What is the first treatment for peptic ulcer?

Reducing stomach acid gives the sore in the stomach or upper intestine a better chance to heal and can ease burning or gnawing discomfort. Treatment depends on the ulcer’s location, its suspected cause and whether there has been bleeding.

H. pylori is a bacterium that can contribute to ulcers. A clinician may arrange an H. Pylori Breath Test or another test. If infection is found, Antibiotic Treatment is used with acid suppression to clear it. Pain-relieving anti-inflammatory medicines can also contribute, so tell the clinician what you take rather than stopping a prescribed medicine without advice.

Book a medical review if persistent upper-abdominal pain, nausea or indigestion has not settled. Bring a list of medicines, including anti-inflammatory painkillers, steroids and non-prescription remedies. Take treatment exactly as directed and attend any planned test or follow-up.

Smaller meals, avoiding foods that clearly trigger discomfort and limiting alcohol may help symptoms while the ulcer is assessed. These measures do not replace treatment for infection or bleeding, and an ulcer should not be self-treated with leftover antibiotics.

Get urgent medical help for vomiting blood, black or tar-like stools, sudden severe abdominal pain, a rigid abdomen, fainting or marked weakness. Seek prompt review for repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss or symptoms that keep returning despite treatment.

Ask whether H. pylori testing is needed, which medicines could be irritating your stomach, how long acid suppression should continue, and which symptoms would mean you need urgent assessment.