Ulcers – Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Guide

When dealing with ulcers, painful sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or other parts of the digestive tract, also known as stomach ulcers, you’re looking at a common yet often misunderstood health issue. Ulcers are lesions that form when the protective mucus barrier breaks down, exposing tissue to harsh stomach acid. This simple definition sets the stage for everything that follows: causes, how doctors spot them, and what actually helps them heal. Below you’ll get a quick roadmap before we dive deeper into the articles that explore each angle in detail.

What sparks an ulcer?

The two biggest triggers are a bacterial infection and certain medications. H. pylori, a spiral‑shaped bacterium that colonises the stomach lining and weakens its defenses is responsible for up to 70% of cases; the bacteria release enzymes that irritate the mucosa and set the stage for ulcer formation. At the same time, NSAIDs, non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can erode the mucus layer by inhibiting prostaglandin production, making the stomach lining vulnerable to acid. When either of these factors is present, the delicate balance between acid secretion and mucosal protection tips toward damage, and ulcers can appear quickly. Understanding this cause‑and‑effect chain helps you spot risk factors in daily life, from taking pain relievers without a meal to living with an undiagnosed infection.

Once an ulcer has formed, the goal shifts to healing and preventing recurrence. Proton pump inhibitors, medications that block the stomach’s acid‑producing pumps, dramatically lower gastric acidity and give the lining a chance to repair are the first‑line treatment for most patients. They are often paired with antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori, creating a two‑pronged attack that tackles both the cause and the symptom. Lifestyle tweaks—like reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, and avoiding late‑night meals—support the drugs by lessening extra acid spikes. Hydration also matters; staying well‑hydrated dilutes stomach acid and improves overall digestive health, a point echoed in our heartburn and hydration guides. Together, medication, habit changes, and monitoring form a comprehensive plan that lets most ulcers heal within weeks.

Diagnosing an ulcer isn’t a guess; doctors rely on a visual exam of the stomach lining. Endoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure where a flexible camera examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum provides direct evidence of ulcer size, depth, and whether complications like bleeding are present. During the same visit, biopsies can confirm H. pylori infection or rule out more serious conditions such as gastric cancer. Knowing exactly what you’re dealing with lets clinicians tailor therapy—whether that means a short course of antibiotics, a stronger acid‑suppressor, or a referral for surgical evaluation. The articles below walk you through each of these steps, from recognizing early symptoms to choosing the right medication, so you can take control of your digestive health today.