Gastric and/or duodenal ulcer

Low urgency
Common-

It is a lesion in the wall lining the digestive tract called mucosa.

Predisposing/causal factors include infection by the Helicobacter pylori germ, smoking and consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Sometimes it can be asymptomatic but most frequently there is pain or discomfort in the central and upper abdomen or heartburn.

They can be complicated by perforation or bleeding.

The diagnosis will be made through clinical history and specific tests such as endoscopy and biopsy of the ulcer.

It will be treated with drugs to eliminate the Helicobacter pylori bacteria (if present) and reduce the level of acid in the stomach. It is advisable not to abuse coffee, not to smoke and not to drink alcoholic beverages.

Bibliographic references
  1. Nimish B Vakil. Epidemiology and etiology of peptic ulcer disease. UpToDate, Abril 2014
  2. Nimish B Vakil. Peptic ulcer disease: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. UpToDate, Junio 2015
  3. Nimish B Vakil. Peptic ulcer disease: Management. UpToDate, Julio 2015
  4. John Del Valle. Úlcera péptica y trastornos relacionados. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 348.
  5. J. P. Gisbert. Enfermedades del estómago y del duodeno. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna, ed 18. Capítulo 15
Author
Dr. Patricia Sánchez
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Pain in the pit of the stomach


    Heartburn pit of the stomach


    Abdominal pain between 00:00h and 3 a.m.


    Vomit blood


    Intermittent intense abdominal pain

Symptoms to watch out for

Abdominal pain that increases rapidly
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Bloody vomit
Dark/black colored stools
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Reduce tobacco consumption.
Reduce alcohol consumption.
Eat small meals every day instead of 2 or 3 large meals.
Avoid taking over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Consume 1 antacid 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.