Gastric ulcer

Description

Gastric ulcer or stomach ulcer is an erosion of the stomach mucous membrane.Occasionaly, these ulcers may cause life-threatening bleedings. The ulcers are rarely a consequence of the cancer. The infections with bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) may increase the frequency and severity of the disease.Following conditions increase the risk for this disorder to appear: alcohol consumption, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin), smoking and physical stress (infections, traumas, admission to hospital). Rarely the ulcer may spread through the entire mucous membrane of the stomach (perforation) and lead to a life-threatening abdominal infection (peritonitis).

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, vomiting blood, vomiting material that resembles coffee bean, black stool (melena), bloody stool, burning sensation in chest.

Overview

Anamnesis and physical examination will be done. Other tests for determination of the extent of disease include: naso gastric lavage, rectal examination, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and blood analysis.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), lipase and X-rays.

Additional analyses

Endoscopy, urea breath test, H.Pylory test, coagulation test, type and screen, gastric culture analysis.

Specialists

General Practice, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and includes: proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole/Omeprol, pantoprazole/Panrazol), H2 blockers (cimetidine, ranitidine/Tagamet/Ranisan),endoscopic cauterization of bleeding, intravenous therapy, blood transfusions and antibiotics if caused by H. pylori. Surgery may be necessary if complications like perforation or uncontrolled bleeding occur.