Peptic Ulcer Care: What Works, What to Avoid, and How to Heal

When your stomach or upper intestine hurts after eating, it might not just be indigestion—it could be a peptic ulcer, a sore in the lining of your stomach or the first part of your small intestine, often caused by bacteria or long-term use of painkillers. Also known as gastric ulcer, it’s not just discomfort—it’s damage that needs real care. Many people think spicy food or stress causes ulcers, but the real culprits are usually H. pylori, a type of bacteria that weakens the protective mucus layer in your stomach or overuse of NSAIDs, common pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin that reduce protective chemicals in the stomach lining. If you’ve been popping painkillers for back pain or headaches for months, you might be silently damaging your stomach.

Left untreated, a peptic ulcer doesn’t just hurt—it can bleed, perforate, or block digestion. The good news? Most heal with the right care. Treatment usually starts with antibiotics to kill H. pylori if it’s present, plus acid-reducing meds like PPIs to give your lining time to repair. But meds alone aren’t enough. You also need to stop smoking, cut back on alcohol, and avoid eating right before bed. Even if your pain fades, the ulcer may still be there. That’s why follow-up tests matter. And if you’ve had one ulcer before, you’re more likely to get another—so prevention isn’t optional.

What you eat matters less than what you avoid. While no single food causes ulcers, caffeine, alcohol, and very spicy meals can irritate the lining and make symptoms worse. Some people find relief with probiotics or honey, but those won’t replace medical treatment. The key is consistency: take your meds as prescribed, even if you feel better. Skipping doses lets H. pylori come back. And if you’re on long-term NSAIDs, talk to your doctor about safer alternatives or stomach protection. Healing takes weeks, not days. But with the right steps, most people recover fully—without surgery, without hospital stays, without lifelong pain.

Below, you’ll find real guides on medications that help with stomach issues, how certain drugs affect your digestive system, and what to do when standard treatments don’t work. Whether you’re managing symptoms right now or just trying to avoid an ulcer in the first place, these posts give you clear, no-fluff advice you can use today.