What are the main symptoms or signs of Stomach and duodenal ulcers: the bacterium behind the pain?

Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for Stomach and duodenal ulcers: the bacterium behind the pain?

See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

Digestive Health

Stomach and duodenal ulcers: the bacterium behind the pain

Most ulcers are curable in two weeks

Dr. Marc Delaunay

Gastroenterologist

7 min read

Medical illustration of Stomach and duodenal ulcers: the bacterium behind the pain

In simple terms

How Helicobacter pylori and anti-inflammatory painkillers create ulcers, and how eradication works.

What it is, in plain words

An ulcer is a break in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, deep enough to reach the layer beneath. Two things overwhelm the protective mucus: infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, and regular use of anti-inflammatory painkillers. Stress and spicy food aggravate symptoms but do not create ulcers.

Signs to look out for

Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, often between meals or at night
Pain relieved, or sometimes triggered, by eating
Bloating, early fullness, nausea and belching
Black tarry stools or vomiting blood if the ulcer bleeds
Sudden severe rigid abdominal pain if it perforates

Why it happens

Helicobacter pylori is acquired usually in childhood and colonises the stomach for life if untreated. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs block the prostaglandins that protect the lining. Smoking and heavy alcohol slow healing.

How doctors confirm it

Testing for H. pylori uses a urea breath test, a stool antigen test or biopsies at endoscopy. Endoscopy is recommended for people over 50 with new symptoms, or with alarm features such as weight loss, vomiting, anaemia or difficulty swallowing.

Treatments and solutions

Eradication therapy: two or three antibiotics plus a proton pump inhibitor for ten to fourteen days, which cures the infection in most cases
A confirmation test at least four weeks after treatment, because failure is common and silent
Proton pump inhibitors alone for ulcers caused by painkillers, plus stopping the offending drug
Switching to paracetamol, or adding gastric protection if the anti-inflammatory is essential
Endoscopic treatment for a bleeding ulcer, and surgery for perforation

Living with it day to day

Do not stop the antibiotics early: incomplete courses breed resistance and leave the ulcer to come back. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol during healing.

When to seek medical help

Emergency care is needed for vomiting blood, black tarry stools, fainting, or sudden severe abdominal pain with a rigid abdomen.

This article explains general health information in simple language. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

The words explained

Medical terms used above, in everyday language.

Inflammation: The body's reaction to injury or irritation: redness, swelling, heat or pain.
Symptom: A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
Antibiotic: A medicine that kills bacteria. It does not work against viruses like colds or flu.
Anti-inflammatory: A medicine or food that calms swelling and pain.

When should you see a doctor?

Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
You already take medication and want to change anything about it.

This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Stomach and duodenal ulcers: the bacterium behind the pain?: How Helicobacter pylori and anti-inflammatory painkillers create ulcers, and how eradication works.
What are the main symptoms or signs of Stomach and duodenal ulcers: the bacterium behind the pain?: Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
When should you see a doctor for Stomach and duodenal ulcers: the bacterium behind the pain?: See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

#ulcer #helicobacter #stomach