1. Why does stomach pain happen?
The stomach produces a strong acid called Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) to digest food.
When this acid becomes too strong or damages the stomach lining, it causes pain, burning, and gas.
🔹 Common causes:
Eating too much or too fast
Skipping meals or irregular eating times
Too much tea, coffee, spicy or oily food
Lying down right after eating
Stress or lack of sleep
2. What is a stomach ulcer?
The stomach has a thin inner lining that protects it from acid.
When this lining gets weak or damaged, the acid makes a wound (ulcer) inside.
This often happens because of a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
3.Common symptoms of stomach ulcer:
1. Burning or pain in the upper part of the stomach
2. Heartburn or sour taste in the mouth
3. Pain increases on an empty stomach or at night
4. Nausea or vomiting (sometimes with blood)
5. Loss of appetite and weight loss
6. Dark or black stool — this is a serious warning sign
4. How long does it take to heal?
It depends on the type and severity of the ulcer
Type of Ulcer Time to Heal Details
Mild ulcer 2–4 weeks Caused by acidity or light irritation
H. pylori infection ulcer 4–8 weeks Needs antibiotics and acid-reducing medicine
Chronic or severe ulcer 6–12 weeks or more Older or recurring ulcers take longer
5. Treatment and precautions:
Medicines (as prescribed by a doctor):
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, etc.)
Antibiotics (if H. pylori infection is found)
Antacids for acidity relief
Avoid:
Spicy, oily food, tea, coffee, soda, and smoking
Lying down right after eating
Skipping meals or eating too late
Stress and lack of sleep
Eat more of:
Milk, yogurt, banana, porridge, boiled vegetables, plain rice
Herbal drinks like ginger, mint, or fennel tea
6. Tests to confirm an ulcer:
1. Helicobacter pylori Test
Used to find out if the ulcer is caused by bacteria:
Type Description
Blood test Checks for antibodies (basic test)
Urea breath test Most accurate — detects active infection
Stool antigen test Detects H. pylori in stool sample
2. Endoscopy (Gastroscopy)
A thin camera is passed into the stomach through the mouth.
The doctor can see the ulcer directly.
A small biopsy sample may also be taken for lab testing.
3. Barium Meal X-Ray
An older method, now rarely used.
7. Warning signs — see a doctor immediately if:
Vomiting blood
Black or tar-like stool
Severe or long-lasting pain
Rapid weight loss or fear of eating
Final Words
Stomach pain is usually caused by acid or gas.
If pain repeats often or you feel burning and loss of appetite, it may be an ulcer.
H. pylori tests and Endoscopy help confirm it.
With proper medicine and care, most ulcers heal completely.