Peptic Ulcer Symptoms: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

What Are Peptic Ulcers?

Open sores in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or duodenum (duodenal ulcer), caused by erosion from acid and pepsin.

Common Symptoms

• Burning or gnawing epigastric pain (may worsen or improve with food)
• Nausea, vomiting (sometimes with blood)
• Bloating, early satiety, belching
• Unintentional weight loss
• Anemia (from chronic blood loss) → fatigue, pallor
• Melena (black, tarry stools) or hematochezia (bright red blood per rectum)

Major Causes

• H. pylori infection (most common)
• NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Smoking, alcohol, stress (exacerbating factors)

Diagnosis & Treatment

• Endoscopy (EGD) with biopsy for H. pylori.
• Treatment: PPIs (omeprazole) + antibiotics for H. pylori; discontinue NSAIDs; cytoprotective agents (sucralfate).
• Surgery for complications (perforation, obstruction, refractory bleeding).