What to do if you are troubled by stomach ulcers?
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In short: stomach ulcers are most often linked to the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, with stress, alcohol, smoking and poor eating habits also playing a role. Ulcers need a doctor's diagnosis and treatment — but it helps to know the symptoms, and you can check for H. pylori at home.
In this article
What are stomach ulcers?
A gastric ulcer is a defect in the stomach lining that reaches its muscular layer. When the mucosa lacks a sufficient protective mucous layer, its integrity breaks down and an ulcer can form. Ulcers can occur anywhere along the digestive tract but are most common in the stomach and duodenum.
H. pylori and other causes
The most common cause is the Helicobacter pylori bacterium — many people carry it from childhood, and in some it later contributes to inflammation and ulcers (and, in a minority of cases, more serious stomach disease). Many carriers, however, have no problems at all. Stress, alcohol, smoking and poor eating habits also play a part.
Symptoms and stages
Early signs can include burning or acidity in the oesophagus, nausea or persistent abdominal pain. With a gastric ulcer the pain often comes shortly after eating, in the upper abdomen; with a duodenal ulcer it tends to come on an empty stomach and ease after eating. Ulcers are sometimes described in three stages:
- acidity and heartburn; the ulcer isn't yet visible on imaging;
- regular pain; the ulcer shows on imaging;
- digested blood appears in the stool.
What to do
Treatment belongs in a doctor's hands. Alongside it, a gentle, non-irritating diet usually helps — eat regularly and calmly, in smaller portions. General first-aid tips:
- choose foods that are easy on the stomach; avoid spicy and fatty foods;
- avoid coffee, alcohol and nicotine;
- try herbal teas such as fennel, anise or chamomile;
- reduce everyday stress.
For a full week of gentle meals, see our 7-day gentle meal plan. Mastic is a food supplement that contributes to the normal function of the digestive system — it is not a treatment for ulcers.
Test for H. pylori at home
Since H. pylori is the most common cause, it can be worth ruling out. Two simple home tests — results in about 10 minutes. Confirm any result with your doctor.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What's the main cause of stomach ulcers? | Most often the Helicobacter pylori bacterium; stress, alcohol, smoking and poor eating habits also contribute. |
| How can I test for H. pylori at home? | With a stool antigen test (active infection) or a blood antibody test. Both give results in minutes; confirm with your doctor. |
| Can mastic treat ulcers? | No. Ulcers need medical diagnosis and treatment. Mastic is a food supplement that contributes to the normal function of the digestive system — not a treatment for ulcers. |
| When should I see a doctor? | For persistent abdominal pain, or any blood in the stool, seek medical attention promptly. |
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