Definition

Noun: A gastric ulcer is a type of peptic ulcer, which is an open sore or lesion that forms on the inner lining of the stomach. It occurs when the protective mucous layer of the stomach is damaged, allowing digestive acids to erode the stomach tissue.

Usage

This term is used specifically in medical and health contexts to describe a diagnosed condition. - It is typically modified by adjectives (e.g., severe, bleeding, chronic) or discussed in relation to its cause, symptoms, or treatment. - It is often preceded by the indefinite article "a" or used in the plural form "gastric ulcers."

Examples

• The patient was hospitalized due to a painful gastric ulcer.
• Chronic use of certain pain relievers can increase the risk of developing gastric ulcers.
• Endoscopy confirmed the presence of a gastric ulcer.

Advanced Usage

• "to perforate": A gastric ulcer can , meaning it creates a hole through the stomach wall, which is a medical emergency.
• "to heal": With proper medication, a gastric ulcer can completely.

Variants and Related Words

• Peptic ulcer (n): The broader category of ulcers that includes both gastric ulcers (in the stomach) and duodenal ulcers (in the first part of the small intestine).
• Duodenal ulcer (n): A peptic ulcer located in the duodenum, distinct from a gastric ulcer.
• Ulceration (n): The process of forming an ulcer.

Synonyms

• Stomach ulcer (n): A common, less formal synonym for gastric ulcer.

Related Phrases

• Gastric ulcer disease: A term sometimes used to describe the condition of having recurrent or chronic gastric ulcers.
• H. pylori-associated gastric ulcer: A gastric ulcer specifically caused by infection with the bacterium .

Noun

1. a peptic ulcer of the stomach