Your stomach is where all the food and drink you ingest goes. It is subject to various stresses caused by the different types of solids and liquids that reach it. To protect this vital organ from damage, the inside of the stomach is lined with a protective layer. If this lining develops a sore, it causes an ulcer, a weakening of or hole in the lining. While some stomach ulcers produce no noticeable symptoms, in other cases, they can result in severe localized pain and discomfort.

Causes of Stomach Ulcer

There are several reasons for a stomach ulcer to develop. Among the most common are:

• pylori Infection: This is a form of bacterial infection that is estimated to affect about half of the total global population. The bacteria reside mainly in the stomach and, for a majority of people, do not cause any medical problems or result in any kind of symptoms. However, in some cases, the bacteria multiply in an uncontrolled manner, and when this happens, they eat into the lining of the stomach. This causes chronic inflammation which leads to stomach ulcers.
• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): The term refers to common over-the-counter pain relievers and other medicines that are found in most homes. A side-effect of taking these medications is that they irritate the stomach lining when they come into contact with it. The stomach lining is designed to deal with and recover from these usually minor irritations, but these medicines can also inhibit some of the chemicals that defend against the damage and repair that may have been caused. The more NSAIDs consumed, the greater the chances of the irritation getting out of control and the body not having the resources to fight the damage.
• Other Infections: In rare cases, other viral, fungal or bacterial infections can cause damage to the stomach lining.
• Physiological and Mental Stress: Extended exposure to both physical and mental stress can cause various chemical reactions in the body and some of these, such as a change in the pH balance, can increase the acidity in the stomach and cause ulcers to form.

While these are the most common causes, others like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome cause the stomach to produce excessive amounts of gastric acid, which damage the stomach lining.

Lifestyle factors too play a role in the development of stomach ulcers. Smoking, alcohol consumption, eating too much fatty and spicy food, and irregular eating habits are among the lifestyle actions that lead to stomach ulcers.

Symptoms of Stomach Ulcer

A typical ulcer pain will feel like a sore area of the stomach somewhere between the belly button and the breastbone. The pain is akin to a burning sensation in the stomach, which is an accurate description because the lining of the stomach is being burned or eaten away. The primary symptoms include:

• Indigestion
• Feeling of fullness as soon as you start eating and/or continuing to feel full long after you have eaten
• Acid reflux
• Heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating
• Flatulence

Some people do not feel the presence of their stomach ulcers. These are known as silent ulcers and are especially serious as the first sign of the problem is only when it reaches an advanced stage, such as when bleeding starts or a hole develops in the stomach lining. Among the other signs are:

• Black blood in stools
• Paleness of skin
• Weakness, dizziness and fainting
• Dark coloured vomit
• Sudden severe abdominal pain that does not fade away

Diagnosis

The first step will be to study your medical history and your use of medications. If a stomach ulcer is suspected, an upper endoscopy test may be done. This requires you to be sedated while a thin tube with a camera at the end is inserted into your throat and down to your stomach. The camera will provide a picture of the condition of the stomach lining, and if needed various special miniature tools can be passed through the tube to take tissue samples, which will be tested for signs of infection. An endoscopy procedure can also be used to treat a stomach ulcer after it is seen or laboratory tests show its presence. In some cases, imaging tests like x-rays are used to identify ulcers. Blood and stool tests may also be used to check for H. pylori infections.

Treatment for Stomach Ulcer

Treatment for stomach ulcer usually involves treating the cause of the condition. This includes lifestyle changes and stopping the use of medications that are causing irritation to the stomach lining. If there is a H. pylori infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat it. Other medications to reduce stomach acidity and strengthen stomach lining may also be prescribed. Histamine receptor blockers that reduce the production of stomach acid may also be given.

If the condition is serious or advanced, direct treatment may be required. This involves using the endoscopy procedure to inject medication directly into the wound, or to cauterize it. In some cases, stitching up the damaged area may be needed.

Stomach aches are among the most common of abdominal problems. They are usually caused by indigestion or upset stomach conditions and in most cases can be treated by over-the-counter medications and home remedies. However, if the pain is severe and does not respond to home care, then it is important to consult a gastroenterologist for diagnosis and subsequent treatment. While many gastric ailments are typically curable, the earlier the treatment begins, the faster the cure. In some cases, an untreated condition like a stomach ulcer can lead to other more serious health issues, which could have long-term consequences that could negatively affect a person’s quality of life. A multispecialty hospital with a range of specialized medical services is the best place for diagnosis and treatment because this is where the best gastroenterologists and diagnostic and treatment services will be available, and, if the ulcer has caused, or has been caused by other medical issues, then the specialists required to understand the problem and offer holistic treatment solutions will all be available under one roof.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stomach Ulcers

What causes stomach ulcers?

Stomach ulcers are most often caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infections and frequent use of NSAIDs (common painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin). Other causes include excessive stomach acid, stress, smoking, alcohol, and poor eating habits.

What are the common symptoms of a stomach ulcer?

Typical symptoms include burning stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, bloating, and a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts. In severe cases, you may notice black stools, vomiting blood, or sudden intense stomach pain.

Can stomach ulcers heal on their own?

Some mild ulcers may improve with lifestyle changes, but most require medical treatment to heal completely and prevent complications like bleeding or perforation.

How are stomach ulcers diagnosed?

Doctors often use endoscopy to view the stomach lining directly. They may also recommend blood, stool, or breath tests for H. pylori infection, and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays.

What is the best treatment for stomach ulcers?

Treatment usually includes antibiotics for H. pylori, medications to reduce acid, and lifestyle changes. Severe ulcers may need endoscopic procedures or, in rare cases, surgery.

When should I see a doctor for stomach pain?

Seek medical attention if you have ongoing stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, black stools, or if over-the-counter treatments are not helping. Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications.