Stomach ulcer: Information & peptic ulcer doctors

A gastriculcer (ulcus ventriculi) is a localized damage to the stomach wall. Every year, around 50 people per 100,000 inhabitants develop a peptic ulcer. Possible symptoms of a gastric ulcer are pain in the middle of the upper abdomen as well as nausea, vomiting, heartburn and weight loss. Here you will find further information and selected gastric ulcer doctors and centers.

Definition: What is a peptic ulcer?

A gastric ulcer is also known as a ventricular ulcer. It is a relatively common disease of the digestive tract. It occurs locally on the stomach wall. In a gastric ulcer, the gastric mucosa and the deeper layers of the stomach wall are inflamed.

The so-called small curvature, i.e. the small inner curvature of the stomach, is most frequently affected by a gastric ulcer. However, ulcers can also occur in other parts of the stomach.

Frequency of gastric ulcers

Every year, around 50 people per 100,000 inhabitants develop a peptic ulcer. Stomach ulcers are one of the most common diseases of the digestive tract.

Overall, around 10 percent of the population will suffer from a peptic ulcer at least once in their lifetime.

It mainly affects people between the ages of 50 and 70.

The location of the stomach in the human body © peterschreiber.media | AdobeStock

Causes of a stomach ulcer

A stomach ulcer is always caused by a disturbed balance between

• aggressive influences that damage the stomach lining (e.g. stomach acid, bile acid), and
• factors that protect the gastric mucosa (e.g. sufficient blood flow, mucus production),

are the cause. Such an imbalance can have various external or endogenous causes.

External (exogenous) factors that promote the imbalance are primarily

• the bacterium Helicobacter pylori,
• excessive intake of medication such as Asprin, NSAIDs or cortisone,
• excessive consumption of nicotine and alcohol and
• psychological factors such as stress and depression.

The body's own (endogenous) factors include

• increased production of stomach acid and
• disturbances in stomach movements.

Symptoms of a stomach ulcer

The first signs of a stomach ulcer are often a feeling of pressure and pain in the middle of the upper abdomen. This pain can be directed towards

• back,
• breastbone or
• lower abdomen

can radiate.

This pain can either be intensified or alleviated by eating.

In addition, those affected often complain of

• intolerance to some foods and so-called
• so-called fasting pain, i.e. pain on an empty stomach, which mainly occurs at night.

Other symptoms include

• Nausea,
• vomiting,
• lack of appetite,
• heartburn and
• weight loss

are among the possible symptoms of a stomach ulcer. In many people, however, a peptic ulcer is symptom-free and therefore goes unnoticed for a long time.

Diagnosis of a stomach ulcer

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will first ask the affected person about their symptoms as part of a medical history interview. During the subsequent physical examination, the doctor will then palpate the patient's upper abdomen. If this palpation of the upper abdomen is painful for the patient, this may already be an indication of a stomach ulcer.

Other diagnostic methods that can then be used are

• a blood test to check certain blood values,
• an ultrasound examination of the upper abdomen (upper abdominal sonography) and
• an X-ray examination of the stomach with contrast medium.

However, a definitive diagnosis of a gastric ulcer can only be made with the help of agastroscopy. Tissue samples are taken from the affected area of the stomach. They are then analyzed in the laboratory.

A stomach ulcer caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori © crevis | AdobeStock

Treatment of a gastric ulcer

Various forms of therapy are available to treat a gastric ulcer. They are used depending on the severity and cause of the disease.

As a rule, the patient is first given medication to inhibit acid production.

If this does not heal or complications occur, surgery is necessary. Complications can include gastric bleeding or a breakthrough of the ulcer through the stomach wall.

Various irritating factors can irritate and damage the stomach lining and promote the development of a gastric ulcer. These factors should be avoided during and after treatment. These include, for example

• Nicotine,
• alcohol,
• coffee,
• spicy, fatty and fried foods and certain
• certain painkillers such as aspirin.

Drug treatment of a stomach ulcer

Drug treatment for a stomach ulcer usually consists of the administration of various acid-inhibiting medications. These acid blockers are intended to inhibit stomach acid production and in this way

• relieve the pain and
• contribute to the recovery of the stomach lining.

Medications that are available here include

• Proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole, pantoprazole) or
• H2 receptor blockers (e.g. cimetidine, rantidine).

If the bacterium Helcobacter pylori is the cause of the peptic ulcer, antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria.

Surgical treatment of a stomach ulcer

Drug treatment with acid blockers leads to the healing of gastric ulcers in 90 percent of cases. However, if a peptic ulcer does not heal after several months despite medication or if complications occur, it should be operated on.

There are two different surgical methods to choose from: Billroth surgery (Billroth method) and selective proximal vagotomy:

• In the Billroth procedure, the surgeon removes two thirds of the stomach.
• In the selective proximal vagotomy, the surgeon cuts the vagus nerve. This normally stimulates the acid-forming cells in the stomach.

Prognosis for a gastric ulcer

The prognosis for gastric ulcers is generally good. In around 40 percent of those affected, the ulcer heals on its own without treatment. The healing rate for patients who undergo drug therapy is 90 percent.

However, people who have already had a peptic ulcer often suffer recurrences. This means that the ulcer often recurs. The main factors favoring this are

• older age,
• the male sex and
• the use of certain painkillers (e.g. aspirin).