A stomach ulcer, or gastric ulcer, is a painful open sore or hole in the lining of your stomach. Think of the stomach’s inner lining like a rubbery, protective coat. When this coat becomes weak in certain spots, acid from inside the stomach can eat into the flesh beneath, forming a painful wound. These wounds, though often small, can cause many difficulties if not handled properly.

You may have heard stomach ulcers called “peptic ulcers.” This term covers ulcers in the stomach as well as those found in the first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum. The difference is mainly in where the ulcer forms. Stomach ulcers are specifically those in the stomach itself.

Common Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

A stomach ulcer can have various warning signs. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and sometimes, mild ulcers cause no symptoms at all. However, a few common signals often appear.

Burning Pain in the Stomach: Many people feel a sharp or burning ache in the middle of their abdomen, usually between the chest and belly button. This pain may come and go and might feel worse on an empty stomach. You may notice that eating something or taking an antacid can ease the pain for a short while, but the pain often returns after a few hours.

Nausea or Vomiting: Another sign is feeling sick to your stomach. Some individuals with ulcers get sick and may even vomit if the irritation is severe enough. In certain cases, vomit may look like coffee grounds or contain red blood, a signal that the ulcer may be bleeding.

Changes in Appetite: Ulcers can make you lose interest in food because of the pain it might trigger. Oddly enough, others might feel temporarily better after a meal, so they eat to soothe the burning. Either way, changes in eating habits often occur.

Bloating and Burping: A sense of fullness or bloating can happen, sometimes accompanied by frequent burping. This feeling may stem from the stomach’s struggle to digest comfortably while an ulcer is present.

That said, if you notice any of these symptoms lasting more than a few days, Talk with a doctor. The earlier you get checked, the simpler the solution is likely to be.

Why Do Stomach Ulcers Form?

Several different factors can cause these painful sores.

Bacterial Infection (H. pylori): One of the most common reasons behind stomach ulcers is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, often shortened to H. pylori. This germ is not always harmful. Many people carry it without any trouble. However, in some individuals, H. pylori weakens the stomach lining, allowing acid to form ulcers.

Excessive Use of Certain Medications: Some medicines, like aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to ease pain or reduce fever, can irritate the stomach. Taking these medications frequently, especially on an empty stomach, can wear away the protective lining and lead to ulcers.

Stomach Acid Overproduction: Our stomachs naturally produce acid to break down food. However, when too much acid is made, it may harm the stomach’s lining. Sometimes, this happens due to a rare condition, but often, it is just that the protective lining is not strong enough or is weakened by other factors.

Lifestyle Habits: While stress and spicy foods do not directly cause ulcers, they can worsen existing ones. Unhealthy habits, like smoking, might reduce the stomach’s healing ability. Cutting back on smoking or improving your diet can help reduce symptoms.

How Are Stomach Ulcers Diagnosed?

If a doctor suspects a stomach ulcer, there are a few tests that can confirm it.

Blood and Breath Tests: Since H. pylori is a key player, a simple blood or breath test can detect its presence. The breath test involves drinking a special liquid and then breathing into a bag so that the doctor can measure certain gases. This process can tell if H. pylori is living in your stomach.

Stool Test: Checking your stool can also reveal signs of H. pylori or blood.

Endoscopy: This procedure involves a thin, flexible tube with a camera carefully guided down your throat to look into your stomach. While it might sound uncomfortable, doctors often give mild sedation to keep you relaxed. If needed, they may take a small tissue sample for testing.

These tests help doctors pinpoint the exact cause and location of the ulcer. With proper diagnosis, treatment plans can be designed more effectively.

Treatment and Relief Options

According to the National Health Service (NHS), treating a stomach ulcer often depends on what is causing it. If H. pylori is the culprit, the doctor may prescribe a combination of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. In addition, medications that reduce stomach acid, known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine blockers (H2 blockers), may be given. These help by lowering the acid level, giving the ulcer a chance to heal.

If a medication like aspirin is linked to the ulcer, your doctor may suggest stopping it or switching to a safer alternative. If you must continue the medication, adding a stomach-protecting drug might be an option.

Other steps include improving your diet by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, try to eat smaller meals more often instead of three large ones. This approach may reduce pressure on your stomach.

Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, can help your stomach heal faster. For those who suffer from stress-related worsened symptoms, relaxation techniques like gentle exercises, reading, or breathing exercises might ease the discomfort.

Ways to Prevent Stomach Ulcers

Even if you do not have an ulcer, these steps can lower your chances of getting one:

Limit NSAIDs: Only take these drugs when necessary and under guidance. If you need them often, ask your doctor if there is another way to manage pain.
Wash Hands Often: Good hand hygiene helps keep H. pylori at bay since it can spread through contaminated food, water, or utensils.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Plenty of fiber-rich foods, like leafy greens and whole grains, help maintain a healthy gut environment.
Quit Smoking: Smoking weakens the stomach lining and slows healing. Stopping this habit is one of the simplest ways to protect your stomach.
Manage Stress: While stress does not cause ulcers, it can slow healing. Take breaks, practice calming activities, and keep a steady sleep schedule.

When to See a Doctor

The National Health Service (NHS) recommends speaking with a doctor if you have persistent stomach pain, unexplained nausea, vomiting, or notice blood in your vomit or stool. Do not wait for severe pain or dangerous complications. The sooner you get care, the faster you can recover.