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

See also: Duodenal 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.

• Abdominal pain
  • May wake you at night
  • May be relieved by antacids or milk
  • May occur 2 to 3 hours after a meal
  • May be worse if you don't eat
• Nausea
• Abdominal indigestion
• Vomiting, especially vomiting blood
• Blood in stools or black, tarry stools
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue

Note: There may be no symptoms.

• EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and biopsy showing a benign gastric ulcer
• Upper GI series showing a gastric ulcer