Treating Peptic Ulcer Disease

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Have you ever felt a burning ache in your stomach that just won’t go away? You’re not alone. Millions of people struggle with this common gut issue, not knowing what’s causing it or how to treat it. A peptic ulcer can creep up silently and become serious if not handled properly.

In this blog, we will understand what a peptic ulcer really is, what causes it, how to treat it, and how to avoid it from coming back. You’ll also get to know real tips and doctor-approved remedies to heal faster.

What is a Peptic Ulcer?

Many people don’t realize how important the stomach lining is until it gets hurt. That’s exactly what happens when a peptic ulcer forms.

A peptic ulcer is a sore that shows up on the inside of your stomach or the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). A thick layer of mucus protects the stomach lining from the digestive juices present inside the stomach. A reduction in the layer can cause the acids inside the stomach to damage the tissue and lead to the formation of ulcers on the lining.

These sores happen when acid starts breaking down the protective layer of your stomach or small intestine.

Peptic Ulcer Classification 

Peptic Ulcer disease can be classified based upon the location of the ulcer. They are as follows- 

Ulcer Name	Location of the ulcer
Gastric Ulcer	Stomach
Duodenal Ulcer	Duodenum (first part of the small intestine)
Oesophagal Ulcer	Oesophagus
Meckel’s Diverticulum Ulcer	The bulge on the lower part of the small intestine

What causes peptic ulcers to form?

Several things can hurt the stomach lining and cause a peptic ulcer. The most common are:

• H. pylori infection treatment: A type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori damages the protective layer of the stomach.
• NSAID-induced ulcers: Medications like aspirin or ibuprofen can irritate the stomach.
• Smoking and alcohol: Both increase acid and slow healing.
• Stress and ulcer connection: Long-term stress can worsen symptoms.

Stat Insight: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), H. pylori affects around 50% of the global population.

What are the Common Signs That You Might Have a Peptic Ulcer?

A peptic ulcer can give signals before it gets serious. Recognizing them early can protect you from complications.

What symptoms should you watch out for?

Here are the signs to notice:

• Burning abdominal pain – especially when your stomach is empty
• Bloating or feeling full quickly
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weight loss without trying
• Dark stools, which could mean gastrointestinal bleeding

When should you see a doctor immediately?

Some symptoms are red flags:

• Sudden, sharp stomach pain
• Vomiting blood
• Fainting or weakness
• Black or tarry stool

Stat Insight: The Mayo Clinic reports that up to 10% of adults will have a peptic ulcer at some point in their lives.

If any of the symptoms persist, consult a gastroenterologist for peptic ulcer treatment.

Peptic Ulcer Complication –

If the ulcer is left untreated despite the symptoms, your condition can further worsen and lead to serious peptic ulcer complications. Some of them are – 

• Internal bleeding: bleeding ulcers can lead to blood loss or even anaemia. One may need instant hospitalization and intensive care. Fatigue, dizziness, and black stools are some of the signs of internal bleeding. 
• Perforation or holes in the stomach wall: this can take place when ulcers are neglected and let to create a hole in the lining of your stomach or small intestine. It can also cause infection in the abdominal cavity. An indicator of perforation is abdominal pain
• Another peptic ulcer complication is scarring of tissue: Here a thick tissue is formed after an injury that obstructs the path of food through the digestive tract. 

How is Peptic Ulcer Diagnosed by a Doctor?

Accurate tests help doctors catch a peptic ulcer early and treat it right.

What tests are commonly done?

Doctors may suggest:

• Endoscopy (viewing the ulcer directly)
• Urea breath test (detects H. pylori)
• Stool antigen test
• Blood test for antibodies

How accurate are these diagnostic methods?

Test Type	Accuracy Rate
Endoscopy	95%
Urea breath test	90%+
Stool test	85–95%
Blood test	70–80%

Endoscopy remains the gold standard for confirming a peptic ulcer.

Peptic Ulcer Treatment 

Based on the underlying cause of the ulcer, your doctor will recommend peptic ulcer medicine. Generally, stomach ulcers get cured by medicines. 

• If the ulcer is caused as a result of H.pylori then the doctor may prescribe you a combination of medications including antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to kill the infections and reduce stomach acid respectively. 
• Your doctor may also recommend some antacids to neutralize the existing stomach acid and relieve the pain. 
• Along with this, one may further be advised to consume acid blockers such as histamine (H-2) 
• Quit the use of over the counter painkillers. 
• Your doctor may also suggest some lifestyle changes – to quit smoking and drinking, to eat certain foods and avoid some. 
• Some medications may also be prescribed to protect the stomach lining and intestine. Most usually prescribed medications are sucralfate (Carafate) and misoprostol (Cytotec) are some cytoprotective agents, which safeguard the tissues in your stomach and small intestine.

If you have a pre-existing liver condition as well as an ulcer, it’s better that you consult an expert. Seek guidance from the best liver specialist in Punjab for your condition. 

Peptic Ulcer Diet 

When you have an ulcer, it becomes difficult to eat or drink food. Thus in cases such as these, it is important to have a diet that suits you and doesn’t cause any harm. Seek guidance from nutrition counselling services for a more personalized diet. 

Here are some foods that can help relieve pain from ulcers:

• Foods with probiotics – these are packed with good bacteria and help in fighting H.pylori.  Some examples are – yoghurt, miso, kombucha, dark chocolate, cottage cheese, etc. Probiotics are also available in the form of pills and tablets. 
• Foods rich in antioxidants– Blueberries, cherries, bell peppers, leafy vegetables such as spinach, are foods rich in antioxidants. They help in activating your immune system. 
• Vitamin C – Foods that have Vitamin C can play a significant role in the healing of the wound and stopping any further damage. Some foods that are rich in Vitamin C are broccoli, lemon, bell peppers, fruits such as oranges, kiwis, strawberries etc. 
• Vitamin A – According to several researchers, vitamin A can help shrink stomach ulcers and help in preventing them. Foods that are a good source of vitamin A are spinach, carrots, cantaloupe, beef liver, sweet potato etc. 
• Along with the food that you should eat, one must also avoid certain food items. Here’s a list of things you should restrain from consuming – 

1. Alcohol 
2. Caffeine 
3. Carbonated drinks 
4. Smoking
5. Milk
6. Spicy food 
7. Chocolate
8. Junk food or fatty food. 

What should you eat during an ulcer flare-up?

Here’s a sample meal plan:

Time	What to Eat
Morning	Warm oatmeal, banana, chamomile tea
Mid-morning	Yogurt with honey
Lunch	Boiled rice, steamed veggies, lentil soup
Evening	Coconut water, whole-wheat toast
Dinner	Soft-cooked rice, steamed fish, broccoli

Are there specific drinks that soothe the stomach?

Yes! Choose these:

• Chamomile tea
• Ginger tea
• Coconut water
• Lukewarm water (avoid ice-cold drinks)

These help reduce ulcer pain relief and promote calm digestion.

Take Control of Your Gut Health with Expert Help

A peptic ulcer may sound scary, but it is very treatable if caught early. Medications, lifestyle changes, and diet adjustments can bring fast relief and long-term protection.

If you or someone you love is experiencing stomach discomfort, don’t wait. Book your consultation with Dr. Nivedita Pandey, MBBS, Diplomate of the American Board (Internal Medicine & Gastroenterology). A US-trained gastroenterologist, she specializes in liver and gut health, obesity-related issues, and digestive wellness for women.

She’s one of South Delhi’s leading female GI doctors, offering a safe space for all patients.

Take the first step toward healing today.

FAQs

Can peptic ulcers go away on their own?

In some cases, very mild peptic ulcers may heal on their own, especially if the cause (like NSAIDs) is removed. However, it’s important to get checked by a doctor because untreated ulcers can lead to serious issues like bleeding or perforation.

Is milk good for ulcers or does it make them worse?

While milk might offer short-term relief by coating the stomach, it can later increase acid production, worsening symptoms. It’s best to monitor your reaction to milk and avoid it if symptoms flare up.

How long does it take to cure a peptic ulcer?

With proper medical treatment, most peptic ulcers heal within 2 to 8 weeks. The exact time depends on the underlying cause, such as H. pylori infection or NSAID use, and how strictly the treatment plan is followed.

Can stress alone cause peptic ulcers?

Stress does not directly cause peptic ulcers, but it can definitely make the pain worse and slow down the healing process. Managing stress is an important part of long-term ulcer care.

Do children or teenagers get peptic ulcers?

Yes, children and teens can get peptic ulcers, especially from regular painkiller use or H. pylori infection. Pediatric care is essential because symptoms in kids may be harder to recognize early.

What are the best foods to heal stomach ulcers quickly?

Soft, non-spicy foods like bananas, yogurt, steamed vegetables, rice, and honey are gentle on the stomach. A proper ulcer-friendly diet helps protect the stomach lining and supports healing.

Are peptic ulcers contagious through kissing or sharing food?

Yes, H. pylori, a common cause of peptic ulcers, can spread through saliva or contaminated utensils. Maintaining hygiene and treating infected individuals can help prevent transmission.

Also Read

• Types Of Endoscopy
• Ways To Relieve Acid Reflux
• Health Risks Of Being Overweight