Symptoms of peptic ulcers include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss , and fatigue. Pain from peptic ulcer typically occurs when the stomach is empty and often awakens the person in the middle of the night. The pain is often described as gnawing or burning. Peptic ulcers are often caused by a bacterial infection, H. pylori. Risk factors for peptic ulcers include family history, smoking, aspirin therapy, and type O blood.
Men appear to get peptic ulcers more often than women.
Treatment of peptic ulcers consists of both treatment of the associated discomfort and elimination of the H. pylori bacteria. The former is usually done via painkillers and acid lowering medication, the latter by antibiotics. Several dietary and lifestyle changes can help prevent recurring peptic ulcers. Several small meals daily, rather than one or two large meals, are often easier on the stomach and help buffer acid. High sugar 7 and salt 8 intake also appear to be associated with the occurrence of peptic ulcers.