PP
1
1
Moderate severity
· Gastroenterology
Peptic Ulcer
Stomach or duodenal ulcer
Open sores in the stomach or duodenum, usually from H. pylori bacteria or long-term NSAID use. Modern treatment heals 90% in weeks.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 5–10% lifetime risk
- Typical age
- Adults
- Outlook
- Curable
- System
- Gut
Reviewed by a verified Gastroenterology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- NSAID use (ibuprofen, aspirin)
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol
- Critical illness (stress ulcers)
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Burning upper abdominal pain
- Worse on empty stomach (duodenal)
- Relief with food (sometimes)
- Bloating, nausea
- Black stools or vomiting blood — emergency
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- H. pylori eradication triple therapy
- PPI for 4–8 weeks
- Stop NSAIDs
- Endoscopy to confirm healing
- Surgery only for complications
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Quit smoking
- Limit NSAIDs, use paracetamol
- Treat H. pylori in household
- Limit alcohol
Do’s
- Complete H. pylori eradication course
- Eat small frequent meals
- Test for cure after treatment
- Avoid spicy food during flare
Don’ts
- Take aspirin for pain over weeks
- Stop antibiotics early
- Smoke during treatment
- Self-medicate with antacids alone
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.