A gastric ulcer is a break in the normal tissue that lines the stomach.

See also: Duodenal ulcer

Ulcer - stomach; Peptic disease; Stomach ulcer

Non-cancerous (benign) gastric ulcers are caused by an imbalance between stomach acid, an enzyme called pepsin, and the natural defenses of the stomach's lining. This imbalance leads to inflammation, which can be made worse by aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.

Risk factors for benign gastric ulcers include:

• Use of aspirin and NSAIDs
• Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) infection
• Chronic gastritis
• Smoking
• Increasing age
• Mechanical ventilation (being put on a breathing machine)
• Certain blood clotting problems

Stress does not cause or worsen gastric ulcers.

Images

Gastroscopy procedure

Location of peptic ulcers

Ulcer emergencies

Stomach disease or trauma

Stomach ulcer, X-ray

Cause of peptic ulcers

Next Section

Gastric ulcer Symptoms

Review Date: 07/28/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-TorresdaleHospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)