Ulcers in Stomach: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
An August 2025 hospital-based study published on PubMed Central, which was performed at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, found a strong link between H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcers among Indian patients, highlighting the major reason behind these ulcer-related digestive disorders in the country.
But are there other causes of developing ulcers in stomach? In this blog, we will explore all the possible triggers, including H. pylori infection, overuse of certain drugs, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and physiological stress.
What are the Primary Causes of Developing Ulcers in Stomach or Duodenum?
Two major factors that cause most stomach ulcers are the H. pylori bacterial infection and excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Together, these two reasons contribute to nearly all stomach ulcer cases worldwide.
H. pylori Infection
H. pylori is a common bacterial infection that affects nearly half of the global population. The bacteria mainly live in the stomach and do not cause any issues in most people. That is why the infection can sometimes grow aggressively and damage the stomach lining.
As the bacteria rapidly multiply, they trigger ongoing inflammation and gradually create sores in the stomach lining, leading to gastric ulcers.
Overuse of NSAIDs
Common pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can also increase the risk of ulcers in stomach. After consuming these medicines, the stomach lining starts to irritate and weaken the natural protective chemicals that help repair damage.
Do you know that the stomach usually heals minor irritations on its own? But frequent or excessive NSAID use reduces this ability of the stomach. Over time, the protective lining becomes thinner, making the stomach more vulnerable to ulcers.
Other Causes of Developing Ulcers in Stomach or Duodenum
Less common reasons for developing stomach ulcers include:
Other Types of Infections
In some rare cases, certain bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can affect the stomach and damage its protective lining. These infections may trigger severe irritation and inflammation, leading to erosive gastritis.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
It is a rare condition that makes the stomach produce excessive gastric acid. These high acid levels gradually wear down the stomach lining and increase the potential of developing gastritis and ulcers.
Severe Physical Stress
In some individuals, serious illnesses, major injuries, or critical medical conditions can be the reason for developing ulcers in stomach. This is generally called stress ulcers.
How do stress ulcers start? When the body fights to recover from severe physical stress, it may produce more stomach acid than your body needs and disturb the stomach's natural pH balance. This increased acidity can damage the stomach lining and cause irritation or ulcers.
What are the Stomach Ulcers Symptoms?
Many people who live with ulcers in stomach may not notice symptoms in the early stages. However, when signs and symptoms of an ulcer appear, they can include:
- A burning pain in the stomach. Some people feel the pain more strongly between meals or at night, while others notice discomfort right after eating.
- A feeling of heaviness, fullness, or bloating in the stomach.
- Frequent belching.
- Heartburn or acid reflux.
- Nausea or an uneasy stomach.
In some cases, stomach or peptic ulcers may start bleeding. When this happens, you may experience:
- Blood while vomiting that looks bright red or dark, like coffee grounds.
- Black, tarry, or blood-stained stools.
- Dizziness, weakness, or fainting due to blood loss.
- Sudden, intense abdominal pain that doesn't improve.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Ulcers in Stomach?
To diagnose whether you have a stomach ulcer, your healthcare provider will first check for an H. pylori infection and then examine the stomach lining for ulcers. There are several ways to test ulcers inside the stomach, but an upper endoscopy remains one of the most common and effective methods because it can detect both at the same time.
Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy, also called an EGD test, enables doctors to examine the inside of the stomach. The process uses a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a tiny camera attached to it. During the procedure, the tube passes through the throat while you stay under anaesthesia for comfort.
The doctor may also use small instruments attached to the tube to collect a tissue sample (biopsy) for H. pylori testing. If the ulcer shows signs of bleeding or other complications, the doctor can often treat it immediately during the procedure.
Other Tests
In some cases, doctors may recommend an upper GI X-ray series to identify whether your stomach develops ulcers. This process does not require inserting a tube into the stomach. To confirm an H. pylori infection, healthcare providers may also suggest a breath test, blood test or stool test.
These tests help healthcare providers to know what causes stomach ulcers in you and decide the right treatment approach. Treatment duration varies depending on the cause and severity of the ulcer. H. pylori eradication therapy commonly lasts 7-14 days, while acid-suppressing treatment may continue for several weeks.
What Effective Treatments are Available to Treat Ulcers in Stomach?
Doctors usually treat stomach ulcers with medications that reduce stomach acid, protect the stomach lining, and address the underlying cause. In severe cases, they need a medical procedure to repair a hole or stop bleeding.
They include:
Antibiotics
If H. pylori infection causes the ulcer, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, or tetracycline to eliminate the bacteria.
Cytoprotective Agents
In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe medicines like sucralfate or bismuth subsalicylate to coat and protect the stomach lining, especially when long-term NSAID use triggers the ulcer.
Histamine Receptor Blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors
To support healing, doctors also recommend medications that lower acid production. These include Histamine receptor blockers (H2 blockers) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which help reduce irritation and allow the ulcer to heal faster.
Medical Procedures
Some ulcers may lead to complications such as bleeding or a hole in the stomach lining. In such cases, doctors may treat the ulcer during an endoscopy procedure. Rarely, severe or recurring ulcers that don’t respond to the above-mentioned treatment may require surgery to remove scar tissue, improve stomach emptying, or reduce acid production.
Wrapping Up
Ulcers in stomach or duodenum may start silently, but it is important to take immediate action whenever you notice any symptoms. Timely and proper treatment can prevent serious complications such as bleeding or perforated ulcers.
So, know about the causes, symptoms, and warning signs of stomach ulcers and take a proactive approach towards better digestive health. Most ulcers heal effectively and allow you to return to a healthier, more comfortable life.
Reader information: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is based on publicly available medical sources and may not apply to every individual. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance regarding symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, or health concerns. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of information you have read in this article. If you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, dizziness, fainting, or other emergency symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
FAQ's
1. Can stomach ulcers kill you?
Ulcers in stomach can be fatal if left untreated. Since some individuals do not feel they are living with this medical condition, these are often called silent ulcers. In such cases, they may not realise the ulcer is developing until serious complications occur, such as internal bleeding or a perforation (hole) in the stomach lining.
2. What is the fastest way to cure a stomach ulcer?
To heal fast, you need to know the exact cause of this medical condition. For example, if consuming NSAIDs is the reason, then stopping them may be enough to help the ulcer heal faster.
3. What not to eat with stomach ulcers?
It is essential to avoid smoking, alcohol and foods with excessive spices, oil, and acidic content while undergoing treatment for ulcers in stomach. People with ulcers may benefit from avoiding foods or beverages that worsen their symptoms. No specific food or drink has been proven to cure ulcers, and medical treatment should remain the primary approach.
4. How to cure stomach ulcer permanently?
Permanently curing ulcers in stomach requires treating the underlying cause, which is usually H. pylori bacteria or NSAID pain reliever use, through a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications.
