Ulcers: What They Feel Like and What You Can Do

Sharp or burning pain in the upper belly, heartburn that won’t quit, or feeling full quickly after eating—those can be signs of an ulcer. You don’t need to panic, but you do want to act. Ulcers are often treatable once the cause is found.

Quick causes & symptoms

Most common causes are infection with H. pylori bacteria and frequent use of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen). Smoking and heavy alcohol use make healing slower. Symptoms include a gnawing stomach pain (sometimes worse at night), bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, and unintended weight loss. Seek urgent care if you see black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or have sudden severe pain—those are warning signs of bleeding or a perforated ulcer.

Doctors diagnose ulcers with breath or stool tests for H. pylori, blood tests, and sometimes endoscopy to look directly at the stomach lining. Don’t try to self-diagnose with only symptoms—tests guide correct treatment.

Treatment options & practical tips

Treatment depends on the cause. If H. pylori is present, a short course of two antibiotics plus a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole is the usual fix. For ulcers from NSAIDs, stopping those drugs and using a PPI or sucralfate (a protective coating) helps. Misoprostol (sold as Cytotec) is sometimes used to prevent NSAID ulcers, but it has side effects and specific risks—read dedicated guides like “Discover Top Cytotec Offers and Safe Usage Tips” and “Exploring Cutting-Edge Alternatives to Cytotec in 2024” before considering it.

Over-the-counter antacids can ease pain short-term. H2 blockers (like famotidine) also reduce acid but are less powerful than PPIs. Finish the full antibiotic course if you’re treated for H. pylori, and follow up with your provider to confirm the infection is gone.

Be cautious about supplements and home remedies. Activated charcoal can help some digestion issues, but it doesn’t heal ulcers and can interfere with meds—see our “Activated Charcoal Supplements” article for details. Avoid relying on unproven fixes.

Simple lifestyle steps help healing: stop smoking, cut back alcohol, avoid regular NSAID use (ask about alternatives for pain), eat smaller meals, and limit foods that trigger you personally. Manage stress with sleep, gentle exercise, and breathing exercises—these don’t cure ulcers but make symptoms easier to handle.

If you want deeper info on medication options, side effects, or alternatives, check related posts on this site for clear comparisons and safety tips. If your symptoms are severe or getting worse, get medical attention—early treatment prevents complications and gets you back to normal faster.