Description
An ulcer or erosion of the lining of the stomach. At times these ulcers can cause life-threatening bleeding. Rarely the ulcers are secondary to cancer. An infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can increase the incidence and severity of the disease. The following conditions increase the risk of this disorder: drinking alcohol, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs / NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin), smoking, and physical stress (infections, trauma, hospital admission). Rarely the ulcer can extend through the entire lining of the stomach (perforation) and result in a life threatening abdominal infection (peritonitis).
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, vomiting blood, vomiting material that has the appearance of coffee grounds, black stools (melena), bloody stools, burning in chest.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests to determine the extent of disease include: nasogastric tube lavage, rectal exam, EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), and blood tests.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), H. Pylori blood antibody test, Urea breath test (H. Pylori)
Other Specific Tests: Endoscopy, EKG (electrocardiogram), lipase, x-ray, clotting studies, type and screen, Gastric culture
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests to determine the extent of disease include: nasogastric tube lavage, rectal exam, EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), and blood tests.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), H. Pylori blood antibody test, Urea breath test (H. Pylori)
Other Specific Tests: Endoscopy, EKG (electrocardiogram), lipase, x-ray, clotting studies, type and screen, Gastric culture
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the illness and includes: proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole/Prilosec, pantoprazole/Protonix), H2 blockers (cimetidine/Tagamet, ranitidine/Zantac), endoscopic cauterization of bleeding, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, antibiotics if caused by H. pylori, and hospitalization. Surgery may be necessary if complications, such as perforation or uncontrolled bleeding, develop.