Gastritis or stomach ulcer

Overview

Ulcers can bleed.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Burning upper belly pain
• Upper middle belly pain (below the breastbone)
• Burning or gnawing stomach pain

Less common

• Nausea
• Bloating

Look up a symptom: Nausea · Stomach pain

When to get medical care

Causes

H. pylori, NSAIDs, alcohol.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: germs from poop getting into the mouth or saliva.
• Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.

Who is more likely to get it

• NSAID use

Possible complications

• Stomach bleeding

Diagnosis

Tests find the cause.

Questions you may be asked

• NSAID use

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• H. pylori test:
• Endoscopy:

Treatment

Protect your stomach.

Self-care

• Avoid NSAIDs
• Limit alcohol
• Don't smoke

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist (stomach and gut doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home until 2 days after vomiting and diarrhea stop, especially if you work with food, children, or patients.
• Wash hands well after using the toilet.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Heals with treatment.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Gastritis or stomach ulcer