In many older adults, these and other symptoms of peptic ulcers keep coming back:

• A gnawing pain in the stomach
• A feeling of fire in the gut
• A bloated feeling after meals

Ulcers are sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. According to Dr. Gary Bodnarchuk, gastroenterologist at Western Baptist Hospital, reducing stress and avoiding spicy foods offer some relief, but will not necessarily lead to healing of the ulcer.

“The cause of many ulcers is H. pylori,” says Dr. Bodnarchuk. “This bacterium can damage tissue in the stomach and cause it to make more of its own natural acids.” According to Dr. Bodnarchuk, these acids lead to more damage. Most people who have the bacterium probably got the infection in childhood. More than half of people older than age 60 have it. However, only a quarter of these people will get ulcers. Men will get ulcers more often than women. Scientists are not sure why.

Other Concerns for Older Adults
In some cases, especially in women older than age 55, ulcers are also linked to the use of nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications include painkillers such as ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, and aspirin. Smoking can also delay ulcer healing and contribute to ulcer formation by damaging the protective lining of the stomach.

New Approaches Can Help
Doctors can offer patients antibiotics to treat H. pylori. Lifestyle changes cannot prevent ulcers altogether, but they can speed recovery. Dr. Bodnarchuk recommends the following tips for those who suffer from ulcers:

• Stay away from foods that provoke ulcer pain.
• Quit smoking.
• Reduce stress.
• Avoid NSAIDs.
• Check for the presence of H. pylori.