When you hear the word ulcers, open sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine that cause burning pain and discomfort. Also known as peptic ulcers, they’re not caused by stress or spicy food like many think—though those can make them worse. The real culprits? Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that infects the stomach and breaks down its protective lining, and long-term use of NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or aspirin, which block the chemicals that protect the stomach from acid. These two factors explain over 90% of cases. If you’ve been told your ulcer is from work stress, that’s not the full story—it’s usually a mix of biology and medication habits.
Ulcers don’t just hurt—they can lead to serious complications like bleeding, perforation, or even blockages if left untreated. That’s why knowing the difference between a bad stomach ache and a true ulcer matters. Common signs include a burning pain between meals or at night, feeling full fast, bloating, nausea, and sometimes vomiting or dark stools. The good news? Most ulcers heal with the right treatment. Ulcers respond well to antibiotics if H. pylori is the cause, and acid-reducing drugs like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) give the lining time to repair. But here’s the catch: popping antacids or switching to "gentler" painkillers won’t fix the root problem. You need targeted therapy.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of drugs—it’s a practical breakdown of what actually works. You’ll see how antibiotics like clindamycin are used in rare H. pylori cases, how NSAIDs like ibuprofen can both cause and help manage ulcer-related pain, and why some medications like Bentyl or proton pump inhibitors are more effective than others. There’s no guesswork here. Just clear, real-world info on treatments, side effects, and what to ask your doctor if you’re dealing with persistent stomach pain. Whether you’re managing a diagnosed ulcer or wondering if your symptoms match, this collection gives you the facts you need to make smarter choices.
Ulcers and gastritis are often confused, but they're different conditions with the same root causes. Learn how they're linked, how doctors tell them apart, and why treating one early can prevent the other.
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