Peptic Ulcer Disease - What Happens

What Happens

Many people who have peptic ulcers may not seek medical attention when their symptoms begin. Their symptoms, such as abdominal pain, may come and go for some time and may alternate with short, pain-free periods. Even without treatment, some ulcers will heal by themselves.

Even with treatment, some ulcers may come back. Certain factors such as cigarette smoking and continued use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the risk of ulcer recurrence.

Sometimes ulcers can cause complications, such as bleeding, perforation, penetration, or obstruction. Complications are more common with stomach (gastric) ulcers than with upper intestinal (duodenal) ulcers. If you have a stomach ulcer, it will be tested for cancer. In rare cases, stomach ulcers contain cancer cells.

Most peptic ulcers without complications heal, regardless of the cause. But an ulcer is likely to come back if you have an H. pylori infection that is not successfully treated. Recurring ulcers caused by reinfection with H. pylori are not common in the United States, except in areas that are overcrowded or have poor sanitation.

If you have a history of ulcers, taking NSAIDs regularly may increase your chances of developing another ulcer. If you stop using these medicines, you can reduce your chances of getting another ulcer.²