of appetite
* Vomiting
* Weight loss
* Bright or altered blood present in vomit or bowel motions
* Symptoms of anaemia, such as light-headedness
* Shock due to blood loss – a medical emergency.

Causes of stomach ulcers
A stomach ulcer can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

* Helicobacter pylori – bacteria is thought to be responsible for around 60 per cent of stomach ulcers and at least 90 per cent of duodenal ulcers.
* Certain medications – which include aspirin or clopidogrel, taken regularly to help prevent heart attack or stroke, and drugs for arthritis. Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) are thought to cause around two fifths of stomach ulcers.
* Cancer – stomach cancer can present as an ulcer, particularly in older people.

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