How do stomach ulcers occur

Once the food is the consistency of smooth paste, it is squeezed through a second sphincter into the first part of the small intestine duodenum. The lining of the stomach — the mucosa or gastric epithelium — is layered with multiple folds. Ulcers occur in this lining. The Helicobacter pylori bacterium H. The discovery of this micro-organism in revolutionised many aspects of gastroenterology, including the treatment of stomach ulcers.

It is thought that about one in three people over the age of 40 years is infected with this strain of bacteria in Australia. The germs live in the lining of the stomach and the chemicals they produce cause irritation and inflammation. Other disorders caused by this infection include inflammation of the stomach gastritis and dyspepsia indigestion. Researchers believe the germ could also play a contributing role in the development of stomach cancers.

The infection is more common among poor or institutionalised people. The mode of transmission is so far unknown, but is thought to include sharing food or utensils, coming into contact with infected vomit, and sharing of water such as well water in undeveloped populations. This is a serious complication of ulcer disease and is particularly deadly in the elderly or those with multiple medical problems.

Bleeding from stomach ulcers is more common in people treated with blood thinning agents, such as warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel Plavix and those people should also consider using regular anti-ulcer medication to prevent this complication.

A severe, untreated ulcer can sometimes burn through the wall of the stomach, allowing digestive juices and food to leak into the abdominal cavity. This medical emergency is known as a perforated ulcer.

Treatment generally requires immediate surgery. Special diets are now known to have very little impact on the prevention or treatment of stomach ulcers. Treatment options can include:. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. The type of pain felt in the abdomen can vary greatly.

Children may feel stomach pain for a range of reasons and may need treatment. Around half of cases of anal fissures heal by themselves with proper self-care and avoidance of constipation.

Anyone of any age can be struck by appendicitis, but it seems to be more common during childhood and adolescence. Barium tests are used to examine conditions of the digestive tract such as reflux, narrowing or ulceration. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

Bleeding ulcers can become life-threatening. Diagnosis and treatment will depend on your symptoms and the severity of your ulcer. To rule out H. Treatment will vary depending on the cause of your ulcer. Most ulcers can be treated with a prescription from your doctor, but in rare cases, surgery may be required.

Talk to your doctor to discuss a treatment plan. You may also require a blood transfusion. If your stomach ulcer is the result of H. PPIs block the stomach cells that produce acid. Symptoms of an ulcer may subside quickly with treatment. But even if your symptoms disappear, you should continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor. This is especially important with H. These side effects are typically temporary. If any of these side effects cause extreme discomfort, talk to your doctor about changing your medication.

In very rare cases, a complicated stomach ulcer will require surgery. This may be the case for ulcers that:. In the past, it was thought that diet could cause ulcers. Foods that may help fight off H. Additionally, since people with stomach ulcers may have accompanying acid reflux disease, it is a good idea to stay away from spicy and sour foods while an ulcer is healing. Learn more about foods that may be good for stomach ulcers — and foods that may not be.

In addition to eating healthy foods, the following items may help reduce the effects of H. However, these supplements are not intended to replace prescription medication or your current treatment plan.

They include:. Your doctor may also have suggestions for things you can do at home to relieve discomfort from your ulcer. Consider talking to your doctor about these natural and home remedies for ulcers. If you think you have a stomach ulcer, call your doctor. Together you can discuss your symptoms and treatment options. Symptoms of these complications can include those listed below. Stomach ulcers can come back after treatment, although this is less likely to happen if the underlying cause is addressed.

Complications of stomach ulcers are relatively uncommon, but they can be very serious and potentially life threatening. Read more about the complications of stomach ulcers. Page last reviewed: 17 September Next review due: 17 September Signs and symptoms The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning or gnawing pain in the centre of the tummy abdomen.

When to seek medical advice You should visit your GP if you think you may have a stomach ulcer. Seek urgent medical advice if you experience any of the following symptoms: vomiting blood — the blood can appear bright red or have a dark brown, grainy appearance, similar to coffee grounds passing dark, sticky, tar-like stools a sudden, sharp pain in your tummy that gets steadily worse These could be a sign of a serious complication, such as internal bleeding.

What causes stomach ulcers? This is usually a result of: an infection with Helicobacter pylori H. Read more about the causes of stomach ulcers. Who's affected It's not known how many people have stomach ulcers, although they're thought to be quite common.