Ulcers

Ulcers are open sores that form on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or oesophagus when the protective mucosal layer is damaged. They are commonly caused by excessive stomach acid, bacterial infections like Helicobacter pylori, or prolonged use of certain medications. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and promote healing.

When to consult a doctor for ulcers treatment

If stomach pain is persistent or symptoms don’t improve

See a doctor if you experience ongoing or severe stomach pain, especially pain that worsens after eating or on an empty stomach, or if antacids and acid-reducing medicines provide little or no relief.

Call 000 or go to an Emergency Department

if you notice blood in your vomit, or black, tarry, or bloody stools, as these may indicate a bleeding ulcer requiring emergency treatment.

If ulcers affect eating or are linked to medication use

Consult a doctor if you’ve lost your appetite, feel full quickly, experience ongoing heartburn, bloating or indigestion, or if you regularly use medications known to increase ulcer risk. Medical assessment helps identify the cause and prevent further damage.

This guide does not replace professional care. Consult a doctor to manage your symptoms. In emergencies, call 000. The content is research-backed & medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC.

Symptoms

Burning stomach pain (often worse on an empty stomach)
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating and indigestion
Unexplained weight loss
Dark or bloody stools (a sign of bleeding ulcers)

Causes of ulcers?

Ulcers develop when the protective lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus becomes damaged, allowing stomach acid to create open sores. The most common causes include:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection
- A bacterial infection that weakens the stomach’s protective lining.
- Causes inflammation, making the stomach more vulnerable to acid damage.
- Can lead to chronic gastritis and increase the risk of ulcers.
Excessive stomach acid production
- Overproduction of gastric acid can erode the stomach lining.
- Triggers include stress, spicy foods, caffeine, and smoking.
Long-term use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Certain medications can irritate the stomach lining.
- Prolonged use increases the risk of ulcers, especially in older adults.
Chronic stress
- While stress alone doesn’t cause ulcers, it can worsen symptoms.
- May contribute to increased stomach acid production and delayed healing.
Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Smoking weakens the stomach lining and slows ulcer healing.
- Alcohol increases stomach acid and irritates ulcerated areas.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (Rare Cause)
- A condition that causes tumours in the pancreas or duodenum, leading to excessive stomach acid production.

When to seek emergency care

Call 000 or attend your nearest Emergency Department immediately if you experience:

Vomiting blood — whether bright red or with a dark coffee-ground appearance
Black, tarry, or bloody stools — these indicate a bleeding ulcer requiring emergency treatment
Sudden severe abdominal pain — particularly if it comes on rapidly and is unlike typical ulcer pain; this may indicate a perforated ulcer
Dizziness, fainting, or rapid heart rate associated with the above symptoms — may indicate significant blood loss

Do not book a telehealth consultation for these presentations.

A Hola Health telehealth consultation for ulcers is appropriate for persistent or recurrent ulcer symptoms without emergency indicators, medication review, H. pylori testing referrals, and dietary and lifestyle advice. If you are unsure whether your symptoms require emergency care, call 000 — it is always safer to seek immediate help than to delay.

What foods should I avoid if I have a stomach ulcer?

If you have a stomach ulcer, avoid spicy foods, acidic foods (such as citrus fruits and tomatoes), caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, as they can irritate the stomach lining. Fried, fatty, and processed foods should also be limited, as they can increase acid production. Instead, opt for easily digestible foods like bananas, oatmeal, and lean proteins. Drinking too much coffee or eating late at night can also worsen symptoms, so it’s best to follow a balanced, ulcer-friendly diet.

If you are experiencing symptoms, speak to a GP first to discuss your health. Hola Health provides a convenient way to consult an AHPRA-registered doctor online, 24/7 across Australia.

Clinical note: An online GP assessment helps provide medical advice for your ulcer symptoms and evaluate if a face-to-face consultation or physical examination is needed. Online GPs can provide prescriptions, referrals or online sick certificates if clinically indicated. Telehealth is a complementary service; a physical abdominal examination or diagnostic procedures (such as a breath test for H. pylori or an endoscopy) may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Consultations are secure, encrypted, and Australian-stored (in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles). In case of severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood (or coffee-ground appearance), or black, tarry stools, call 000 immediately. We recommend sharing your consult summaries with your regular GP to ensure continuity of care.