Stomach Ulcer Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

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Overview

Stomach ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. They are a type of peptic ulcer and are more common than many people realise — around 1 in 10 Australians will experience a peptic ulcer at some point in their lives. While they can cause uncomfortable symptoms like burning upper abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, or feeling full quickly, they are treatable with the right medical care. Most stomach ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Left untreated, ulcers can lead to serious complications including bleeding or perforation. The good news is that with early diagnosis, appropriate medication, and lifestyle adjustments, most stomach ulcers heal within 4 to 8 weeks.

Difference Between a Stomach Ulcer and a Peptic Ulcer?

People use these terms interchangeably, but there is a distinction worth knowing.

• A peptic ulcer is the umbrella term, covering sores in the stomach or the first section of the small intestine
• A stomach ulcer (gastric ulcer) sits specifically on the stomach lining
• Duodenal ulcers form further down and are actually the more common of the two

Stomach Ulcer vs Gastritis: What Is the Difference?

Feature	Stomach Ulcer	Gastritis
What it is	An open sore on the stomach lining	Inflammation of the stomach lining
Pain pattern	Gnawing, often worse when the stomach is empty	Burning, can flare at any time
Nausea	Sometimes	Very common
How it is confirmed	Endoscopy	Symptoms or endoscopy
How it is treated	PPIs, antibiotics if H. pylori is involved	PPIs, dietary changes

They can feel almost identical. A doctor & medical practitioner is the only one who can work out which you have.

How Common Are Stomach Ulcers in Australia?

About 1 in 10 Australians will deal with a peptic ulcer at some point in their life. They are not rare, and they are not something to push through without getting checked. The causes of ulcer So, who (or what) is to blame for these stomach ulcers? The two main finger-pointers are:

• H. pylori infection: This bacteria burrows into your stomach lining, weakening it and making it more susceptible to acid damage.
• Long-term use of NSAIDs: Pain-relieving medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, while great for a throbbing headache, can irritate your stomach lining over time, increasing your risk of ulcers. Think of it as a trade-off – headache relief versus stomach woes.

Can stress cause stomach ulcers?

Stress isn't the direct cause of ulcers, but it can worsen existing ones or irritate your stomach. Techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can be excellent at managing stress, and that might just help your ulcer heal faster.  Think of stress management as a preventative measure to keep your gut happy.  Remember: This blog post is just a starting point and shouldn't replace professional medical advice. If you suspect you have a stomach ulcer, don’t hesitate to see your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Early Warning Signs of a Stomach Ulcer

The tricky thing about ulcers is that early symptoms are easy to write off as everyday indigestion. Signs to take seriously include:

• A burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen
• Feeling uncomfortably full after not much food
• Nausea that comes and goes without a clear reason
• Going off food or losing weight without trying
• Burping more than usual

If these keep coming back, that is your body telling you something.

Symptoms That Need Urgent Attention

Some symptoms are not a "book an appointment next week" situation. Go to emergency or call 000 if you experience:

• Vomiting blood or anything that looks like coffee grounds
• Stools that are black, tarry, or bloody
• Sudden sharp abdominal pain that does not ease up
• Feeling faint or like you might collapse

This can indicate internal bleeding. Do not wait it out.

What Does the Pain Actually Feel Like?

Most people describe it as a dull ache or burning sensation sitting just under the breastbone. It tends to come and go, sometimes for weeks at a time. Eating might briefly dull it, then it comes back. For others, an empty stomach makes it worse, which is why the pain often strikes in the middle of the night. Antacids can take the edge off temporarily, but they are not a solution.

Who Is More at Risk?

• People with an H. pylori infection
• Anyone taking ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen regularly
• Smokers
• People who drink heavily
• Those with a family history of ulcers
• Older adults, whose stomach lining becomes more vulnerable with age

How Ulcers Are Diagnosed

Your doctor & medical practitioner will ask about your symptoms, medications, and history. From there, common next steps include:

• A breath or stool test for H. pylori
• A gastroscopy, where a small camera examines the stomach lining
• Blood tests to check for anaemia linked to slow bleeding
• A biopsy during endoscopy to rule out anything more serious

Note: Diagnostic procedures such as gastroscopy, biopsies, and surgical interventions are not provided by Hola Health. This information is provided for educational purposes, and your medical practitioner will provide a specialist referral for these services if clinically indicated.

Treatment Options

Most ulcers heal within 4 to 8 weeks with the right treatment:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole to reduce acid
• Antibiotics if H. pylori is the cause
• Reducing or stopping NSAIDs where possible
• Surgery is rarely needed and only considered for complications

What to Eat (and What to Skip)

Gentler on the stomach:

• Plain foods like oats, rice, and bananas
• Lean protein such as eggs, chicken, and fish
• Yoghurt with live cultures

Worth avoiding during recovery:

• Spicy food, caffeine, and alcohol
• Fried or greasy meals

Food choices will not cure an ulcer, but they can make the healing period a lot more comfortable.

Complications of Leaving It Untreated

An ulcer that is ignored can lead to internal bleeding, a perforated stomach wall, or a blockage in the digestive tract. In long-term H. pylori cases, there is also a small but real increased risk of stomach cancer. These are not outcomes worth risking.

Living with an ulcer: The emotional toll and how to cope?

Ulcers can be a physically uncomfortable experience, but they can also take a toll on your emotional well-being. Dealing with constant stomach pain can lead to anxiety, frustration, and even depression. Here are some tips for managing the emotional side of living with an ulcer:

• Talk to someone: Bottling up your emotions can make things worse. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or counsellor. Sharing your experience can be a huge weight off your shoulders and provide valuable support.
• Join a support group: Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can be incredibly helpful. Online or in-person support groups can provide a safe space to share your experiences, learn coping mechanisms, and feel less alone.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help manage stress and anxiety, which can worsen ulcer symptoms.
• Focus on the positive: While ulcers can be distressing, remember that they are treatable. Focus on the progress you're making with treatment and the delicious meals you'll be able to enjoy again soon.

Can stomach ulcers be prevented?

While not always possible, there are ways to reduce your risk.  Limiting NSAID use, managing stress with techniques like meditation or yoga, practising good hygiene to avoid H. pylori infection (frequent handwashing and proper food handling are key), and maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can all help.  Think of it as building a strong defence system for your stomach.

When to see a doctor?

While most stomach ulcers cause discomfort, some require immediate medical attention. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Black, tarry stools (a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding)
• Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds
• Severe, persistent abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing

Can Telehealth Help?

Yes, and for many people it is the most practical option. A telehealth doctor & medical practitioner can assess your symptoms, order tests, and prescribe medications like PPIs. Particularly useful if you’re in a regional area or cannot get into a clinic quickly.

How Hola Health may be able to help

Hola Health is an Australian telehealth platform that connects you with registered doctors and nurse practitioners — from the comfort of your home, at a time that suits you. Depending on your situation, a Hola Health clinician may be able to help with:

• 24/7 General medical advice via telehealth doctor consult — talk through symptoms or health concerns with a registered doctor or medical practitioner
• Doctors certificate - for work or personal leave, when clinically appropriate
• Referrals to specialists - or in-person services when needed
• Online prescriptions — at a clinician's discretion and where clinically suitable
• Pathology or imaging requests — when assessed as appropriate by your treating clinician

Hola Health clinicians are AHPRA-registered Doctors and medical practitioners in Australia. They will always recommend an in-person consultation, specialist referral, or emergency care if that is in your best interest. Note: Telehealth is not suitable for all conditions. Hola Health does not replace your regular GP, specialist, or emergency services. If you are unsure whether telehealth is right for your situation, we recommend speaking with your usual healthcare provider. In emergencies, call 000.

Conclusion

Stomach ulcers are common, treatable, and very manageable when caught early. If something has been nagging at you for weeks, it is worth getting looked at rather than hoping it passes.

FAQ

Does my lifestyle encourage stomach ulcers?

Smoking, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and a diet overflowing with spicy or acidic foods can irritate your stomach lining and increase your risk of ulcers.  Basically, anything that inflames your stomach lining isn't doing you any favours.

How serious are stomach ulcer complications?

Left untreated, stomach ulcers can lead to serious complications like bleeding, perforation (a hole in the stomach lining), and peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining).  Think of it like a small issue snowballing into something much bigger if left unchecked.

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

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as some people with ulcers tolerate certain foods better than others. However, some common triggers include spicy foods, acidic fruits (like citrus), caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and fatty or greasy meals.  It's important to pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods and keep a food diary to identify potential triggers.

How long does it take for a stomach ulcer to heal?

With proper treatment, most stomach ulcers heal within 4 to 8 weeks (about 2 months). But that timeframe can depend on the severity of the ulcer and your overall health. Sticking religiously to your treatment plan and following up with your doctor is key to monitoring progress and is key to monitoring progress and successfully managing your recovery