TIPS: What Is Ulcer? Causes and Important Facts You Should Know

An ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or the upper part of the throat (esophagus).
The most common type people talk about is peptic ulcer.

There are mainly three types:
1. Stomach ulcer (gastric ulcer) – in the stomach
2. Duodenal ulcer – in the first part of the small intestine
3. Esophageal ulcer – in the food pipe

Ulcer is mainly caused by H. pylori infection and can be cured with proper antibiotics and acid-reducing medication.

H. pylori is a germ (bacteria) that enters the stomach through dirty food, unclean water, or poor hygiene, and it damages the stomach lining, causing ulcer and stomach pain.

To avoid having ulcer, you should stay away from the following

Eat clean food, drink clean water, eat on time, avoid alcohol/smoking, and don’t abuse painkillers.

Main causes
1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
• A common bacteria that weakens the stomach lining
• The number one cause of ulcer worldwide
2. Frequent use of painkillers (NSAIDs)
Examples:
• Ibuprofen
• Diclofenac
• Aspirin
These drugs reduce the stomach’s natural protection.
3. Excess stomach acid
• The stomach produces too much acid, which eats into the lining

Other contributing factors
• Smoking 🚬 – slows healing and increases acid
• Alcohol 🍺 – irritates the stomach lining
• Severe stress or illness (surgery, burns, serious infection)
• Eating irregularly (skipping meals often)
• Genetic factors (family history)

⚠️ Important:
Spicy food and pepper do not directly cause ulcers, but they can worsen symptoms.

Common symptoms of ulcer
• Burning or gnawing stomach pain
• Pain between meals or at night
• Bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Black stool or vomiting blood (⚠️ emergency)

Can ulcer be cured?

✅ Yes. Ulcer is treatable and curable, especially when caused by H. pylori.

Treatment usually includes:
• Antibiotics (to kill H. pylori)
• Acid-reducing drugs (like omeprazole)
• Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and painkillers

When should you see a doctor?
• Pain lasts more than a few days
• You vomit blood or pass black stool
• Sudden severe stomach pain
• Unexplained weight loss