14/05/2026
A stomach ulcer, also called a gastric ulcer or peptic ulcer, is a sore or wound that forms on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine.
Normally, the stomach produces strong acid to help digest food. The stomach also has a protective mucus layer that shields it from being damaged by this acid.
An ulcer happens when:
* The protective mucus layer becomes weak or damaged
* The stomach acid becomes too strong and starts damaging the stomach lining
Common causes include:
* Infection by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
* Excessive use of painkillers like Ibuprofen and Diclofenac
* Excess alcohol intake
* Smoking
* Severe stress and poor eating habits can worsen it
Common symptoms:
* Burning pain in the upper abdomen
* Pain when hungry or after eating
* Bloating
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Loss of appetite
* In severe cases, vomiting blood or passing black stool
If properly treated and the causes are removed, ulcers can heal completely.
Why symptoms may persist despite treatment:
Many people use Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) such as Omeprazole and Esomeprazole, H2 blockers like Famotidine or Cimetidine, and quick-acting antacids. These medicines mainly work by reducing stomach acid production.
While they may give temporary relief from burning pain, the symptoms may keep returning on and off because the ulcer may not have healed completely, and the damaged mucus lining protecting the stomach is still not fully repaired.
Some people also treat H. pylori with antibiotics, but in certain cases the bacteria may become resistant, making treatment less effective.
Remember, stomach acid is important for proper digestion. When acid levels become too low, food may digest slowly and remain too long in the stomach. This can lead to bloating, fermentation, and reflux.
The fermentation creates gas, and the gas can push stomach contents back up into the throat, causing more burning sensation and reflux symptoms.
Many people focus only on reducing stomach acid for temporary comfort while the root problem continues to worsen.
Too little stomach acid can contribute to poor digestion, bloating, reflux, gut irritation, and inflammation. If not properly managed, it may lead to more complications over time.
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