Inflammation of the stomach lining and an ulcer can cause abdominal pain, burning, nausea, and a risk of bleeding.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Vomiting blood
- Black stool
- Sudden severe abdominal pain
- Lightheadedness
- Unexplained weight loss
What is it?
An ulcer can cause complications such as bleeding, perforation, and narrowing. Therefore, persistent symptoms and warning signs require careful assessment.
Symptoms
- Pain in the stomach area
- Burning
- Nausea
- Early satiety
- Bloating
- Night-time pain
- Signs of anemia
Causes & risk factors
- H. pylori
- NSAID pain relievers
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Stress associated with severe illness
- History of a previous ulcer
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not based on a single test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings, and instrumental test results are assessed together.
- H. pylori testing
- Blood test
- Stool test in selected cases
- Upper endoscopy
- Assessment of the need for biopsy
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient's overall condition, coexisting conditions, and procedural risk.
- H. pylori eradication therapy
- Acid-reducing medications
- Reassessment of pain reliever use
- Endoscopic intervention for bleeding
- Diet and lifestyle changes
How we help
At the center, patients with symptoms of gastritis and ulcer are triaged according to warning signs. When indicated, endoscopy may be used both for diagnosis and for bleeding control.
When a procedure may be needed
Endoscopy and sometimes urgent intervention may be needed in cases of bleeding, anemia, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, or lack of response to medication.
Patient checklist
- Tell your doctor about any pain relievers you take
- Seek urgent medical care for black stool or vomiting blood
- Do not stop H. pylori treatment before completing the course
- Keep your endoscopy results
FAQ
Can gastritis turn into cancer?
In most cases, no; however, long-standing inflammation, H. pylori, and certain findings may require monitoring.
Can a gastric ulcer heal on its own?
Symptoms may sometimes improve, but if the cause is not treated, the risk of recurrence and bleeding remains.
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