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How to Reduce the Risk of Peptic Ulcer (Stomach Ulcer)

Author's details

  • Alabi Temidayo Esther
  • BSc. Chemistry. M.sc Medicinal and Organic Chemistry. National Health fellow Odo-Otun LGA Osun state.

Reviewer's details

  • Dr. Khashau Eleburuike.
  • MBBS (Ilorin) MSc. Global Health Karolinska Institutet. SFAM, Socialstyrelsen.
  • Consultant in family medicine in Norrbotten County, Sweden.
Stomach Ulcer
  • Date Published: 2026-05-24
  • Date Updated: 2026-05-24

How to Reduce the Risk of Peptic Ulcer (Stomach Ulcer)

Key Messages

  • Ulcers can be prevented and treated.
  • Do not overuse painkillers.
  • Eat clean food and drink safe water.
  • Do not ignore ongoing stomach pain.
  • Seek care early to avoid complications.
Introduction

Peptic ulcer is a common illness that affects the stomach or the first part of the small intestine. Many people simply call it an ulcer or stomach ulcer. It happens when a sore forms in the lining of the stomach or upper intestine. Although ulcers can cause pain and discomfort, they can often be prevented and treated when the cause is found early. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent ulcers can help people stay healthy and avoid serious problems.

Discussion

Understanding Peptic Ulcer

Ulcers can affect people of different ages, but they are more common among adults. The risk is higher in people who often use pain medicines such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or diclofenac, people who smoke, people who drink too much alcohol, and people infected with H. pylori, a germ that can damage the stomach lining. Some foods, coffee, and stress may make symptoms worse in some people, but they are not usually the main cause of an ulcer.

If ulcers are not treated properly, they can lead to serious complications such as bleeding, severe pain, or a hole in the stomach or intestine. The good news is that many ulcers can be treated successfully with medicines, healthy lifestyle changes, and early medical care.

Public education about ulcer prevention is important because many people ignore early symptoms until the illness becomes serious. Teaching people about safe use of medicines, healthy eating, hygiene, and early treatment can help reduce the number of peptic ulcers and their complications.

What Is a Peptic Ulcer?

A peptic ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. It develops when the protective layer of the stomach is damaged, allowing stomach acid to injure the tissue.

Common symptoms include:

  • Bloating
  • Burning stomach pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Indigestion
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss in severe cases

Causes of Peptic Ulcer

The main causes of peptic ulcers are:

  1. Frequent or long-term use of pain medicines such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and diclofenac.
  2. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, which damages the protective lining of the stomach.
  3. Too much stomach acid in some people.
  4. Smoking, which can slow healing and worsen ulcers.
  5. Heavy alcohol use, which can irritate the stomach lining.
  6. Stress, which may make symptoms worse.
  7. Poor eating habits, such as skipping meals often or not eating a balanced diet.

Types of Peptic Ulcer

The common types of peptic ulcer are:

  1. Duodenal ulcer: a sore in the first part of the small intestine.
  2. Gastric ulcer: a sore inside the stomach.
  3. Esophageal ulcer: a sore in the food pipe, often linked to acid reflux.

 

How to Lower Your Risk of Ulcer

These steps can help reduce the risk of peptic ulcer:

  • Practice good hygiene: wash your hands regularly and eat clean, safe food and water. This may help reduce the spread of H. pylori infection.
  • Be careful with painkillers: avoid taking medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, or diclofenac often without medical advice.
  • Eat regular, balanced meals: including fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. If spicy, oily, or very acidic foods make your symptoms worse, reduce them.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking damages the stomach lining and can delay healing.
  • Avoid or reduce alcohol: alcohol can irritate the stomach.
  • Manage stress: rest well, stay active, sleep enough, and seek support when needed.
  • Do not skip meals often: eating regularly may help reduce stomach irritation.
  • Seek medical care early: if you have ongoing stomach pain, vomiting, black stool, weakness, or abdominal discomfort, see a healthcare professional.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the ulcer and how serious it is. Common treatment options include:

  1. Antibiotics, if tests, show that H. pylori infection is present.
  2. Antacids or other medicines to reduce or neutralize stomach acid.
  3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which help the ulcer heal by lowering acid production.
  4. Stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, and avoiding medicines or foods that make symptoms worse.
  5. Eating well to support healing and strength.
  6. Further medical tests or surgery in rare cases when there are serious complications.
Conclusion

Peptic ulcers can cause pain and affect daily life if it is not treated well. The risk can be reduced by good hygiene, healthy eating, avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol use, and using medicines safely. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are important to prevent complications. When people know the warning signs and seek help early, ulcers can often be prevented or treated successfully.

Related Topics

References
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  • Ocasio Quinones GA, Woolf A. Duodenal Ulcer. [Updated 2023 Apr 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557390/
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Key Messages

  • Ulcers can be prevented and treated.
  • Do not overuse painkillers.
  • Eat clean food and drink safe water.
  • Do not ignore ongoing stomach pain.
  • Seek care early to avoid complications.