GASTRIC EROSION

General Information

DEFINITION--A slight break (ulceration) in the innermost layer (mucosa) of the stomach's lining. If an ulceration extends deeper than this layer, it is called a gastric ulcer. Erosions are not contagious or cancerous.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Stomach.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most common in men.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Often there are no symptoms.
• Vomiting blood. Blood may be bright red or resemble black coffee grounds.
• Blood in stool. Blood will appear black or tarry.

CAUSES--Probably caused by drugs that irritate the stomach lining. Most likely drugs are: alcohol; caffeine; tobacco; aspirin; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat arthritis and gout; and cortisone drugs used to treat asthma, Addison's disease or other conditions.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Stress.
• Use of any oral medication.
• Serious illness.
• Growth of a specific bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, in the stomach.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Don't take medicines without enteric (protective) coatings if possible.
• Don't drink alcohol if you have had gastric erosion. It may trigger bleeding.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies of stool and blood tests for anemia.
• X-rays of the upper digestive tract.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Bleeding is an uncommon but dangerous complication, especially in the elderly. Another major complication is perforation, in which the erosion penetrates the stomach wall. Surgery is necessary to correct either complication. It involves little risk except for those over 70 years of age.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Curable in 2 weeks with treatment if the cause is eliminated. Recurrence is common.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Check your stool every day for signs of bleeding. If the stool is black, remove a stool portion from the toilet bowl and take it to your doctor's office for examination.
• Avoid stressful situations (see How to Cope with Stress in Appendix).
• Don't smoke or drink alcoholic beverages.

MEDICATION--

• Your doctor may prescribe: H-2 blockers to reduce production of stomach acid. Ulcer-healing drugs such as cimetidine, ranitidine or famotidine.
• For minor pain, you may use non-prescription antacids.

ACTIVITY--Resume normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.

DIET--Avoid hot and spicy foods. Eat small frequent meals for 2 weeks. Don't drink alcohol.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have signs of bleeding described in Signs & Symptoms.
• You develop diarrhea. This may represent an adverse reaction to drugs used in treatment. The prescription may need adjustment.
• You have severe pain that is not relieved by treatment.
• You are unusually weak, pale or lightheaded.
• Symptoms of gastric erosion recur after treatment.