Peptic Ulcer Disease

6 November 2025

Peptic ulcer disease refers to sores in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or duodenum (duodenal ulcer). Symptoms range from burning upper-abdominal pain to nausea, bloating, and—in severe cases—bleeding. Early assessment helps confirm the cause and prevent complications.

At The New Foscote Hospital, you’ll receive consultant-led assessment, appropriate tests, and—when indicated—swift referral for gastroscopy (endoscopy with biopsy) through our established pathway with The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital.

Symptoms

Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen (often after meals or at night)
Indigestion, bloating, belching, nausea
Early fullness or loss of appetite
Heartburn or acid reflux symptoms
Iron-deficiency anaemia (from chronic blood loss)

Urgent red flags – seek immediate medical help (call 999 or attend A&E):

Vomiting blood or material like coffee grounds
Black or tarry stools
Sudden, severe abdominal pain (possible perforation)
Fainting, dizziness, or signs of shock

Causes And Risk Factors

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
NSAIDs and other ulcer-causing medicines (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin, some anticoagulants or steroids)
Smoking and high alcohol intake
Previous ulcer or family history of ulcer disease
Severe physiological stress or critical illness (less common)

Diagnosis

Your consultant may recommend:

H. pylori testing (stool antigen or urea breath test)
Blood tests (anaemia, inflammation)
Gastroscopy (OGD) with biopsy—the gold standard to confirm an ulcer, assess healing, and test for H. pylori

Where endoscopy is required, we for a consultant-performed gastroscopy and biopsy.

Treatment

Acid suppression: proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to promote healing
H. pylori eradication: combination antibiotics plus PPI if infection is present
Medication review: reduce/stop ulcer-causing drugs where safe; consider protective therapy if essential
Lifestyle adjustments: stop smoking, moderate alcohol, avoid trigger foods, regular meals
Management of complications: bleeding or perforation is treated urgently in an acute hospital; follow-up endoscopy may be advised for gastric ulcers to document healing

Your consultant will tailor treatment and follow-up based on ulcer type, cause, and risk factors.

Recovery And Prevention

Complete the full course of prescribed treatment
Re-test for H. pylori eradication when advised
Use the lowest effective dose of pain medicines; consider alternatives to NSAIDs
Maintain a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and limit alcohol

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