Corticosteroids alone rarely cause stomach ulcers. The real risk comes from combining them with NSAIDs. Learn who actually needs protective medication and how to monitor for dangerous signs without unnecessary drugs.
Gastric Ulcers: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know
When your stomach lining breaks down and forms an open sore, that’s a gastric ulcer, a type of peptic ulcer that develops in the stomach wall, often due to infection or medication use. Also known as stomach ulcer, it’s not just discomfort—it’s a sign your digestive system is under stress. Many people think stress causes ulcers, but the real culprits are usually H. pylori, a bacteria that weakens the protective mucus layer in the stomach or long-term use of NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or aspirin, which block the enzymes that protect your stomach lining. These two factors are behind over 90% of cases. Left untreated, gastric ulcers can bleed, perforate, or even increase cancer risk.
How do you know if you have one? Burning pain in the upper belly, especially when your stomach is empty, is the classic sign. You might also feel bloated, nauseous, or vomit—sometimes with blood. Weight loss and dark, tarry stools are red flags. Doctors confirm it with endoscopy or a breath test for H. pylori. Treatment isn’t complicated: if H. pylori is present, you’ll get antibiotics plus a proton pump inhibitor, a drug that shuts down acid production so the ulcer can heal. If NSAIDs caused it, you’ll need to stop or switch them. Acid blockers like PPIs aren’t just for relief—they’re healing tools. Skipping them because you feel better too soon is a common mistake.
What you eat doesn’t cause ulcers, but spicy food, alcohol, and smoking can slow healing. Avoiding them helps, but it’s not enough on its own. You still need the right meds. Many people don’t realize that even over-the-counter painkillers can trigger ulcers if used daily. And if you’re on blood thinners or have other chronic conditions, the risk goes up. That’s why checking with your doctor before taking any new pill matters—especially if you’ve had stomach issues before.
Below, you’ll find real-world advice on how these ulcers develop, what medications help (and hurt), and how to avoid the traps that make recovery harder. Whether you’re dealing with symptoms now or just want to protect your stomach, these posts give you the facts without the fluff.