Gastric Ulcer Treatment: Practical Steps to Heal Faster

A gastric ulcer is a sore in the stomach lining that can cause sharp pain, bleeding, or no symptoms at all. If you’ve felt burning pain under the ribs, nausea, or seen dark stools, don’t ignore it—those are signs a stomach ulcer needs attention. Treatment aims to stop pain, heal the lining, and prevent complications like bleeding or perforation.

The most common cause is H. pylori bacteria. Long-term use of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) is another big one. Less often, ulcers come from excess stomach acid, smoking, or rare medical conditions. Knowing the cause guides the treatment: bacterial ulcers need antibiotics, while drug-related ulcers need stopping the offending medicine.

Medical treatments that work

Your doctor usually starts with tests—breath, stool, or blood tests for H. pylori, and sometimes an endoscopy. If H. pylori is found, a 10–14 day antibiotic combo plus an acid blocker (a proton pump inhibitor or PPI) is standard. Common PPIs include omeprazole and esomeprazole; they cut acid so the ulcer can heal. H2 blockers (like ranitidine alternatives) and antacids can help symptoms but are less powerful than PPIs.

For ulcers caused by NSAIDs, stopping the drug is the first move. Your doctor may give a PPI for 4–8 weeks to let the lining heal. Severe ulcers that bleed often need an endoscopy to stop the bleeding or, rarely, surgery. Don’t try high-dose OTC painkillers if you already have stomach pain—ask your clinician for safer options like acetaminophen.

Home care and lifestyle tips

Small, regular meals can ease discomfort. Avoid spicy food only if it bothers you; it rarely causes ulcers but can irritate them. Cut alcohol and quit smoking—both slow healing. Use antacids for short-term relief, but finish any prescribed PPI course even if you feel better. Probiotics may help during antibiotic treatment to lower side effects, and always take antibiotics exactly as directed.

Watch for warning signs: vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, fainting, sudden severe belly pain, or rapid heart rate. Those need emergency care. After treatment, many people get a repeat H. pylori test to confirm the infection is gone. If you must take NSAIDs long-term, discuss protective strategies with your doctor, like using the lowest dose or adding a PPI.

Healing usually takes weeks. Follow-up matters—untreated ulcers can come back or cause complications. If you have ongoing symptoms, persistent heartburn, or unexplained weight loss, push for testing. Talk openly with your clinician about risks and medication choices so you can heal safely and avoid future problems.

Some people worry about PPI safety — long-term use can slightly raise risks of fractures, low magnesium, or gut changes. That doesn’t mean avoid them if you need one; work with your doctor to use the lowest effective dose and review need every few months. If symptoms return after finishing treatment, ask for a retest for H. pylori and consider an endoscopy if you’re over 55 or have alarming signs. Keep a list of medicines and show it to any new clinician — it speeds correct care. Get checked regularly.