Stomach Ulcer
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Key Points
- Sores in the stomach or intestine lining
- Main symptom is upper tummy pain, often burning
- Commonly caused by H. pylori bacteria or NSAID use
- Treatable with medication, sometimes antibiotics
- Untreated ulcers can lead to serious complications
Overview
Stomach ulcers, also called peptic or gastric ulcers, are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach. They can also occur in the upper part of your small intestine, known as duodenal ulcers. Although they can be a serious condition, most people recover well with appropriate medical treatment. The primary causes of stomach ulcers are infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria and the regular use of certain anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen (NSAIDs). Other factors like smoking and increasing age can also raise your risk of developing an ulcer. Treatment typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may involve antibiotics for H. pylori infections or medicines to reduce stomach acid. Lifestyle adjustments are also crucial for healing and preventing recurrence.
Signs and Symptoms
- Upper tummy pain, often burning
- Pain that may be worse at night
- Indigestion
- Heartburn (burning in the chest)
- Bloating
- Feeling or being sick
Things That Increase the Risk
- Infection with H. pylori bacteria
- Regular use of NSAID painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen)
- Smoking
- Older age
Diagnosis
- Physical examination and symptom review by a doctor
- Breath test for H. pylori bacteria
- Stool sample test
- Blood test
- Gastroscopy (camera inserted into the stomach)
Treatment & Management
- Antibiotics to treat H. pylori infection
- Medicines to reduce stomach acid (e.g., proton pump inhibitors)
- Stopping or changing problematic medications (e.g., NSAIDs)
- Lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking
- Managing stress, anxiety, and depression
Prevention
- Avoid regular use of NSAID painkillers without medical advice
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Avoid foods and drinks that trigger symptoms (e.g., spicy, fatty foods, coffee)
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Eat evening meal 3-4 hours before bed
- Manage stress effectively
Available Treatments
Explore our range of treatment options for Stomach Ulcer:
Surgical Options
Learn about surgical procedures available for Stomach Ulcer:
Contents
Quick Info
Affects
Stomach lining and upper intestine
Prevalence
Common, especially with H. pylori
Diagnosis
Gastroscopy, H. pylori tests
Treatment
Antibiotics, acid-reducing medicines
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Vijay Bhat
Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Reviewed on July 3, 2026
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