Ulcer treatment: fast, practical steps you can use

Got a burning belly or gnawing pain after meals? That could be a peptic ulcer. You don't need confusion—just a clear plan. This page explains what usually causes ulcers, the main treatments doctors use, simple lifestyle fixes, and when you should get urgent care.

What causes ulcers and the main treatment paths

Most peptic ulcers come from two things: H. pylori infection and frequent NSAID use (aspirin, ibuprofen). Less often, long-term stress, smoking, or rare medical conditions play a role. Treatment depends on the cause. If H. pylori is found, doctors use antibiotics plus acid reduction. If NSAIDs caused it, stopping the drug and protecting the stomach is the focus.

Medicines you should know: proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole reduce acid and let the ulcer heal. H2 blockers (such as ranitidine alternatives) also cut acid but are less powerful than PPIs. For H. pylori, common regimens combine a PPI with two antibiotics—often amoxicillin plus clarithromycin or metronidazole—for 10–14 days. Bismuth-based quadruple therapy is another option when resistance is a concern. Sucralfate can coat the ulcer and ease symptoms while healing occurs.

Everyday steps and safety tips

Stop or cut back on NSAIDs whenever possible. If you need pain relief, ask about acetaminophen or talk with your doctor about a safer plan. Quit smoking and limit alcohol—both slow healing. Eat regular meals, avoid large spicy or greasy plates if they trigger pain, and keep hydrated. Stress reduction helps symptoms for some people, though it doesn't cause ulcers by itself.

Over-the-counter antacids can ease discomfort but won't heal the ulcer. Always finish any antibiotic course for H. pylori to lower the chance of treatment failure. Ask your clinician about a test to confirm eradication—usually a breath or stool test—about 4 weeks after finishing therapy.

Watch for red flags: black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, fainting, sudden severe belly pain, or rapid weight loss. Those signs need urgent evaluation and sometimes endoscopy to check for bleeding or complications.

If you order medications online, use licensed pharmacies, require a prescription when needed, check verified reviews, and avoid sites that offer antibiotics without a prescription. Keep a list of your meds so your doctor can spot interactions—some antibiotics and PPIs can interact with other drugs you take.

Ulcers heal for most people when the cause is treated and acid is controlled. Follow the treatment plan, make simple lifestyle changes, and get tested after therapy if H. pylori was involved. If symptoms get worse or don’t improve in a week or two, see your doctor—quick action prevents complications and gets you back to normal faster.