Peptic Ulcer: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When you hear peptic ulcer, a sore that develops in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. Also known as stomach ulcer, it’s not just "bad digestion"—it’s a medical condition that affects millions and often goes undiagnosed until it gets serious. Most peptic ulcers are caused by either H. pylori, a bacterium that lives in the stomach and breaks down the protective mucus layer or long-term use of NSAIDs, painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin that irritate the stomach lining. These two causes explain over 90% of cases. The rest? Stress, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and sometimes genetics.

Many people think spicy food or stress causes ulcers. That’s a myth. Sure, they can make symptoms worse, but they don’t create the sore. What actually happens is the stomach’s acid eats away at the tissue because the natural defense—mucus—is gone. That’s why proton pump inhibitors, medications that shut down acid production at the source are the first-line treatment. They don’t just relieve pain—they let the ulcer heal. Antibiotics kill H. pylori if it’s present. Stop the NSAIDs, and the body often repairs itself. Simple? Yes. But only if you get the right diagnosis.

Left untreated, a peptic ulcer can lead to bleeding, perforation, or even blockage. That’s why symptoms like burning pain after eating, bloating, nausea, or dark stools shouldn’t be ignored. Blood tests, breath tests, or an endoscopy can confirm it fast. And once you know what’s causing it, treatment is usually straightforward. The real challenge? Sticking to the plan. Many people stop taking antibiotics early because they feel better. Big mistake. The bacteria come back. Or they go back to taking ibuprofen for their back pain. That’s how ulcers return.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just theory. It’s real-world guidance on how drugs interact with ulcers, how to manage pain without making things worse, and what to watch out for when you’re on long-term medication. From how to avoid triggering symptoms while traveling to how certain antibiotics can help—or hurt—your gut, these articles cut through the noise. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what works.