Stomach Ulcers — What Causes Them and What You Can Do Now

Did you know a sore in your stomach lining can quietly cause serious problems if ignored? Stomach ulcers (peptic ulcers) are open sores that usually form when acid and digestive juices damage the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. You can feel better fast if you spot common signs and follow clear, practical steps.

Common causes are infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and regular use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. Less often, smoking, heavy alcohol use, stress, or rare acid-producing tumors play a role. H. pylori is a bacteria lots of people carry; it only causes ulcers in some.

Symptoms to Watch For

The usual symptom is burning or gnawing pain between the breastbone and belly button. Pain often comes a few hours after eating or at night. Other warning signs: bloating, belching, heartburn, nausea, and poor appetite. If you see black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or faint from pain, get emergency care — those can mean bleeding or a perforated ulcer.

How Doctors Diagnose and Treat Ulcers

Your doctor may order a breath test or stool antigen test to check for H. pylori, or recommend an upper endoscopy if symptoms are severe or don’t improve. Endoscopy lets doctors look directly at the lining and take a biopsy if needed. Many people start with noninvasive tests first.

Treatment depends on the cause. If H. pylori is present, a common approach is a short course of two antibiotics plus a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as omeprazole or esomeprazole to reduce acid and help healing. If NSAIDs caused the ulcer, stopping them and switching to safer pain options with your doctor is essential. For pain relief, acetaminophen is often preferred over NSAIDs when ulcers are an issue.

Over-the-counter antacids and H2 blockers like famotidine can ease symptoms, but they don’t replace antibiotics or PPIs when an H. pylori infection is the cause. Follow the full course of prescribed medication — skipping doses can allow the infection to come back.

Practical self-care helps recovery: quit smoking, limit alcohol, avoid spicy and highly acidic foods if they worsen symptoms, eat smaller meals, and avoid late-night heavy eating. Stress management—simple things like short walks, sleep, and steady routines—can reduce symptom flare-ups for some people.

If you’re uncertain about symptoms or treatment options, talk to a clinician and ask about testing for H. pylori and safer pain alternatives. Early treatment lowers the chance of bleeding, scarring, or other complications. Keep a list of your medicines and share it with your provider — that helps them spot NSAID risks and drug interactions quickly.

Need more on meds and tests? BlueChew Pharma Insights has plain-language guides on common ulcer drugs, testing methods, and how to shop safely for prescriptions online. Use those resources to prepare for a clinic visit and get the best care quickly.