BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuPeptic ulcerUlcer - peptic; Ulcer - duodenal; Ulcer - gastric; Duodenal ulcer; Gastric ulcer; Dyspepsia - ulcers; Bleeding ulcer; Gastrointestinal bleeding - peptic ulcer; Gastrointestinal hemorrhage - peptic ulcer; G.I. bleed - peptic ulcer; H. pylori - peptic ulcer; Helicobacter pylori - peptic ulcerA peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or in the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer).Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersThere are two types of peptic ulcers:Gastric ulcer -- occurs in the stomach Duodenal ulcer -- occurs in the first part of the small intestine Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Causes Normally, the lining of the stomach and small intestines can protect itself against strong stomach acids. But if the lining breaks down, the result may be:Swollen and inflamed tissue (gastritis) GastritisGastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen. Gastritis may last for only a short time (acute gastritis) or it may lin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article An ulcer No audio descriptionWith audio descriptionRelated video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersRelated video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersMost ulcers occur in the first, inner surface, layer of the inner lining. A hole in the stomach or duodenum is called a perforation. This is a medical emergency.PerforationA perforation is a hole that develops through the wall of a body organ. This problem may occur in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large int...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The most common cause of ulcers is infection of the stomach by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H pylori). Most people with peptic ulcers have these bacteria living in their digestive tract. Yet, many people who have these bacteria in their stomach do not develop an ulcer.The following factors raise your risk for peptic ulcers:Drinking too much alcohol Regular use of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco Being very ill, such as being on a breathing machine Radiation treatments Stress A rare condition, called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, causes the stomach to produce too much acid, leading to stomach and duodenal ulcers.Zollinger-Ellison syndromeZollinger-Ellison syndrome is a condition in which the body produces too much of the hormone gastrin. Most of the time, a small tumor (gastrinoma) i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Symptoms Small ulcers may not cause any symptoms and may heal without treatment. Some ulcers can cause serious bleeding.Abdominal pain (often in the upper mid-abdomen) is a common symptom. The pain can differ from person to person. Some people have no pain.Abdominal painAbdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pain occurs:In the upper abdomen At night and wakes you up When you feel an empty stomach, often 1 to 3 hours after a mealOther symptoms may include:Feeling of fullness and problems drinking as much fluid as usual Nausea Vomiting Bloody or dark, tarry stools Bloody or dark, tarry stoolsBlack or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest pain Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vomiting, possibly bloody Weight loss Weight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Ongoing heartburn Exams and Tests To detect an ulcer, you may need a test called an upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD).This is a test to check the lining of the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and first part of the small intestine. It is done with a small camera (flexible endoscope) that is inserted down the throat. This test most often requires sedation given through a vein (IV). In some cases, a smaller endoscope may be used that is passed into the stomach through the nose. This does not require sedation. Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / EGD is done on most people when peptic ulcers are suspected or when you have:Low blood count (anemia) Trouble swallowing Bloody vomit Bloody or dark and tarry-looking stools Lost weight without trying Other findings that raise a concern for cancer in the stomachCancer in the stomachStomach cancer is cancer that starts in the stomach.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Testing for H pylori is also needed. This may be done by biopsy of the stomach during endoscopy, with a stool test, or by a urea breath test.H pyloriHelicobacter pylori (H pylori) is the bacteria (germ) responsible for most stomach (gastric) and duodenal ulcers and many cases of stomach inflammati...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for lab examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other tests you may have include: Hemoglobin blood test to check for anemia HemoglobinHemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The hemoglobin test measures how much hemoglobin is in your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AnemiaAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Different type...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Stool occult blood test to test for blood in your stool Stool occult blood testThe stool guaiac test looks for hidden (occult) blood in a stool sample. It can find blood even if you cannot see it yourself. It is a common type ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sometimes, you may need a test called an upper GI series. A series of x-rays are taken after you drink a thick substance that contains barium. This does not require sedation.Upper GI seriesAn upper GI and small bowel series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Barium enema is a different test ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Your health care provider will recommend medicines to heal your ulcer and prevent a relapse. The medicines will:Kill the H pylori bacteria, if present. Reduce acid levels in the stomach. These include H2 blockers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and nizatidine (Axid), or a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), rabeprazole (AcipHex) or pantoprazole (Protonix).Take all of your medicines as you have been told. Other changes in your lifestyle can also help.Changes in your lifestyleA peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). This ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersIf you have a peptic ulcer with an H pylori infection, the standard treatment uses different combinations of the following medicines for 7 to 14 days:Two different antibiotics to kill H pylori. PPIs such as omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), or esomeprazole (Nexium). Bismuth subsalicylate (the main ingredient in Pepto-Bismol) may be added to help kill the bacteria.You will likely need to take a PPI for 8 weeks if:You have an ulcer without an H pylori infection. Your ulcer is caused by taking aspirin or NSAIDs.Your provider may also prescribe this type of medicine regularly if you continue taking aspirin or NSAIDs for other health conditions.Other medicines used for ulcers are:Misoprostol, a medicine that may help prevent ulcers in people who take NSAIDs on a regular basis Medicines that protect the tissue lining, such as sucralfateIf a peptic ulcer bleeds a lot, an EGD may be needed to stop the bleeding. Methods used to stop the bleeding include:Injecting medicine in the ulcer Applying metal clips or heat therapy to the ulcer If bleeding cannot be stopped during an EGD, you make need to have a procedure in radiology, called embolization, where the radiologist can put a coil in the bleeding blood vessel to block it and stop the bleeding.Surgery may be needed if:Bleeding cannot be stopped with an EGD or by the radiologist The ulcer has caused a tear (perforation) in the stomach or duodenum Outlook (Prognosis) Peptic ulcers tend to come back if untreated. There is a good chance that the H pylori infection will be cured if you take your medicines and follow your provider's advice. You will be much less likely to get another ulcer. Possible Complications Complications may include:Severe blood loss Scarring from an ulcer that may make it harder for the stomach to empty Perforation or hole of the stomach and intestines When to Contact a Medical Professional Get medical help right away if you:Develop sudden, sharp abdominal pain Have a rigid, hard abdomen that is tender to touch Have symptoms of shock, such as fainting, excessive sweating, or confusion ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vomit blood or have blood in your stool (especially if it is maroon or dark, tarry black) Contact your provider if:You feel dizzy or lightheaded. You have ulcer symptoms. Prevention Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs. Try acetaminophen instead. If you must take such medicines, talk to your provider first. Your provider may:Test you for H pylori before you take these medicines Ask you to take PPIs or an H2 acid blocker Prescribe a medicine called misoprostol The following lifestyle changes may help prevent peptic ulcers:DO NOT smoke or chew tobacco. Avoid alcohol. Open ReferencesReferencesChan FKL, Lau JYW. Peptic ulcer disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 53.Cover TL, Blaser MJ. Helicobacter pylori and other gastric Helicobacter species. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 217.Kuipers EJ. Acid peptic disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 125.AllVideoImagesTogUlcer emergencies - illustration Peptic ulcers may lead to emergency situations. Severe abdominal pain with or without evidence of bleeding may indicate a perforation of the ulcer through the stomach or duodenum. Vomiting of a substance that resembles coffee grounds, or the presence of black tarry stools, may indicate serious bleeding.Ulcer emergenciesillustrationGastroscopy procedure - illustration The procedure called gastroscopy involves the placing of an endoscope (a small flexible tube with a camera and light) into the stomach and duodenum to search for abnormalities. Tissue samples may be obtained to check for H pylori bacteria, a cause of many peptic ulcers. An actively bleeding ulcer may also be cauterized (blood vessels are sealed with a burning tool) during a gastroscopy procedure.Gastroscopy procedureillustrationLocation of peptic ulcers - illustration A peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach (gastric) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal).Location of peptic ulcersillustrationCause of peptic ulcers - illustration A major cause of peptic ulcer, although far less common than H.pylori or NSAIDS, is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. A large amount of excess acid is produced in response to the overproduction of the hormone gastrin, which in turn is caused by tumors on the pancreas or duodenum. These tumors are usually malignant, must be removed and acid production suppressed to relieve the recurrence of the ulcers.Cause of peptic ulcersillustrationStomach disease or trauma - illustration An ulcer is a crater-like lesion on the skin or mucous membrane caused by an inflammatory, infectious, or malignant condition. To avoid irritating an ulcer a person can try eliminating certain substances from their diet such as caffeine, alcohol, aspirin, and avoid smoking. Patients can take certain medicines to suppress the acid in the stomach causing the the erosion of the stomach lining. Endoscopic therapy can be used to stop bleeding from the ulcer.Stomach disease or traumaillustrationUlcer emergencies - illustration Peptic ulcers may lead to emergency situations. Severe abdominal pain with or without evidence of bleeding may indicate a perforation of the ulcer through the stomach or duodenum. Vomiting of a substance that resembles coffee grounds, or the presence of black tarry stools, may indicate serious bleeding.Ulcer emergenciesillustrationGastroscopy procedure - illustration The procedure called gastroscopy involves the placing of an endoscope (a small flexible tube with a camera and light) into the stomach and duodenum to search for abnormalities. Tissue samples may be obtained to check for H pylori bacteria, a cause of many peptic ulcers. An actively bleeding ulcer may also be cauterized (blood vessels are sealed with a burning tool) during a gastroscopy procedure.Gastroscopy procedureillustrationLocation of peptic ulcers - illustration A peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach (gastric) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal).Location of peptic ulcersillustrationCause of peptic ulcers - illustration A major cause of peptic ulcer, although far less common than H.pylori or NSAIDS, is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. A large amount of excess acid is produced in response to the overproduction of the hormone gastrin, which in turn is caused by tumors on the pancreas or duodenum. These tumors are usually malignant, must be removed and acid production suppressed to relieve the recurrence of the ulcers.Cause of peptic ulcersillustrationStomach disease or trauma - illustration An ulcer is a crater-like lesion on the skin or mucous membrane caused by an inflammatory, infectious, or malignant condition. To avoid irritating an ulcer a person can try eliminating certain substances from their diet such as caffeine, alcohol, aspirin, and avoid smoking. Patients can take certain medicines to suppress the acid in the stomach causing the the erosion of the stomach lining. Endoscopic therapy can be used to stop bleeding from the ulcer.Stomach disease or traumaillustrationA Closer Look Peptic ulcer(Alt. Medicine)Peptic ulcers - InDepth(In-Depth)Self Care Bland diet Tests for Peptic ulcer Gastrin blood testTests for H pyloriRelated Information Gastritis(Condition)Zollinger-Ellison syndrome(Condition)Peritonitis(Condition)Intestinal obstruction and Ileus(Condition)Taking antacids(Self-Care)Peptic ulcers - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/21/2025 Reviewed By: Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida at Gastroenterology Consultants of Boca Raton. Affiliate Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Peptic ulcerUlcer - peptic; Ulcer - duodenal; Ulcer - gastric; Duodenal ulcer; Gastric ulcer; Dyspepsia - ulcers; Bleeding ulcer; Gastrointestinal bleeding - peptic ulcer; Gastrointestinal hemorrhage - peptic ulcer; G.I. bleed - peptic ulcer; H. pylori - peptic ulcer; Helicobacter pylori - peptic ulcerA peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or in the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer).Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersThere are two types of peptic ulcers:Gastric ulcer -- occurs in the stomach Duodenal ulcer -- occurs in the first part of the small intestine Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Causes Normally, the lining of the stomach and small intestines can protect itself against strong stomach acids. But if the lining breaks down, the result may be:Swollen and inflamed tissue (gastritis) GastritisGastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen. Gastritis may last for only a short time (acute gastritis) or it may lin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article An ulcer No audio descriptionWith audio descriptionRelated video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersRelated video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersMost ulcers occur in the first, inner surface, layer of the inner lining. A hole in the stomach or duodenum is called a perforation. This is a medical emergency.PerforationA perforation is a hole that develops through the wall of a body organ. This problem may occur in the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large int...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / The most common cause of ulcers is infection of the stomach by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H pylori). Most people with peptic ulcers have these bacteria living in their digestive tract. Yet, many people who have these bacteria in their stomach do not develop an ulcer.The following factors raise your risk for peptic ulcers:Drinking too much alcohol Regular use of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco Being very ill, such as being on a breathing machine Radiation treatments Stress A rare condition, called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, causes the stomach to produce too much acid, leading to stomach and duodenal ulcers.Zollinger-Ellison syndromeZollinger-Ellison syndrome is a condition in which the body produces too much of the hormone gastrin. Most of the time, a small tumor (gastrinoma) i...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / Symptoms Small ulcers may not cause any symptoms and may heal without treatment. Some ulcers can cause serious bleeding.Abdominal pain (often in the upper mid-abdomen) is a common symptom. The pain can differ from person to person. Some people have no pain.Abdominal painAbdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pain occurs:In the upper abdomen At night and wakes you up When you feel an empty stomach, often 1 to 3 hours after a mealOther symptoms may include:Feeling of fullness and problems drinking as much fluid as usual Nausea Vomiting Bloody or dark, tarry stools Bloody or dark, tarry stoolsBlack or tarry stools with a foul smell are a sign of a problem in the upper digestive tract. It most often indicates that there is bleeding in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest pain Chest painChest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fatigue FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vomiting, possibly bloody Weight loss Weight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Ongoing heartburn Exams and Tests To detect an ulcer, you may need a test called an upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD).This is a test to check the lining of the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and first part of the small intestine. It is done with a small camera (flexible endoscope) that is inserted down the throat. This test most often requires sedation given through a vein (IV). In some cases, a smaller endoscope may be used that is passed into the stomach through the nose. This does not require sedation. Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / EGD is done on most people when peptic ulcers are suspected or when you have:Low blood count (anemia) Trouble swallowing Bloody vomit Bloody or dark and tarry-looking stools Lost weight without trying Other findings that raise a concern for cancer in the stomachCancer in the stomachStomach cancer is cancer that starts in the stomach.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Testing for H pylori is also needed. This may be done by biopsy of the stomach during endoscopy, with a stool test, or by a urea breath test.H pyloriHelicobacter pylori (H pylori) is the bacteria (germ) responsible for most stomach (gastric) and duodenal ulcers and many cases of stomach inflammati...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for lab examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other tests you may have include: Hemoglobin blood test to check for anemia HemoglobinHemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The hemoglobin test measures how much hemoglobin is in your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AnemiaAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Different type...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Stool occult blood test to test for blood in your stool Stool occult blood testThe stool guaiac test looks for hidden (occult) blood in a stool sample. It can find blood even if you cannot see it yourself. It is a common type ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sometimes, you may need a test called an upper GI series. A series of x-rays are taken after you drink a thick substance that contains barium. This does not require sedation.Upper GI seriesAn upper GI and small bowel series is a set of x-rays taken to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Barium enema is a different test ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Your health care provider will recommend medicines to heal your ulcer and prevent a relapse. The medicines will:Kill the H pylori bacteria, if present. Reduce acid levels in the stomach. These include H2 blockers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid AC), and nizatidine (Axid), or a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), rabeprazole (AcipHex) or pantoprazole (Protonix).Take all of your medicines as you have been told. Other changes in your lifestyle can also help.Changes in your lifestyleA peptic ulcer is an open sore or raw area in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). This ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersIf you have a peptic ulcer with an H pylori infection, the standard treatment uses different combinations of the following medicines for 7 to 14 days:Two different antibiotics to kill H pylori. PPIs such as omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), or esomeprazole (Nexium). Bismuth subsalicylate (the main ingredient in Pepto-Bismol) may be added to help kill the bacteria.You will likely need to take a PPI for 8 weeks if:You have an ulcer without an H pylori infection. Your ulcer is caused by taking aspirin or NSAIDs.Your provider may also prescribe this type of medicine regularly if you continue taking aspirin or NSAIDs for other health conditions.Other medicines used for ulcers are:Misoprostol, a medicine that may help prevent ulcers in people who take NSAIDs on a regular basis Medicines that protect the tissue lining, such as sucralfateIf a peptic ulcer bleeds a lot, an EGD may be needed to stop the bleeding. Methods used to stop the bleeding include:Injecting medicine in the ulcer Applying metal clips or heat therapy to the ulcer If bleeding cannot be stopped during an EGD, you make need to have a procedure in radiology, called embolization, where the radiologist can put a coil in the bleeding blood vessel to block it and stop the bleeding.Surgery may be needed if:Bleeding cannot be stopped with an EGD or by the radiologist The ulcer has caused a tear (perforation) in the stomach or duodenum Outlook (Prognosis) Peptic ulcers tend to come back if untreated. There is a good chance that the H pylori infection will be cured if you take your medicines and follow your provider's advice. You will be much less likely to get another ulcer. Possible Complications Complications may include:Severe blood loss Scarring from an ulcer that may make it harder for the stomach to empty Perforation or hole of the stomach and intestines When to Contact a Medical Professional Get medical help right away if you:Develop sudden, sharp abdominal pain Have a rigid, hard abdomen that is tender to touch Have symptoms of shock, such as fainting, excessive sweating, or confusion ShockShock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vomit blood or have blood in your stool (especially if it is maroon or dark, tarry black) Contact your provider if:You feel dizzy or lightheaded. You have ulcer symptoms. Prevention Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs. Try acetaminophen instead. If you must take such medicines, talk to your provider first. Your provider may:Test you for H pylori before you take these medicines Ask you to take PPIs or an H2 acid blocker Prescribe a medicine called misoprostol The following lifestyle changes may help prevent peptic ulcers:DO NOT smoke or chew tobacco. Avoid alcohol. Open ReferencesReferencesChan FKL, Lau JYW. Peptic ulcer disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 53.Cover TL, Blaser MJ. Helicobacter pylori and other gastric Helicobacter species. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 217.Kuipers EJ. Acid peptic disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 125.
