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A stomach ulcer is an open sore that develops on the lining of the stomach, most often caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
Evidence checked against current HSE guidance for Stomach ulcer, covering the article's core clinical information and relevant assessment, management or safety considerations.
Public health education article
Self-care advice — See your GP if you have persistent burning stomach pain, so testing for H. pylori and appropriate treatment can be arranged.
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A stomach ulcer is an open sore that develops on the lining of the stomach, most often caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
You have persistent burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen
A stomach ulcer is an open sore that develops on the lining of the stomach, most often caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
The main symptom is a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, often worse when the stomach is empty or at night, and sometimes relieved temporarily by eating or antacids. Left untreated, ulcers can lead to complications such as bleeding.
See your GP if you have persistent burning stomach pain, so testing for H. pylori and appropriate treatment can be arranged.
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
Stomach ulcers are very treatable once the underlying cause, often H. pylori infection, is identified and properly treated.
Signs of bleeding, such as black stools or vomit resembling coffee grounds, need emergency medical attention.