A Gastric Ulcer is an ulcer
in the stomach.
Causes of gastric ulcers may include:
- The action of acid, pepsin, and bile on the lining of the stomach
(mucosa). However, the output of stomach acid is not usually increased.
- Taking NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) or corticosteroids
may be pre-disposing factors.
- helicobacter pylori is often present.
Symptoms & Effects of gastric ulcers may
include:
- Symptoms may include vomiting and pain in the upper abdomen soon
after eating.
- Complications may include bleeding, perforation and obstruction
due to scarring.
Medical Tests and Treatments for gastric ulcers
may involve:
- Examination using a gastroscope to confirm the diagnosis
of a gastric ulcer, as opposed to other conditions
such as stomach cancer.
- Use of antacids to relieve symptoms and/or
- Anti-secretory drugs to heal the ulcer(s).
- Surgery may be recommended if the ulcer fails to heal following
initial treatment.
More about the Digestive
System:
This section includes pages about:
*
Introduction to the Digestive System
*
Terminology about Digestion
* Passage
through the alimentary tract
* Component Parts of the Digestive System, incl. Teeth,
Stomach,
Liver,
Small
Intestine,
Large Intestine
* Chemical
Processes in the Digestive System (introductory level)
*
Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System.
For further information see also our pages of
books about gastroenterology. |
  |
This section
is about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Digestive System.
To read about other diseases, disorders, or conditions of the digestive
system, use the links on the left-side of this page.
See also glossary pages about
Tissues
and Organs of the
Digestive System. |
