Stomach Ulcer

Overview

A stomach ulcer is a sore that forms on the lining of your stomach. It can cause pain, burning, or discomfort in your belly. Most ulcers heal well with the right care.

Yes, stomach ulcers are fairly common. Many people have them at some point in their lives, though not everyone has symptoms.

Stomach ulcers can affect anyone, but they are more common in adults, especially those over 50. They can also happen in younger people, including teenagers.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Burning or aching pain in the middle of the belly, often between meals or at night
• Feeling full easily or bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite or weight loss without trying

Symptoms in children

• Children may complain of belly pain, especially after eating
• They might lose interest in food or eat less
• Nausea or vomiting can also happen in children

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have no pain and only feel tired or weak
• They may have stomach bleeding without obvious pain
• Confusion or dizziness from low blood counts can occur

Causes

Main causes

• An infection with a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
• Long-term use of certain pain medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Excess stomach acid, sometimes caused by stress or other health conditions

Risk factors

• Taking pain medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin regularly
• Having an H. pylori infection
• Smoking or drinking alcohol heavily
• A family history of ulcers
• Being over 50 years old

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any emergency signs like vomiting blood or black stools, call your local emergency number right away.
• If you have belly pain that is constant or getting worse, see a doctor the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have frequent or bothersome belly pain, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
• If over-the-counter antacids do not help or you need them often, talk to a doctor.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a stomach ulcer, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medicines you take. They may also order tests to look inside your stomach or check for infection.

Tests that may be done

• Breath, stool, or blood test to check for H. pylori
• Endoscopy – a thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed down your throat to look at your stomach lining
• Barium swallow – a drink that coats your stomach so it shows up clearly on X-rays

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to stop taking certain pain medicines before tests. An endoscopy is usually done with a sedative to help you relax. Most tests are not painful, and you can go home the same day.

Treatment

Treatment for a stomach ulcer focuses on healing the sore, reducing acid, and treating any underlying cause like an H. pylori infection. Your doctor will create a plan that is safe for you.

Self-care at home

• Stop using NSAID pain medicines, but talk to your doctor first about safer alternatives
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid foods that clearly make your symptoms worse
• Manage stress with rest and calming activities

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medicines that reduce stomach acid or protect your stomach lining. If you have an H. pylori infection, you will likely be given a combination of medicines to treat it. Always take medicines exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for stomach ulcers. It may be considered if an ulcer does not heal with treatment, or if there are complications like severe bleeding, a hole in the stomach, or blockage.

Living with this condition

Most people with a stomach ulcer can live a normal life. Following your treatment plan and attending follow-up appointments are the best ways to ensure your ulcer heals and stays healed.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
• Avoid foods and drinks that irritate your stomach, like spicy or highly acidic items
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol to help your stomach heal
• Get enough sleep and find healthy ways to manage stress

Diet and exercise

There is no single 'ulcer diet', but eating smaller meals and avoiding your trigger foods can help. Gentle exercise like walking can improve digestion and reduce stress. If exercise worsens your pain, stop and talk to your doctor.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with pain can be stressful and may affect your mood. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated. Talk to your doctor if you are struggling emotionally. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call your local crisis helpline right away.

Prevention

You can lower your risk of stomach ulcers by avoiding long-term use of NSAID pain medicines, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and practicing good hygiene to reduce H. pylori infection risk.

Complications

If left untreated

• Bleeding from the ulcer
• A hole (perforation) in the stomach wall
• Scarring or blockage that prevents food from leaving the stomach
• Repeated ulcer pain

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment, most stomach ulcers heal completely. The outlook is very good, especially when the cause is found and addressed. Even serious complications can often be treated successfully if you seek care in time.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.