Can Aleve Cause Peptic Ulcer?

Posted on Sun, 25 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 25 Oct 2015 Answered on

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, experiencing stomach issues on and off, getting gradually worse. Started Paleo diet a few weeks ago and doing great. Pretty sure no dairy no gluten has helped a lot of my issues. But I have had 2 episodes of extreme pain in my stomach, burning, L sided, just below rib cage. Also burning, achy, gnawing/hunger feeling almost constant, better after a small meal, but then comes back. I have used Aleve for 1 year post spinal sx. I'm 41, female, good shape, very active physical therapist w/ 3 kids. I have been trying different supplements, natural antacids, probiotics, even tried a course of nexium but didn't help. Had a "GI coctail" from a NP at the clinic I work at, because pain was so bad. It helped relieve 90% of symptoms in about 15 min. Is this an ulcer? Are there any natural ways to treat? I hate antibiotics, and what they do to my gut; would like to avoid of possible. THANKS!

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, this seems to be an ulcer.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

Hunger feeling and the pain can indicate peptic ulcer as well. Especially if the pain is kind of dull and gets more intense after foods intake. Moreover, as you have been taking Aleve for a long time, this can be the reason of peptic ulcer.
I suggest you to have gastroscopy done. This test allows to diagnose the ulcer, rule out H.Pylori infection and, what is most important, rule out stomach cancer.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar