About this condition
Peptic ulcer disease involves an open lesion in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. Some people experience epigastric pain, nausea or early satiety, while others have few typical symptoms. Gastrointestinal bleeding is an important potential complication.
How the symptom or condition presents
Common contributors include Helicobacter pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen. Pain related to meals or occurring at night does not by itself locate or confirm an ulcer. Neither stress nor spicy foods alone explain every case.
Important differences and warning signs
The clinician considers previous ulcers, bleeding, endoscopy findings, H. pylori testing and medicines including aspirin, anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory drugs. Investigations may include gastroscopy, suitable infection tests and blood counts where blood loss is suspected.
Evaluation and individual care
Treatment can include ulcer-healing medicines and eradication of confirmed H. pylori followed by an appropriate test of cure. Do not stop prescribed antithrombotic therapy without medical advice. Diet alone cannot treat an identified infection or prevent every complication.
Related information: Gastritis and gastroduodenitis; Upper abdominal pain.
Signs and symptoms
- Upper abdominal pain or burning that may vary with meals.
- Nausea, early fullness or no clear symptoms.
- Danger signs: black stools, vomiting blood or profound weakness.
Diagnosis and tests
Gastroscopy may be needed to identify ulcers and their complications. H. pylori testing and review of NSAID or antithrombotic medicines help identify treatable causes; a blood count may reveal anaemia.
Care and treatment approaches
A clinician may prescribe acid suppression and appropriate H. pylori eradication when infection is confirmed, with follow-up testing. Medicine risks and any need to alter NSAIDs or anticoagulants should be reviewed with their prescriber.
When to seek urgent care
Call 103 or 112 for vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds, black sticky stools, fainting, marked weakness or sudden knife-like abdominal pain, which may indicate bleeding or perforation.
Frequently asked questions
Can an ulcer develop without pain?
Yes. Some ulcers cause few symptoms, and gastrointestinal bleeding or anaemia may be the first indication of a problem.
How is successful H. pylori treatment checked?
An appropriate breath or stool antigen test is arranged after treatment at the recommended interval and after managing medicines that can affect results.
Is avoiding spicy food enough to heal an ulcer?
No. An identified ulcer needs treatment directed at its cause, and an underlying H. pylori infection or medication risk cannot be managed by diet alone.
Information sources
Medical source links used when preparing this article.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
