I have been diagnosed with aphthous ulcers of the stomach. I have heard of aphthae in the mouth. Are the stomach variety related to the oral? What is the usual treatment and prognosis?

Annette

Aphthous ulcers are small, shallow, oval or round ulcers surrounded by a halo. Aphthous ulcers of the stomach are unusual and not usually related to aphthae of the mouth. Ulcers that look aphthous can be caused by aspirin or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) Sometimes a peptic ulcer associated with a bacterial infection may look aphthous. They may also be caused by other rare inflammatory conditions. I would see a specialist in gastroenterology for a thorough examination and opinion.

Aphthous ulcers typically do not occur in the mouth and stomach of the same person except in the case of a systemic disease, such as Crohn's disease. When they do occur in the one person at the same time, it should prompt suspicion of Crohn's or other systemic disease.