Information From Your Health Care Provider

GASTRIC EROSION

Basic information

description

A gastric erosion is a sore or raw area on the inner lining (mucosa) of the stomach. Gastric erosions can affect all ages. They are more common in men than in women.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Vomiting blood. Blood may be bright red or look like black coffee grounds.
Blood in the stool. Blood will appear black or "tarry.".
Nausea or abdominal pain.
Often there are no symptoms. A person may be unaware of the bleeding.

causes

The stomach's lining is delicate and can easily be damaged by too much stomach acid or other irritants. The damage can result in erosions or ulcers that may cause bleeding. Erosions can be shallow or deep and are often in the shape of a circle.

risk increases with

Drugs that irritate the stomach lining. These include aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Tobacco use. It increases stomach acid.
Excess alcohol intake. It irritates the stomach lining.
Helicobacter pylori bacteria infection.
Physical stress such as from burns or surgery.
Rarely, in children, a swallowed coin that contains zinc can cause erosion.
Emotional stress was once considered the main risk factor. Medical experts are now unsure of its role and research is ongoing.
No specific food (or diet) has been identified as a risk factor. A person should avoid any foods that cause an upset stomach.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

If possible, take pills that have a protective coating.
Don't smoke or drink alcohol.

expected outcomes

Usually curable in 2 weeks.

possible complications

Perforation, in which the erosion opens a hole through the stomach wall. Surgery is sometimes needed to correct the problem.
Anemia due to blood loss.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Medical tests may include studies of the stool and blood, and x-rays of the stomach.
Treatment usually involves taking drugs to reduce stomach acid. This helps relieve symptoms and promote healing.
Your health care provider may have you check your stool daily for any signs of bleeding. You will be given instructions on how to do this.
Stop smoking. Your health care provider can help with suggestions for a cease smoking program.

medications

Drugs to reduce stomach acid may be recommended. These may be prescription drugs or others that are nonprescription.
An antibiotic may be prescribed for bacteria infection.
If a drug you are currently taking is a cause of erosion, a change in dosage or a different drug may be prescribed.
For minor pain, you may use acetaminophen.

activity

Resume normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.

diet

Eat small, frequent meals for 1 to 2 weeks. No specific foods need to be avoided. Don't drink alcohol.

notify our office if

You or a family member has signs of bleeding described in Frequent Signs & Symptoms.
You develop diarrhea. This may represent a reaction to drugs used in treatment.
You have severe pain that is not helped by treatment.
You are unusually weak, pale, or lightheaded.
Symptoms of gastric erosion recur after treatment.