Is It an Ulcer? Why Your Stomach Is Burning & Vital Medical Next Steps

A burning feeling in your stomach can be uncomfortable, distracting, and sometimes scary. You may wonder: Is it just heartburn—or could it be an ulcer?

An ulcer is an open sore that forms in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). When it happens in the stomach, it's called a gastric ulcer. When it happens in the small intestine, it's called a duodenal ulcer. Together, these are known as gastroduodenal ulcers or peptic ulcers.

Let's break down what causes an ulcer, how to recognize it, and what steps you should take next.

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What Is an Ulcer?

Your stomach produces acid to help digest food. Normally, a protective layer of mucus shields your stomach lining from that acid. When this protective barrier breaks down, acid can damage the tissue underneath. Over time, that damage can form an ulcer.

The most common causes of an ulcer include:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
  A common bacterial infection that weakens the stomach's protective lining.

• Frequent use of NSAIDs
  Medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can irritate and thin the stomach lining.

• Smoking

• Heavy alcohol use

• Severe physical stress (such as major illness, burns, or surgery)

Less commonly, certain medical conditions that increase acid production can lead to ulcers.

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What Does an Ulcer Feel Like?

The classic symptom of an ulcer is burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, often between the breastbone and belly button.

However, ulcer symptoms can vary.

Common ulcer symptoms:

• Burning stomach pain
• Pain that improves or worsens with eating
• Bloating
• Feeling full quickly
• Nausea
• Mild weight loss

Patterns of pain:

• Gastric ulcer: Pain may worsen shortly after eating.
• Duodenal ulcer: Pain may improve after eating but return a few hours later or wake you up at night.

Some people have no symptoms at all until complications develop.

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Is It Really an Ulcer — or Something Else?

Not all stomach burning is an ulcer. Other common causes include:

• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
• Gallbladder disease
• Pancreatitis

Because symptoms overlap, guessing isn't reliable. If you're experiencing persistent burning pain and want clarity on whether it could be an ulcer, try this free Gastroduodenal Ulcer symptom checker to get personalized insights and guidance on your next steps.

Still, no online tool replaces professional medical evaluation.

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When an Ulcer Becomes Serious

Most ulcers are treatable. However, untreated ulcers can lead to complications, some of which are life-threatening.

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Vomiting blood (red or coffee-ground appearance)
• Black, tarry stools
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Fainting or weakness
• Difficulty breathing

These may be signs of:

• Internal bleeding
• Perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestine)
• Obstruction (blockage in the digestive tract)

These are medical emergencies. Do not delay care.

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How Doctors Diagnose an Ulcer

If your symptoms suggest an ulcer, a doctor may recommend:

1. Testing for H. pylori

This can be done through:

• Breath tests
• Stool tests
• Blood tests (less commonly used now)
• Biopsy during endoscopy

2. Endoscopy

A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through your mouth into your stomach. This allows direct visualization of the ulcer and, if needed, a biopsy.

3. Imaging

In some cases, imaging studies may be used to evaluate complications.

An endoscopy is often recommended if you:

• Are over 60
• Have persistent symptoms
• Have warning signs like weight loss, anemia, or bleeding

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How Is an Ulcer Treated?

The good news: Most ulcers heal with proper treatment.

Treatment depends on the cause:

If caused by H. pylori:

• A combination of antibiotics
• A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to reduce stomach acid
• Sometimes additional medications to protect the stomach lining

Treatment typically lasts 10–14 days.

If caused by NSAIDs:

• Stop the NSAID (if medically safe)
• Begin acid-reducing medication
• Consider alternative pain management

Acid-reducing medications may include:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
• H2 blockers

Healing usually takes:

• 4–8 weeks for most ulcers
• Longer if large or complicated

It's critical to complete the full course of antibiotics if prescribed. Stopping early can lead to recurrence and antibiotic resistance.

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Lifestyle Changes That Support Healing

While medication is essential, lifestyle adjustments help reduce irritation and prevent recurrence.

Helpful steps:

• Avoid NSAIDs unless your doctor approves
• Stop smoking
• Limit or avoid alcohol
• Eat balanced meals
• Reduce extreme stress where possible

There's no strict "ulcer diet," but if certain foods worsen symptoms (spicy, acidic, fried), limiting them can help you feel better.

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Can an Ulcer Turn Into Cancer?

Most ulcers do not turn into cancer.

However:

• Some gastric ulcers may look similar to stomach cancer.
• That's why doctors may biopsy a gastric ulcer during endoscopy.

This is not meant to alarm you. It's simply a safety measure to ensure proper diagnosis.

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Why You Shouldn't Ignore Persistent Stomach Burning

Occasional heartburn after a heavy meal is common. But ongoing or worsening burning pain is not something to ignore.

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Pain lasts more than a few days
• Symptoms keep coming back
• Over-the-counter antacids don't help
• You rely on pain relievers frequently
• You notice unexplained fatigue (which could signal anemia from bleeding)

Early treatment prevents complications and speeds healing.

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Key Takeaways

• An ulcer is a sore in the stomach or upper small intestine caused by acid damage.
• The most common causes are H. pylori infection and NSAID use.
• Burning stomach pain is the hallmark symptom.
• Most ulcers are treatable with medication.
• Serious complications can occur if left untreated.
• Immediate care is required for bleeding or severe pain.

If you're concerned your symptoms may indicate a Gastroduodenal Ulcer, a quick online assessment can help you understand your risk and what to do next.

Most importantly, speak to a doctor about persistent stomach pain, especially if you experience warning signs like bleeding, black stools, fainting, or severe abdominal pain. These could indicate a life-threatening condition and require urgent medical care.

Burning stomach pain is common—but it's never something you should ignore when it persists. With proper evaluation and treatment, most ulcers heal completely, and you can get back to feeling like yourself again.